AUSTIN, Texas – Austin Community Foundation announced today a request for proposals (RFP) for the Stand with Austin Fund, which seeks to support nonprofits assisting individuals and small businesses most negatively impacted by the cancellation of the 2020 SXSW Conference and Festival. The fund was created by Austin Community Foundation and the Entrepreneurs Foundation to help offset the economic impact of SXSW’s cancellation.
Austin Community Foundation seeks to deploy the fund’s resources exclusively in support of the talented people that rely on SXSW for their livelihood. Currently, the fund will provide approximately $400,000 to nonprofits in the Austin area. Grants will be awarded to projects based on three main criteria:
- Knowledge of the constituency served: Preference shown to organizations with a history of supporting self-employed, hourly workers and people in the gig economy.
- Plan for the type of relief offered: Funding is only available for organizations proposing support for individual and small businesses in the following industries:
- Music and creative
- Service and bar
- Hospitality
- Defined process for quick distribution to those most affected: Applicants must demonstrate the ability to identify and support the affected constituencies with prudence and expedience.
To apply, visit austincf.org/standwithaustin. The deadline to submit an application is 5 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2020.
“Since the cancellation of SXSW, our community has come together – both individual donors and businesses – to support the Stand the Austin Fund and lessen the economic hardships many in the creative and service industries are now facing,” Mike Nellis, chief executive officer, Austin Community Foundation, said. “We invite nonprofit organizations serving individuals and small businesses impacted to apply for this funding so that some measure of relief is provided to those in greatest need.”
After this initial round of grants and with further fundraising efforts, the Stand with Austin Fund looks to provide additional funding, if possible.