Title: SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Emergency Financial Assistance Offers Relief to Actors During Turbulent Times
During times of uncertainty, such as the ongoing strikes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, actors often find themselves wondering not only when their next job will come but also how they will be able to afford their basic needs like rent, utilities, and healthcare. However, actors can find support in the form of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Emergency Financial Assistance and Disaster Relief Fund. This non-profit organization, associated with the union but operating independently, aims to provide aid to SAG-AFTRA members who are facing financial crises.
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation offers a range of educational programs and valuable resources to its more than 48,000 participants across the United States. Members can create a free account on the Foundation’s website (www.sagaftra.foundation) to receive notifications about upcoming screenings, programs, and opportunities, including access to state-of-the-art voiceover labs. Additionally, the Foundation is the force behind Storyline Online, a children’s literacy program featuring renowned actors such as Viola Davis and Rami Malek reading their favorite children’s books.
Established in 1985, the Foundation is currently led by Emmy-winning actor Courtney B. Vance as its president and executive director Cyd Wilson. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation’s Actors Council members promptly organized fundraising efforts, generating over $7 million in donations by January 2023. This substantial sum has been distributed to more than 7,500 SAG-AFTRA members facing financial hardships. The Emergency Assistance Fund not only supports those impacted by the pandemic but is also assisting actors affected by the ongoing strikes.
To apply for financial assistance, SAG-AFTRA artists can visit the Foundation’s website and create an account, after which they can submit an application through the online form at https://sagaftra.foundation/emergencyfinancialassistance/. The Foundation’s social service team thoroughly reviews each application, although the considerable increase in demand due to the strikes has resulted in a shift towards online applications, as staff cannot accommodate personal phone calls for everyone applying.
Applicants must be prepared to provide supporting documentation to demonstrate their financial need. Wilson explains that financial statements, bank statements, tax returns, and bills are evaluated to ensure assistance is appropriately provided. The fund can offer up to $1,500 per household, though exceptions are made for individuals requiring ongoing support. Wilson shares a poignant example of a family where both parents are actors and have lost their income, leaving them with three young children. In such cases, the Foundation’s social work team proactively engages with the family, exploring virtual meetings and phone conversations to identify additional resources that can alleviate their situation.
Donations received by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation come entirely from generous individuals and organizations, inspiring Wilson and Vance to actively reach out to high-earning actors and seek their support. It is heartening to witness the willingness of the acting community to assist their peers in need. Noteworthy contributions include a historic seven-figure donation from Dwayne The Rock Johnson. Every contribution, regardless of size, makes a significant impact on the Foundation’s ability to extend aid to those requiring assistance. Wilson emphasizes that collective efforts to ensure the well-being of actors reflect positively on humanity’s compassion and support for one another.
Overall, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Emergency Financial Assistance and Disaster Relief Fund play a vital role in supporting actors during challenging times. By extending a helping hand to those facing financial crises, the Foundation enables actors to meet their basic needs and maintain stability as they navigate uncertain professional landscapes.
