Emergency Grants

When natural disasters hit a community, broadcasters are some of the first on the scene. In these situations, the BFOA provides one-time grants to broadcasters who need financial help recovering from disaster, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires.

Who qualifies?

BFOA grants are specifically designed to support over-the-air radio and television broadcasters. If you can answer yes to the below questions, you might qualify for our Emergency Grant Program.

Have you worked at one of the below organizations for at least five consecutive years?

Radio and/or TV broadcasting company

Media representative firm

State or national broadcast association

U.S. trade association representing the broadcast industry

For purposes of eligibility, a radio or television broadcasting company is one that provides free over-the-air broadcasting utilizing full-service television and/or radio licenses issued by the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC").

Are you in financial need while recovering from a disaster?

Recovering from personal property damage sustained during a natural disaster or home emergency (house fire, flooding, etc.)

Displaced from your home due to evacuation orders or after a natural disaster has damaged your home

Your employees have suffered personal property damage during a natural disaster and you would like to coordinate relief efforts for your team

Are you looking to coordinate aid for your staff?

The BFOA Emergency Grant application is designed to allow both individual and group submissions. If you have a large group of employees who have suffered personal property damage following a natural disaster or severe weather event, select the Employer Application to submit information for all of your staff at once. We ask that a General Manager, Market Manager or HR representative lead the submission process.

Hurricanes

Fires

Tornadoes

Flooding

Earthquakes

Severe Storm Damage

What qualifies?

Business losses or property damage

Station property or equipment damage

Lost wages or income

The applicant's own illness, injury, or medical treatment, or a spouse or child's serious medical need (see our Monthly Grant program)

Unpaid or reduced-pay leave and those confronting extraordinary expenses related to family care, housing emergencies, relocation, or theft. (see our Extended Hardship Grant program)

What does not qualify?

Next Steps:

1

Apply Online

BFOA uses an application software called Submittable. Each application will ask you to create a free Submittable account to get started. You can use your computer, tablet or mobile phone to submit at any time.


General Managers and HR representatives should use the "Employer Application" option to submit on behalf of a group of employees.

2

Review Process

Emergency grant applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but must be submitted within 30 days of the storm or event. BFOA staff review each application with compassion, discretion and expediency.

3

Grant Approval

Qualifying grant applications are approved by the Foundation's board of directors. Emergency grants are a one-time award meant to be a hand-up while awaiting insurance claims or other financial assistance.

Need assistance with your application? Email or call us.

Please contact us at  grants@thebfoa.org  or 212-373-8250 with any questions and a staff member will get back to you. All inquiries are confidential.