UPDATE: Wheeling Heritage has had a huge number of grant requests since announcing the COVID-19 Emergency Grant. Unfortunately, the organization doesn’t have enough funding to fill them all. If you’d like to make a donation to this fund, 100% of your money would go directly to Wheeling’s artists, entertainers and small business owners. Please visit wheelingheritage.org/donate to support these efforts.
Wheeling Heritage today announced that it is accepting applications for its COVID-19 Emergency Grant. The grant is open to professional working artists and entertainers, as well as small business owners, who have had a loss of income because of the COVID-19.
Professional working artists or entertainers or small business owners are those who devote a significant portion of their time to their craft or business and depend on this income for their livelihood.
“For decades, Wheeling Heritage has provided small grants to various community organizations and events that help to recognize, communicate and preserve Wheeling’s heritage,” said Alex Weld, incoming executive director of Wheeling Heritage. “We are temporarily pausing that grant and diverting some funds to artists, entertainers and small business owners — individuals whose work is important to our mission.”
She also noted that because they are self-employed, many artists, entertainers and small business owners are not eligible for unemployment benefits.
Applications can be filled out and submitted at wheelingheritage.org/grants. To apply, the person or small business must be in the Wheeling Heritage Area (the Wheeling city limits). Applicants may apply for up to $1,000 with priority given to those with immediate needs of shelter, food and other essentials. Grant applications will be reviewed and awarded on a weekly basis until funds are exhausted. Based on the demand and available funds, you may receive a partial award. One application for each individual or business will be reviewed, and only one grant will be awarded.