State has grants for ailing arts and culture groups

The state of Michigan is providing $502,400 in grants for eligible nonprofit arts and culture organizations. Due to the negative impacts COVID-19 has had on the economy, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) announced on Monday businesses can apply for up to $5,000 to help cover expenses and pay employees.

“The Emergency Relief Funds program will provide assistance to these organizations that add so much value to Michigan’s economy and bolster the creative life of our communities,” MCACA Director Alison Watson said. “While we recognize that these funds will in no way meet the full needs or demands of the arts and cultural community, we hope they will provide some immediate relief and we will continue to leverage other resources as they become available.”

The funds come from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. CARES set aside $75 million to the Arts Endowment to support organizations during the pandemic.

https://michiganadvance.com/2020/03/27/behemoth-2t-covid-19-response-bill-clears-u-s-house-heads-to-trump/

Over 5 million people are employed in the arts sector in the NEA Chair Mary Anne Carter said in a press release.

“I am proud of the professionalism and organizational excellence demonstrated by our tireless staff and look forward to doing all that we can to help save jobs in the arts sector and keep the doors open to the thousands of organizations that add value to America’s economy and the creative life of our communities,” Carter said.

Businesses applying for grants must be Michigan-based Section 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. Applications are due May 1 and funds will be distributed by June 1.

Other efforts are being made by the state to offer relief to businesses, including the Michigan Strategic Fund Awardee Relief Initiative. This initiative offers emergency relief to businesses and community projects that have previously received economic assistance from the Michigan Strategic Fund. Businesses could receive payment deferment for up to a year on direct loans and extend maturity dates on existing loans.