Covid Relief & Assistance Programs

Looking for a single point to start your search for COVID Relief and Assistance Programs? You’ve come to the right place for a handy list of programs.

Man in green shirt holding a covid relief check in an envelope

Are you looking for the best list of COVID Relief & Assistance programs for you and your loved ones? Are you struggling to get through this pandemic with a sense of confidence, ease, and enough money to cover expenses?

If you’re curious about COVID Relief & Assistance programs, here are the best places to start your search.

Scour The Big List for Relief Programs

One of the best and most comprehensive sites listings of COVID-19 assistance programs for small businesses is the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, also known as ILSR. This site maintains a huge collection of resources and is committed to keeping the list up to date.

Programs are listed both by national programs as well as state, county, and city assistance programs. Check out the ones that may be current in your area.

One thing to note is that grants and zero-interest loans are in high demand. Funds are often used in hours or days after the funding program is announced. The ILSR keeps these programs listed to showcase the potential models for new programs.

Explore Emergency Grants for Individuals

One of the most comprehensive listings for emergency grants for individuals is maintained by learning.Candid.org. This list covers national and state programs for small businesses, individual emergency grants, state-specific programs, funds for artists, and international aid.

Explore this list and see what may be available to you to help you gain peace of mind and financial support during this challenging time.

Check Out Grants and Assistance For Artists

If you are an artist, you may qualify for emergency resources, grants, and support from several organizations.

Check out Americans for the Arts Coronavirus Resource & Response Center for a complete list of funding and grants resources. Additionally, you can go to COVID-19 Freelance Artists Resources State Office for the Aging. For a comprehensive list of FREE resources, opportunities, and financial relief options. These are available for artists of all disciplines.

A further listing of financial resources is compiled at Creative Capital Arts Resources During the COVID-19 Outbreak. Check out the Artist Relief Project, where any artist of any discipline can apply for grants if your income has been impacted by COVID-19 related cancellations and closures.

In addition to these lists for artists of all disciplines, check out specific programs for your state. For instance, California offers Emergency Resources for Artists and Freelancers put together by the Center for Cultural Innovation.

If you are an actor, musician, experimental artist, or writer, check out the funds that may be geared to your specific discipline. An example is Pen America Writers Emergency Fund which offers grants for fiction and non-fiction authors, poets, playwrights, screenwriters, journalists, and translators.

Some of these resources may offer grants and fundings only at specific times of the year. If the fund is closed now, check back for applications and a reopening schedule.

Explore Charitable Programs and Government Programs

Are you curious about COVID resources but putting off investigating because you think you won’t qualify? Are you avoiding looking into programs because you believe they will already be closed, have high application fees, or have requirements that don’t fit your situation?

Take a breath and pause. It helps to know that many charitable and government programs may be able to help during this unprecedented time.

Many charities are working to help individuals and small businesses recover with dignity. Often, charitable programs work with the local community and government services to provide counseling, education, access to resources, and assistance with needs such as food and shelter. These may include the United Way, Council of Jewish Federations, Catholic Charities, Council of Churches, The Salvation Army, the American Red Cross as well as local government.

Start by talking with a social worker in your area. If you haven’t reached out to your local charities, make an effort to contact a community resource coordinator via Area Agency on Aging. Talk with a social worker or community associate. Often, your local Department of Social Services can help.

COVID-19 Resources for Renters

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides renters with a complete list of COVID-19 resources. Use this comprehensive resource to get updates on programs as well as gather advice on how to pay rent during the pandemic. You may be able to get insights into possible actions if you are at risk of homelessness, or if you’ve been evicted.

Eviction Lab Policies

With the pandemic, policy changes have been changing rapidly. To stay up to date with COVID-19 and changing eviction policies around the nation, check out this website. You can keep your finger on the pulse of news and updates.

Need Help Paying The Bills

Some programs offer one-time assistance with emergency housing, paying for a security deposit, moving costs, lease fees, or the first month’s rent. Check out this website for options if you are facing ah emergency housing or a crisis.

Moving Forward To Get Help

Exploring local programs is often the fastest way to get help and move forward. If you are aware of shelters, resource centers, and community programs — now is the time to take action.

It can be difficult to ask for help.

You might feel that you could have prevented this situation, been more proactive, or found a better solution on your own. However, this may not be useful in finding relief. Health experts advise people to reach out for help in these unprecedented times. Talk with your friends to find support and local programs that may match your circumstances.

Sum Up

Many programs exist to help Americans find relief and resources during COVID-19. You are not alone. Reach out to ask for help from your friends and family. Connect with advisors, social workers, and service providers who may be able to help you find the resources and support you need.