Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
Emergency Grant Information for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Broadcasters Foundation of America’s Emergency Grant for Coronavirus Assistance provides one-time grants of up to $1,000 to broadcasters who have faced extreme financial hardship due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its effect on the broadcasting industry.
At this time, to be considered for the program, applicants must fit all the below criteria:
- Applicant must be or have been a direct employee of an over-the-air, radio and/or television broadcasting company.
- Applicant must be infected or have been infected with COVID-19
- Applicant must be out of work or have lost wages due to COVID-19
- Applicant must be in acute financial need due to hardships from COVID-19
Because the COVID-19 Pandemic is an evolving situation, the Foundation is unable to predict the number of emergency grant applications it will receive. If the volume exceeds the Foundation’s capacity to respond, it may establish guidelines so that grants will go to those whose need is the most compelling. Any such guidelines will be posted on this page.
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Broadcaster Foundation of America Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
This post will be updated as needed.
April 6, 2020
Broadcasters Foundation of America’s Executive Committee of the Board of Directors held an emergency meeting recently to respond to broadcasters in financial need due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The criteria for emergency grant qualifications has been revised to provide aid to broadcasters who meet the requirements and have been infected.
“Never in our history as broadcasters have we experienced an event that has caused this much hardship,” stated Dan Mason, Chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation of America. “Thus, we have revised provisions to our emergency grant eligibility guidelines.”
For more information, broadcasters in need can email grants@thebfoa.org or click here.
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March 17, 2020
Due to coronavirus precautions, Broadcasters Foundation of America staff members are working remotely. We hope to maintain business as usual. Staff members are checking phone messages throughout the day, but to reach someone immediately, please email info@thebfoa.org.
All current monthly grant check disbursement will continue according to the regular schedule. If you have questions regarding your current grant, please email emily@thebfoa.org. To learn more about our grant programs, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org/how-we-help/.
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March 11, 2020
Broadcasters Foundation of America has postponed the Annual Leadership Breakfast and PJL Charity Golf Tournament, in conjunction with the postponement of the NABShow in Las Vegas.
Both Foundation events traditionally are held during the NAB Show in Vegas. Along with NAB leadership, the Broadcasters Foundation Board of Directors has been carefully monitoring coronavirus developments and is putting the health and safety of the broadcast community first.
Rescheduling of the Philip J. Lombardo Charity Golf Tournament and the Broadcasters Foundation Breakfast, which includes presentation of the Leadership Awards and the Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award, will be announced as more information becomes available.
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About the Broadcasters Foundation of America:
The Broadcasters Foundation has distributed millions of dollars in aid to broadcasters who have lost their livelihood through a catastrophic event, debilitating disease or unforeseen tragedy. Personal donations can be made to the Foundation’s Guardian Fund. Corporate contributions are accepted through the Angel Initiative, and bequests can be made through the Foundation’s Legacy Society. For more information, please visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, call 212-373-8250, or email info@thebfoa.org.
The mission of the Broadcasters Foundation of America is to improve the quality of life and maintain the personal dignity of men and women in the radio and television broadcast profession who find themselves in acute need. The Foundation reaches out across the country to identify and provide an anonymous safety net in cases of critical illness, advanced age, death of a spouse, accident and other serious misfortune. The Broadcasters Foundation of America is a 501(c)3 Public Charity.