SAG-AFTRA Foundation Issues Urgent Appeal for Donations to Its Emergency Financial Assistance Program to Support Striking SAG-AFTRA Performers and Their Families

“It’s a massive challenge, but we’re determined to meet this historic moment.”
– SAG-AFTRA Foundation President Courtney B. Vance 

In the wake of the recently called SAG-AFTRA strike, the non-profit SAG-AFTRA Foundation issued an urgent appeal for donations to support its charitable Emergency Financial Assistance Program, dedicated to providing crucial emergency financial aid to SAG-AFTRA performers in urgent financial need due to the work stoppage.

SAG-AFTRA Foundation President Courtney B. Vance said, “For nearly 40 years, our Foundation’s mission has included providing emergency financial assistance to SAG-AFTRA performers and their families in times of unexpected crises and dire hardship. With 165,000 members on strike for a fair TV, theatrical and streaming contract and no resolution in sight, we must raise critical funds now to not only meet the current need and expected demand, but also to maintain the Foundation’s ongoing assistance programs. It’s a massive challenge, but we’re determined to meet this historic moment. We are asking everyone in our community who has the means to give what they can, and we are deeply grateful for any support our audiences or the public would like to contribute.” Vance continued, “We will do all we can to support one another along the way by strengthening our Emergency Financial Assistance Program.”

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Emergency Financial Assistance Program is the only fund dedicated solely to supporting SAG-AFTRA performers in times of urgent need. The Foundation encourages everyone to join this vital cause by making a donation at: www.sagaftra.foundation/donate.

“The SAG-AFTRA Foundation proudly supports the members of SAG-AFTRA, as well as the WGA, for standing up for a fair and just contract,” said SAG-AFTRA Foundation Executive Director Cyd Wilson. “And the Foundation’s Emergency Financial Assistance Program is here to ensure SAG-AFTRA performers and families receive the help they need to weather this challenging period.”

The Foundation’s Emergency Financial Assistance Program offers financial assistance grants to current eligible SAG-AFTRA performers facing unexpected life crises, which includes loss of work due to a strike or production shutdown, and can show urgent financial need. Emergency Financial Assistance Grants are issued to help with basic living expenses such as mortgage, rent, utilities, groceries, and medical bills. Additionally, the program provides access to a social worker, additional social services referrals, and free educational opportunities through the Foundation to empower performers during the strike and beyond.

In addition to providing its Emergency Financial Assistance Program, the Foundation will continue to offer all of its no-cost performers programs nationwide, while abiding by SAG-AFTRA’s strike rules for its members, in order for performers to hone their craft and develop new professional skills during the strike.

Several of the Foundation’s facilities recently reopened since the COVID shutdown, including its state-of-the-art voiceover labs and on-camera labs in Los Angeles and New York, where SAG-AFTRA performers can train in voiceover, practice on-camera techniques, receive feedback from engineers and technicians, and discover new talents.

The Foundation also offers free classes in audition technique, money management, self marketing, editing reels and more. There are always classes and workshops being offered to dig deeper into the craft and build business acumen.

In addition, the Foundation will continue to program live and recorded panels and Q&As with top industry leaders and actors working in areas of performance unaffected by the strike including commercials, audiobooks, video games, podcasts and daytime television.

SAG-AFTRA members can create an account to access the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s free programs, resources and services at www.sagaftra.foundation.