Authority Collective Mutual Aid

As the new coronavirus continues to spread, we recognize that freelance visual journalists and artists are losing significant income for the immediate future, and that many folks in this position will be facing this shortfall without a financial buffer. Volunteers — mainly other photographers who have the capacity — have offered to donate money to those who need it.

With that in mind, Authority Collective is organizing mutual aid to connect donors with artists and journalists who need it. We can't guarantee any particular amount of funding, but we believe every bit counts when it comes to supporting each other. We will be prioritizing requests from freelance visual creators of color.

Huge thanks to photographers Jared Soares, Justin Cook, and Maddie McGarvey for donating funds from their individual print sales toward this mutual aid project!

Update: As of April 4, 2020, we will be putting this mutual aid program on pause. 

Financial Support (last updated April 8, 2020)

Paycheck Protection Program (explained by ASMP)

COVID-19 Freelance Artists Resources

IWMF Journalism Relief Fund for female-identifying journalists who urgently need assistance to avoid severe, irreversible outcomes

Freelancers Relief Fund from the Freelancers Union [applications open April 2, 2020]

Field of Vision + Topic Studios Documentary Freelancer Relief Fund [Open for applications from Wed April 8th from 9am ET until Friday April 10th at 6pm ET or until they reach 750 applications.]

National Geographic COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Journalists who wish to cover COVID-19 within their own communities. This fund will place particular emphasis on delivering news to underserved populations (ongoing deadline)

NY Foundation for the Arts Emergency Grants list [site updated August 24,2021]

Women's Center for Creative Work's COVID-19 Emergency Health Grant for Artists [weekly deadlines are each Friday at 11:59pm]

PhotoShelter Coronavirus Resources for Photographers (funding + wellness)

KQED's List of Emergency Funds for Freelancers

Arts and Culture Leaders of Color Emergency Fund for those who self-identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) [ongoing deadline]

Creative Capital Resource list

NYC Small Business Financial Assistance small business loans for NYC-based businesses with fewer than 100 employees

New England Grassroots Environment Fund Rapid Response Funding for grassroots groups responding to local needs and building resilience in their community in response to the COVID19 pandemic and associated events in CT, ME, MA, NH, RI or VT [ongoing deadline]

Women Photograph Emergency Fund

Public Statements + Community Calls to Action

Juntos Photo Co-op's open letter on safety for freelancers covering COVID-19

Science For The People's Statement on the COVID-19 Pandemic

Care in the time of Coronavirus: A collaborative zine from the Asian American Feminist Collective + Bluestockings NYC

Resources + ReadingThe Everyday Project's COVID-19 Guide for Visual Journalists (but also wear a basic mask when you're reporting)

NPPA's Guidance on Working Safely

The Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma's series of online conversations about the challenges of reporting amid the coronavirus pandemic

The Creative Independent: A growing resource of emotional and practical guidance for creative people, published by Kickstarter — a lot of great reads/zines on living a creative life

Field of Vision's virtual mentorship + consultation service for documentary filmmakers [through May 1]

For self-care + community

BUFU x China Residencies CLOUD: Collective Love On Ur Desktop Festival - free online programs

Denizen: list of proactive things to do when business is slow by the talented Haruka Sakaguchi

The Social Distancing Festival: an online artists community to celebrate and showcase the work of artists around the world who have been affected by the spread of coronavirus

Two-Week Meal Plan from Chicago Improv Performer Nina Slesinger

Headspace COVID resources for meditation + anxiety

Trans Lifeline, a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources
Resources for Restaurants and Workers coping with the COVID-19 Emergency

NYC Survey of lost income for workers, performers, contractors & businesses from COVID-19-related closures and event cancellations

Freelancers affected by COVID restrictions distribution of wealth database

While At Home, a resource hub for anyone impacted by COVID-19

Mental Health Resources to Help Prevent Creative and Professional Burnout