Who is eligible for a Backup Grant?
If you currently reside in the United Kingdom and have earned your living for at least five years in the entertainment technology industry, or you are an immediate family member of someone who has, including his or her spouse, domestic partner or dependent child, you are eligible.
You do not need to be currently working in the industry as long as your time out of the industry is less than the total time you worked in the industry. Performing artists are not eligible. Final determination of eligibility is at the sole discretion of Backup.
What does service in the entertainment technology industry mean?
This means that your major source of income is from work in this industry. This includes working behind the scenes in any type of performance venue, behind the camera, on the road, or for dealers, manufacturers, production companies, consulting and design firms, etc. directly involved in supplying entertainment technology products and services.
How do you apply for a grant?
You must complete the Application for Financial Assistance which requires such information as a letter from your doctor or other documentation of your diagnosis, proof of at least five years of work history, detailed financial information, a current bank statement, and copies of your 2 most recent tax returns.
How are applications reviewed and how quickly can I expect an answer?
Applications are reviewed by a formal Review Committee. Grant decisions are generally made within a few days of receiving a completed application. You may receive a telephone call from a member of the Review Committee or their representative if there are further questions about your situation. If a grant is awarded, you will be contacted immediately to coordinate delivery of the grant. Cheques must be made payable directly to service providers and can be sent directly to the provider or to the recipient for distribution. You will be asked to submit receipts for the expenses paid by the grant. All funds awarded must be used within three months unless special arrangements are made upon award of the grant.
What can grants be used for?
Grants may be used for basic living expenses such as rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, insurance and transportation. They may be used for all types of medical expenses including health insurance, doctor and hospital bills, medication, physical therapy, home health care, crutches or wheelchairs. Grants may also be used towards funeral expenses.
Can I get help through loss of income due to the COVID-19 lockdown?
Please read COVID-19 – A message from the Trustees news post for latest guidance on this
If you wish to apply for a grant please download and complete the application form from the link below;
If you would like to know if you are eligible to apply for a grant, you must be able to answer yes to each of the following questions:
Are you seriously ill or unable to work due to injury, or do you have an immediate, dependent family member who is seriously ill or injured?
Do you reside or primarily work in the United Kingdom?
Do you work backstage in any type of performance venue, behind the camera, or for a company that supplies entertainment technology products and services?
Have you earned your living in the entertainment technology industry for at least five years?
Do you have extremely limited financial resources?
Do you need help with basic living expenses, medical costs, funeral expenses, or retraining for another type of job?
If you have recently lost an immediate family member who met the above criteria and who was your primary source of income, you may also be eligible to apply for a grant.
If you have further questions about whether you are eligible to apply for a grant please contact us using the link below;