The Crip Camp impact campaign in partnership with Color of Change has established an emergency relief fund for disabled creatives and activists. Many have lost all or most of their income, and – as freelancers or independent contractors – they don’t qualify for unemployment benefits. The fund will ensure that activists, storytellers and cultural influencers of the future can continue the vital work that Crip Camp champions.
The fund will disperse $1,200 grants.
Background
Even in the best of times, people with disabilities are disenfranchised by our economic, education and healthcare systems. Prior to COVID-19, the median adjusted family income for disabled workers was about half of the income of others, ages 18-64. Now, during the COVID-19 crisis, the situation is acute, with life-and-death questions on the line – especially for multiply marginalized disabled people.
Crip Camp and Color of Change Partnership
Color of Change is the largest online racial justice organization, with over 1.7 million members. Recognizing the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on disabled people and elders, especially in Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities, Crip Camp and Color of Change’s partnership demonstrates the importance of collaborations between racial justice and disability organizers to effect lasting social change.
Applications will be accepted from May 11, 2020 to June 8, 2020.
Eligibility/Application Criteria
Applications will be reviewed and selected through an advisory council. The council is made up of five disability rights and justice advocates, including Crip Camp’s Impact Campaign Manager Andraéa LaVant.
Applicants should meet the following criteria to be selected for a grant:
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Household includes a creative or activist, including community workers, care workers, artists, filmmakers, writers/bloggers, designers, etc.;
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The creative or activist is an individual who self-identifies as disabled, sick, neurodivergent or Deaf;
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The creative or activist’s total annual income is at or below $50,000/yr prior to the COVID-19 crisis;
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As a result of losing income due to COVID-19, the household is experiencing housing insecurity, food insecurity, and/or a loss of personal care/direct service supports that could result in institutionalization.
Households that include people of color and other intersectionally marginalized/multiple marginalized communities will be prioritized in the selection process.
Proof Required from Applicant
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Sample of creative work/activism, to include sharing social media handles and/or website;
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Detailed paragraph providing detail about who you are/your work and explaining need for relief funds.
Eligible Use of Funds
The Disabled Creatives & Activists Relief Fund will provide grants to cover a wide range of household and living expenses including groceries, utilities, internet access and rent or mortgage payments.
Crip Camp’s Role
Crip Camp will be responsible for promoting the fund but is not affiliated with Netflix or Higher Ground Productions. The application will be hosted on Crip Camp impact campaign’s website.
Color of Change’s Role
Color of Change is responsible for collecting donations via its website and disbursing grants. Color of Change will accept donations to their general fund, earmarked for Crip Camp.