Thursday, March 19, 2020

COVID-19 #3 of 8 March 2020 -- Links for funding sources, gov announcements, area resource links

For April -- I have updated this March COVID-19 Post on the blog. 
I will be leaving all the March ones here as "archived" and will add links to updated April versions. 

 Most recent info on the funding resource subjects covered in this post can be found on these links:

 federal
http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/04/covid-3-of-15-april-2020-funding.html

 indie artists/entertainment industry 
http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/04/covid-4-of-15-april-2020-links-for.html

 California
http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/04/covid-5-of-15-april-2020-links-for.html

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ARCHIVED POST -- information from here on was up to date as of 3.31.2020

This post is where I will be adding links about funding sources and government announcements of note for indie artists/content creators/small businesses.
UPDATED 3.31.2020

(images below were posted by an artist friend. Regret I don't have link for source)


Please note the links on my blog are for general information purposes only and my comments/summaries are not tax/business/legal/medical advice. Always consult with your own professionals for guidance that best suits your needs. Be an educated client -- do your homework and bring good questions.

I try to post the most recent info with links to credible sources. Use the info I share as talking points with your own business resources — tax planner, small business attorney, family lawyer etc. This COVID-19 crisis is a reminder to have your "in case of emergency" documents in order. Everyone over 18 should have an Advanced Health Care Directive. If you have any sort of assets (bank accounts, art, collections etc) you need to have an "estate plan." And don't forget your pets! Be sure there are documents and funds in place to assign their care to someone else if you are incapacitated. In case of emergency/end of life documents aren't only for the wealthy. They are a lifeline for yourself and guide map with resources for your loved ones.

If you don’t have business resources yet, start doing some research — online or with colleagues— to find ones that might be a good fit for you. The money you save getting things done right the first time is an investment in your future earnings and mental health.  There are cost effective options through local SBA (Small Business Administration) offices. You can negotiate a payment plan with personal/business law firms. Some legal documents are available online, but having a professional draft your personal/business legal documents provides benefits. This gives the agents you assign to handle your affairs a contact to help with questions if you're not available.


Check this blog post for credible sources for COVID-19 info
http://stuartngbooks.blogspot.com/2020/03/links-for-credible-sources-on.html
GO FUND ME SMALL BUSINESS INITIATIVE


Posted by "Marea Baja Designs" an artist w/ indie business who is using this program:
The Small Business Relief Initiative was started by GoFundMe to help small businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and empower their communities to rally behind them. The fund will issue $500 matching grants to qualifying businesses that raise at least $500 on GoFundMe.

If you are an indie artist w/ a small business, you can start a Go Fund Me page under this program and be elibiblge for matching funds. See Go Fund Me page for details

Text below is from Go Fund Me link above. :
Help Small Businesses Affected by Coronavirus
The GoFundMe Small Business Relief Initiative is intended to support our local businesses facing financial loss. Make a difference today by donating or starting a fundraiser.
Are you a small business owner? Search and claim your fundraiser. Start a fundraiser if you can’t find a GoFundMe for your business. Small businesses may also apply for a matching grant from the Small Business Relief Fund.

FEDERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
SELF-EMPLOYED CAN APPLY FOR GOV RELIEF
https://www.npr.org/2020/03/26/821457551/whats-inside-the-senate-s-2-trillion-coronavirus-aid-package

 Indie artists/Independent contractors can apply for and receive government aid.


More info here:
Quote: "For example, Section 2102 allows (indie contractors) workers to submit a “self-certification” that they are unable to work due to the coronavirus outbreak. As written, the bill provides no language specifying the necessary conditions of a valid self-certification, nor the oversight to ensure consistency and compliance. As claims rise in response to the virus, unemployment offices will be unable to process such an increased volume of claims. Administratively, the self-certification reduces the time between unemployment claim and benefit disbursement"
Link for SBA application for Disaster Loan Assistance. If your small business qualifies, this can be a grant up to $10K that you do not need to re-pay.  This Disaster Loan Assistance link also available for private non-profits, homeowners and renters. 

Link for online article with tips for artists who have an LLC, S Corp etc may qualify for federal aid under the CARE Act for small business.

quote from article:
"In order to remove as much red tape as possible and speed up the funding process, the stimulus bill has outlined the following requirements you must meet:
  • In business before Feb. 15, 2020.
  • Employ less than 500 employees.
  • Have been impacted by the coronavirus.
While the amount of proof and paperwork required will be crystalized in the days ahead, West and Hartsock agree there is a presumption that if you are applying, you have been impacted. Even so, you will have to sign an affidavit acknowledging you need these funds as a result of the coronavirus."


IRS EXTENDS FILING DEADLINE to JULY 15, 2020
UPDATED 3.22.2020
I'm not a tax expert (I use an accountant) but this is the update from the IRS ...
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-now-july-15-treasury-irs-extend-filing-deadline-and-federal-tax-payments-regardless-of-amount-owed

Text from IRS Website

"IR-2020-58, March 21, 2020
WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced today that the federal income tax filing due date is automatically extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020.
Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers as well as those who pay self-employment tax.
Taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms or call the IRS to qualify for this automatic federal tax filing and payment relief. Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the July 15 deadline, can request a filing extension by filing Form 4868 through their tax professional, tax software or using the Free File link on IRS.gov. Businesses who need additional time must file Form 7004.
The IRS urges taxpayers who are due a refund to file as soon as possible. Most tax refunds are still being issued within 21 days."
Also there is this message with link 
The IRS will continue to monitor issues related to the COVID-19 virus, and updated information will be posted on a special coronavirus page on IRS.gov.

