The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) has expanded its financial assistance programs with a new category of grants intended to help radio and television professionals facing unexpected financial difficulties.
The organization announced this week that its new Hardship Grants program will provide assistance to broadcasters experiencing financial challenges stemming from unpaid or reduced-pay leave, extraordinary family care expenses, housing emergencies, relocation costs or theft.
The program was unanimously approved by the BFOA Board of Directors during its most recent meeting and is already accepting applications from eligible broadcasting professionals.
“This expands our ability to reach broadcasters who are struggling to meet their expenses because of extraordinary circumstances,” Scott Herman, the Chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation of America, said in a statement. “I was delighted that the Board unanimously approved this initiative. We are up and running and ready to help more members of our broadcasting community when they need it most.”
The new program represents an expansion of the foundation’s existing charitable assistance programs, which have historically focused on broadcasters experiencing prolonged medical difficulties or financial emergencies caused by natural disasters.
With the addition of Hardship Grants, the foundation now operates three distinct categories of financial assistance.
Its Monthly Grants program provides ongoing support to broadcasting professionals facing financial hardship associated with prolonged illnesses. The foundation also administers Emergency Grants, which provide assistance to broadcasters affected by disasters such as hurricanes and floods.
The newly established Hardship Grants program broadens those efforts to include financial emergencies that may not involve a medical condition or natural disaster. Among the circumstances covered by the new program are situations in which broadcasting professionals experience reduced income while on leave, as well as unexpected expenses associated with caring for family members, securing housing or relocating.
The inclusion of theft-related expenses also extends the foundation’s assistance to individuals experiencing financial hardship following certain property-related incidents.
“Our mission is to help broadcasters in need, and that commitment continues to guide everything we do,” Tim McCarthy, the President of the Broadcasters Foundation of America, said in a statement. “By expanding our grant programs, we can respond to a broader range of circumstances and provide critical assistance to more people in our industry when they need a helping hand.”
The foundation has provided charitable assistance to members of the radio and television broadcasting industry for decades, supporting professionals who encounter financial difficulties that affect their ability to meet essential expenses. The organization did not specify the maximum amount available through the new Hardship Grants program or provide detailed eligibility requirements in its announcement.
Applications for the new grants are currently being accepted, with the foundation positioning the program as an additional resource for broadcasting professionals facing extraordinary financial circumstances.
