Storyteller Relief Fund
Questions in regard to the guidelines and application process can be directed to:
Storyteller Relief Fund Committee
in care of Sue Kessler, ASST Exec D at execd@asst.art
ASST, and by extension the Storyteller Relief Fund Committee, does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, staff selection, committee selection, and provision of services and funding.
​
The purpose of the fund is to help storytellers recover from a loss of income by off-setting everyday personal and business expenses such as: - Housing - Food - Transportation - Medical bills & prescriptions - Utility bills - Office supplies - Electronics (computers, sound equipment, etc.) This fund does not cover: - education expenses such as college tuition - workshop or conference admission fees - training courses - business expansion expenses such as updating working web media, technology, or equipment - support staff - office rental or renovation
Purpose
We at Artists Standing Strong Together (ASST, “assist”) recognize that there are many times when storytellers face financial hardship. We therefore establish the Storyteller Relief Fund (SRF) as an ongoing resource, offering grants to working storytellers who have lost income due to any national, regional, local, or personal emergency, disaster, or casualty. We do so with expediency in order to address urgent needs, and without judgment, understanding that everyone needs some form of help at some point.
History
In 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a hard blow to independent artists the world over, members of the storytelling community responded by gathering resources to provide financial relief and support for their colleagues. The Storyteller Relief Fund was born, offering small grants to working storytellers to help offset lost income. Artists Standing Strong Together was founded to steward this fund as it became clear that the need for short term emergency assistance would outlive the pandemic. In response to the 2024 catastrophic destruction from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the National Storytelling Network (NSN) joined ASST in raising money for this fund. ASST looks forward to continued collaboration to increase, maintain, and distribute these funds.
​
Amount
$500
​
Additional Assistance
Members of the SRF committee will consult with you as needed to determine the availability of additional support systems and resources to assist you.
​
Deadline
There is no deadline. Applications will be reviewed and grants awarded on a rolling basis, according to the availability of funds.
​
Availability
Currently, there is available funding for 5 grants.
​
Process Overview
ASST receives donations to the SRF in cooperation with the National Storytelling Network (NSN). Members of ASST’s all volunteer Storyteller Relief Fund committee, comprised of a diverse array of independent artists and supporters including at least one NSN member, manage the application process and communicate with and support all applicants. The SRF committee reviews each application for adherence to the qualifications and decides on the award. The SRF Committee Chair then works with ASST’s Board Treasurer, Executive Director, and Bookkeeping Associate to disburse funds to grant awardees. The SRF committee may also develop a plan for additional assistance as required by the awardee.
​
Welcome
If you are a storyteller and have experienced a loss of income from your storytelling business due to any national, local or personal disaster, we encourage you to read the guidelines below and submit your application.
​
What are the qualifications?
Applicants should have a permanent residence in the United States, District of Columbia, or a U.S. Territory.
Applicants must demonstrate past, current, and ongoing activity in the storytelling profession.
The application must be filled out in its entirety.
​
What types of expenses does an SRF grant cover?
​
​