Radio and TV workers hit by unpaid leave, a housing emergency or a theft now have a new place to turn. The Broadcasters Foundation of America has created Hardship Grants, a third category of financial help for people who work or have worked in broadcasting.
The grants cover two situations: broadcasters on unpaid or reduced-pay leave, and those facing extraordinary costs connected to family care, housing, relocation or theft. The foundation's board approved the program unanimously, and applications are being accepted now.
The new category sits alongside the foundation's two existing programs. Monthly Grants support broadcasters dealing with prolonged illness, and Emergency Grants help those affected by disasters. The Hardship Grants are meant to reach people whose money trouble does not fit either of those definitions.
"This expands our ability to reach broadcasters who are struggling to meet their expenses because of extraordinary circumstances," said BFOA Chair Scott Herman. "I was delighted that the Board unanimously approved this initiative. We are up and running and ready to help more members of our broadcasting community when they need it most."
BFOA President Tim McCarthy said expanding the grant programs lets the foundation "respond to a broader range of circumstances and provide critical assistance to more people in our industry when they need a helping hand."
Station managers who know of a current or former employee in financial difficulty can point them to broadcastersfoundation.org or to the foundation's phone line at 212-373-8250 for eligibility details and applications.