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On September 22, 2020, CERF+ awarded 392 craft artists facing dire circumstances such as housing, food, and health insecurities with $1,000 COVID-19 Relief Grants. This brings the total number of artists who received CERF+ COVID-19 Relief Grants over two cycles to 592 with grants totaling $592,000,

“Thanks to the extraordinary outpouring of support from our donor community, we are fortunate to be able to serve so many artists through this relief program,” notes Cameron Baxter Lewis, CERF+’s Director of Emergency Relief and Recovery. “At the same time, we face the somber reality that we received more than 3,000 applications in these two cycles. Clearly, our work is far from over.

With major funding from the Windgate Foundation, The Margaret A. Cargill Fund at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation (for folk and traditional artist applicants), and donations from 674 individuals, businesses, and foundations, CERF+ launched its COVID-19 Relief Grant last July in two cycles. Timed with the conclusion of the CARES Act unemployment supplemental, CERF+’s COVID-19 Relief Grant has provided quick relief to artists in 46 states, 3 U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.

CERF+ plans to add a third relief cycle if the organization can raise an additional $200,000 this fall. Please consider a gift to CERF+’s COVID-19 Response Fund today!

“After 43 years as a fiber artist in the business, I am so proud to be part of a family that supports and cares for others in times of need.” – Barb B., recipient of CERF+ COVID-19 Relief Grant

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