 "Real ID" deadline extended to Oct 2021
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2020/03/27/new-real-id-deadline-extended-oct-1-2021/

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201)
Best to check online for most recent stories on this new law. I'll post summaries here:

'Summary of amendments" National Review article by Lira A. Johnson
https://www.natlawreview.com/article/summary-amendments-to-families-first-coronavirus-response-act-paid-leave-and-health

"Paid Sick Leave -- who gets it during the coronavirus outbreak" Washington post article by Heather
Long. 3.17.2020
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/03/16/paid-sick-leave-coronavirus-house-bill/

FUNDING SOURCES and SMALL BUS/INDIE ARTIST RESOURCES
This crisis has proved this fact: We value art and artists. All the art, music, dance posts and streaming being shared proves we turn to art when we need to be nurtured. How we heal each other defines us as individuals and a culture. This is the Renaissance for appreciation of artists, scientists, grocery store clerks and cashiers, delivery drivers, highway rest stop staff, and all the newly-drafted "first responders" in aprons, smocks, gloves, goggles and masks. They've joined the ranks of our traditional Essential Emergency services. We'll get through this together -- now is the time to be kind and practice those hard human virtues. Love each other.

 From Counsel for Creators Legal Services (a California law firm for Small Business and Indie artists/creators) 
This link will take you to an extensive list of resources
https://counselforcreators.com/log/covid-19-resources/
I have been a client of this service for many years and highly recommend them.

 This 3 mins video will walk you through some of the services you can access as a member
https://www.loom.com/share/b29c4960371a4384b459d761807faed6

 More on the service here: https://counselforcreators.com/creators-legal-program

From "Freelance Artists Source" on WordPress. This has general resources, advocacy for freelancers, and national relief funds and grants
https://covid19freelanceartistresource.wordpress.com/?

 The Creator Fund from ConvertKit
https://creatorfund.ck.page/?fbclid

Move Humanity Forward Coronavirus Relief Fund
https://movehumanityforward.com/covid-relief
From the Humanity Forward Facebook page:
The Humanity Forward Coronavirus Relief Fund will distribute at least $1 million to those most in need during this time of crisis. Visit https://movehumanityforward.com/covid-relief for more details. #YesWeCare #MoneyForThePeople
Video from Andrew Yang on the Facebook page discusses info on the fund and offers like "micro-loans from $250-$500"
https://www.facebook.com/humanity4ward/videos/1502266196590132/

campaign to add Displaced Entertainment workers to Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201)
There is an online Petition to include displaced entertainment workers in this federal relief package
My comment on this:
"Oh heck yes!! Indie artists are major contributors to all the “free” image sharing that fuels social media. Only those images aren’t free, the are the time, talent and expense (have you ever priced art supplies???) of artists. Not to mention the content uploaded by dancers, musicians etc."
Link for info on the (IATSE sponsored) petition:
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-congress-to-include-displaced-workers-in-relief-package?

Variety article on Entertainment Industry Foundation Coronavirus Response Fund
https://variety.com/2020/film/news/entertainment-industry-foundation-coronavirus-response-fund-1203541945/

LA Times article w/ list of industry resources
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2020-03-24/entertainment-industry-offers-string-of-funds-for-help?fbclid

Los Angeles TV station story w/ list of companies hiring in SoCal
https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/coronavirus/hiring-jobs-coronavirus-california/2332860/?fbclid

#PAYUPHOLLYWOOD Go Fund Me site for industry assistants
LA Times article by Anousha Sakoui 3.19.2020
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2020-03-17/hollywood-group-sets-up-covid-19-relief-fundraising-to-help-assistants
Quote: "The three women who have been spearheading the movement known as #PayUpHollywood — Liz Alper, Jamarah Hayner and Deirdre Mangan — along with a group of leading TV writers and others, created a GoFundMe site to raise money for assistants who face lost work as productions shut down."
Link for the Go Fund Me site: https://www.gofundme.com/f/44ndst-relief-fund-for-hollywood-support-staff

Some articles with background on funding efforts

Tips on how some grass roots funding got started, and how to give safely to online campaigns
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/arts/virus-fundraising-workers.html

Institutions across the country are answering the call for support
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/millions-of-dollars-are-pouring-in-to-help-new-york-city-arts-groups-will-it-inspire-more/2020/03/20/0dd6c8de-6a32-11ea-b313-df458622c2cc_story.html

United Kingdom Resource
https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid-19/financial-support-artists-creative-practitioners-and-freelancers?fbclid

CALIFORNIA GOV RESOURCES/ANNOUNCEMENTS

 CALIFORNIA  DMV - 60 day extension to renew drivers licenses and vehicle registrations

CA DVM Press release -- 
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/newsrel/2020/2020_12

 Quote from the DMV Press Release (3.16.2020):
"In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today asked California law enforcement to exercise discretion for 60 days in their enforcement of driver license and vehicle registration expiration dates beginning March 16, 2020. The DMV is taking this action so that at-risk populations, including seniors and those with underlying health conditions, can avoid required visits to DMV field offices for driver license or vehicle registration renewals"

 Also deadline for Federal "Real ID" has been extended to Oct, 2021
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id

 CALIFORNIA List of Resources
 "COVID-19 Los Angeles Community Resources"

"Categories include: food*, housing, health, transportation, and education and are separated into three general categories: children and youth, adults, and eldery. "
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S-WJaMa4q3yNrEBfSFKEdSQArcNc_MTI2LiUA63Ycyg/preview?fbclid=IwAR3xOLsbD2NviijmsTUb9NQiUAqgLm2CRL76UIM2iHICDjX5pGAuVz4bXm0

CALIFORNIA EDD (Employment Development Dept)

Tips for people in High Risk Categories

While this link is from a diabetes source, some of the tips here may be  helpful for others in the high risk categories:
https://beyondtype1.org/coronavirus-and-type-1-diabetes/?fbclid



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