As shutdowns to contain the spread of the coronavirus take place across the U.S., independent workers face the greatest threat to their livelihoods in modern history. Freelancers work without traditional protections such as paid sick leave and unemployment insurance, and are at a disproportionate risk of financial hardship in the best of times. At the same time, they make up one-third of the U.S. workforce, and contribute more than $1 trillion to the country's GDP.
While we work toward securing government aid, freelancers' bills are coming due now. Rent must be paid, groceries, utilities — for those who live gig-to-gig, these necessities are at risk. Your donation to the Freelancers Relief Fund, through our nonprofit subsidiary Working Today, will provide grants to freelancers experiencing economic hardship or health crisis as a result of COVID-19.
Freelancers Relief Fund will offer financial assistance of up to $1,000 per freelance household to cover lost income and essential expenses not covered by government relief programs, including:
100% of all donations will be distributed directly to freelancers in need.
The fund is now closed. Thanks to your donations and those from our generous partners, we were able to raise $350,000 for freelancers in their time of need.
Freelancers Relief Fund assistance is open to any independent worker in the U.S. who has primarily earned income through freelance work for at least one year and has experienced a recent, sudden, and unforeseen hardship or loss of income as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including those experiencing contract cancellations or loss of work due to social distancing measures, or those experiencing illness or caring for immediate family members infected with COVID-19.
Full eligibility guidelines are available here. alongside the application for funding. Grant recipients will be selected primarily on the basis of the eligibility requirements above. Additional consideration will be given to Freelancers Union members.
Applicants are required to complete a certified application form to demonstrate eligibility, including a detailed questionnaire assessing work history, annual household income, description of hardship, type of funds and funding amount requested, including supporting documentation. Eligibility guidelines and applications are available here.
Freelancers Relief Fund provides assistance of up to $1,000 per household to qualifying freelancers to cover needs related to the expense areas below. Applicants will be asked to submit a detailed funding request outlining their needs. Funding amounts will be determined by needs expressed, with consideration for household size.
Freelancers may receive support in multiple areas, with a maximum grant of $1,000 per household.
Freelancers Union's nonprofit subsidiary Working Today, Inc. has established Freelancers Relief Fund to assist freelancers experiencing economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Every penny of every donation received will be distributed directly to freelancers in need. Working Today, Inc., as operator of Freelancers Relief Fund, will keep an accurate accounting of who receives the funds and the purposes for which they are used.
Questions about Freelancers Relief Fund may be directed to membership@freelancersunion.org.