Backup– The Technical Entertainment Charity is a UK registered charity which provides financial support to entertainment technology industry professionals who are seriously ill or injured or to their surviving family members.
In light of the devastating impact of COVID-19, Backup created a separate initial Hardship Fund, which will provide limited financial assistance to crew/production personnel, and people working in the technical supply chain across the UK entertainment sector, including those from live events, theatre and TV and film.
Backup Hardship Fund Round 1 has now been completed, you can read our Hardship Fund Update Press Release here
Applications for the Backup Hardship Fund Round 2 is open between Monday 30th November 2020 to Friday 11th December 2020
Who is eligible for a Backup Hardship Fund Grant in Round 2?
For this second application period we are targeting these funds to help people who have received minimal financial support over the period 1st April 2020 to 30th November 2020.
You are eligible for a grant if you can meet the following criteria:
You must have received a total of less than £5,000 from any of the following sources (when combined) during the period 1st April 2020 to 30th November 2020;
*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 (crew/production personnel), or for personnel who worked 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 Hardship Fund Grant?
You must complete the Application for Hardship Fund Grant which requires such eligibility documentation as:
Applications must be completed in full and submitted during the application open period – opens 8:00 on 30th November 2020 and closes at 20:00 on 11th December 2020.
Providing you have eligibility documents ready beforehand, the application form will take approximately 20-30mins to complete
How are applications reviewed and how quickly can I expect an answer?
We will review all applications and then plan to confirm our decision about your application two weeks after the closing date
Applications will be processed on a first come first served basis, and providing all criteria and eligibility requirements have been met.
What can Hardship Funds Grants be used for?
Grants may be used for basic living expenses such as rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, groceries, insurance and transportation. They may also be used for all types of medical expenses including health insurance, doctor and hospital bills, medication, physical therapy, home health care.
If you wish to apply for a Hardship Fund Grant please complete the online application form – Round 2 Opens at 8:00 on 30th November 2020 and closes at 20:00 on 11th December 2020