During the current global crisis caused by the COVID-19 epidemic, the Taiko Community Alliance is replacing its annual grant-making program with a special Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) to support taiko professionals who have lost work between March 1 through June 30, 2020. The ERF will provide a total of $20,000 in modest “bridge money” grants of $500 to TCA members who are US-based taiko professionals experiencing financial loss or hardship due to cancellations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the interest of privacy for applicants, TCA will not publish a list of recipients from this fund, and all information provided in the applications will be kept confidential.
Award Amount: $500
Application Opens: Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Application Deadline: Thursday, April 30, 2020
Grant Notification: Beginning Monday, May 11, 2020
Award Payments Distributed: Beginning Friday, May 15, 2020
Applications are currently being accepted through 11:59 PM (EDT) on Thursday, April 30, 2020. Before applying, please take some time to review the Eligibility Guidelines below and reach out to us with any questions at: grants@taikocommunityalliance.org
For those interested in applying who do not have an active TCA Membership, you can join or renew your membership here.
TCA Emergency Relief Funds are designed to address the immediate needs of taiko professionals. Grants will be made directly to individuals, and not to associated nonprofits or business entities.
An eligible applicant is:
Applicants who currently serve as a TCA employee, board member, and/or committee member are eligible to apply for the ERF funds, but will be required to recuse themselves from the selection process to avoid any conflicts of interest. Similarly, TCA personnel who are family members or are otherwise closely connected to an applicant will also recuse themselves from the selection process.
*Taiko-related activities may include but are not limited to events, performances, workshops, and classes.
A committee of TCA board members and advisors will review all applications vetted for eligibility, and make final decisions on ERF recipients.
Applicants must demonstrate dire financial circumstances as a result of cancellations, specifying how the losses impact their ability to maintain essential needs such as housing, healthcare, childcare, food, professional livelihood, etc.
In the event that the total funding requested by eligible applications exceeds that available through the ERF, preference will be given to taiko professionals who have dedicated more than 10 years working experience in the community and whose household income relies (more than 75%) on the applicant’s taiko revenue.
Artistic merit is not a criteria for selection.
We expect that community needs will far surpass what is available in the ERF resources at this time. All applicants are encouraged to consider this fund as 'bridge money' while applying and waiting for public/social services, government loans, and other sources of support. We welcome contributions from our community to support TCA's emergency support initiatives including replenishing the ERF. If we are able to conduct additional rounds of the ERF, we anticipate making changes to the process based on our learnings from this first round and will continue to update the taiko community on any changes, as well as other available resources and opportunities as they arise.
As an artist, teacher, and/or community leader who possesses the talent, expertise, and/or skills to get paid to perform and/or teach taiko. Eligible recipients must show a minimum of 5 years of working in this capacity. Due to limited funds, preference will be given to those who show 10+ years of experience working in this capacity.
The ERF seeks to provide emergency relief to those individuals who are experiencing an acute financial hardship that is straining their ability to support essential needs such as housing, healthcare, childcare, food, etc.
The ERF's priority is to provide immediate relief to taiko professionals with the most dire financial situations and with the greatest challenges of sustaining a livelihood as taiko professionals within our community. In the interest of providing emergency support in the most timely and efficient manner, TCA has limited ERF parameters to its current membership within the USA.
No.
If selected, please have the following required documentation ready:
When and How to Receive Funds: As required by the IRS, recipients will be asked upon notification to submit a Form-W9. Funds will be disbursed directly to each approved applicant via check by May 15, 2020, provided that the recipient's Form-W9 has been received.
Use of Funds: Emergency Relief Funds (ERF) are considered unrestricted grants. Recipients may use the funds as needed. There is no requirement to repay funds. ERF grants are intended to help individuals bridge urgent financial gaps resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic as they seek other forms of assistance.
Tax Reporting Requirements: This grant is considered taxable income by the IRS, so you will need to pay taxes on it. Each person’s tax obligations will differ based on individual circumstances. You may want to consult a tax professional when you prepare your 2020 taxes.
Grant Reporting Requirements: ERF grant recipients will be expected to fill out a brief questionnaire in August or September 2020 to help TCA evaluate the grant's impact.