Thursday, February 18, 2016

Funding Resources Available for Members of the Entertainment Industry

Season of Concern shares office space in Chicago with The Actors Fund's Central Region office. If illness or injury has deprived you or someone you know in Chicago's theater or performing arts community of the ability to meet basic living expenses like food and rent, please contact either of our organizations for more information about the services and assistance described below:

 To download a copy of the revised guidelines, click here.

  The Biscotto-Miller Fund
Chicago's theater community was deeply struck by the losses of actor J. Pat Miller and stage manager Tom Biscotto to AIDS in the early 80's. The very first outspoken AIDS victims in our community, the tragedies of their deaths brought us together to stand up, speak out, and fight back.

The Biscotto-Miller fund began with a small fundraising effort by J. Pat and Tommy's theater friends - collecting from each other to build a cash fund that they distributed to others in need. Now, over thirty years later, the Biscotto-Miller fund exists as the only private grant given directly by Season Of Concern to local artists in need. Throughout the year, confidential Biscotto-Miller grants are awarded on an as-needed basis to cover short-term emergency costs such as medication, food, and rent for members of our community suffering from debilitating illness of any kind. Social service assessment and case management for The Biscotto-Miller Fund are provided by the Central Region office of The Actors Fund.

If you or someone you know may be eligible for the Biscotto-Miller Fund, please contact either info@seasonofconcern.org or Steven Haught shaught@actorsfund.org (case manager for The Biscotto-Miller Fund) at The Actors Fund, Central Region office.

The Actors Fund
The Actors Fund is a nonprofit, nationwide human services organization providing programs that support the unique, essential needs of all who work in entertainment and the performing arts - on stage or camera and behind the scenes. The Actors Fund assists those working in theater, film, television, radio, music, dance, opera and circus. The Fund is a safety net, offering quality services for and individual attention to our community, giving all a responsive place to turn in times of need or crisis.

The Actors Fund offers a broad spectrum of programs including comprehensive social services, health care services, employment and training and housing. Administered through their offices in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, these programs help people solve problems and make positive changes in their lives.

All Actors Fund services are completely confidential. Eligibility varies by program.

No comments: