Introduction
The Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting craft artists and makers during emergencies, disasters, and career-threatening disruptions. It also provides preparedness resources and education to help artists protect their studios, practices, and livelihoods.
CERF+ is widely recognized as a vital safety-net organization for the craft sector, offering both financial relief grants and long-term resilience training for artists working in ceramics, glass, textiles, metal, wood, and other material-based disciplines.
History and Background
CERF+ was founded in 1985 by craft artists and arts leaders who recognized the vulnerability of independent artists when disasters or emergencies strike. The organization began as a grassroots mutual aid effort, where artists supported other artists in crisis.
Early leaders such as Carol Sedestrom Ross and glass artist Josh Simpson helped formalize the initiative after seeing repeated cases of artists losing studios, tools, and livelihoods due to fires, accidents, and natural disasters. The early model involved informal fundraising—often described as “passing the hat” at craft fairs—to support affected artists.
Over time, CERF+ evolved into a national nonprofit offering structured grant programs, preparedness education, and advocacy for artist protections. It now operates as a fully remote organization serving artists across the United States and U.S. territories.
Mission and Purpose
The mission of CERF+ is to provide craft artists with support and resources for disaster and emergency relief, education, and preparedness to strengthen long-term resilience.
Its core purposes include:
- Providing emergency financial assistance to craft artists
- Supporting recovery after disasters such as fires, floods, and storms
- Offering preparedness education and studio safety resources
- Strengthening the long-term sustainability of craft careers
- Advocating for artist inclusion in disaster recovery systems
CERF+ is rooted in the values of mutual aid, generosity, inclusion, and community care, ensuring that artists can recover and continue their practice after crises.
Governance and Structure
CERF+ operates as a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Leadership Structure
The organization is governed by:
- A Board of Directors representing arts, philanthropy, and craft communities
- Executive leadership responsible for strategic direction
- Program staff managing grants, outreach, and education
- Advisory partners from the craft and disaster relief sectors
Organizational Approach
CERF+ follows a mutual aid-based operating philosophy, meaning it prioritizes community-centered support, equity in distribution, and responsive assistance for artists in urgent need.
Funding and Grants
CERF+ is funded through a combination of:
- Individual donations
- Foundation grants
- Arts and cultural philanthropy
- Partner organizations and sponsorships
- Community fundraising initiatives
Grantmaking Model
CERF+ provides direct financial support through structured programs designed for different stages of crisis:
Emergency Relief Grants
- $3,000 grants for craft artists affected by disasters or emergencies
- Supports urgent recovery needs such as housing, materials, and studio repair
Get Ready Grants
- Up to $1,000 for preparedness activities
- Helps artists protect studios and reduce future disaster risks
The organization also offers loans and supplemental recovery assistance depending on funding availability and disaster response cycles.
Major Programs and Initiatives
CERF+ operates several interconnected programs focused on relief, readiness, and education.
Emergency Relief Grants
This flagship program provides immediate financial assistance to craft artists who have experienced:
- Fires
- Floods
- Hurricanes
- Theft or accidents
- Severe illness or injury
The goal is to stabilize artists so they can resume their practice quickly.
Get Ready (Preparedness) Grants
These grants help artists proactively prepare for emergencies by funding:
- Studio safety improvements
- Emergency planning tools
- Equipment protection
- Disaster preparedness training
Education and Training Programs
CERF+ provides educational resources such as:
- Webinars and workshops
- Studio safety guides
- Disaster preparedness toolkits
- Professional development resources for artists
Studio Protector Resources
A signature CERF+ initiative, Studio Protector helps artists:
- Assess studio risks
- Create emergency response plans
- Protect materials, equipment, and artwork
- Improve long-term resilience
Advocacy and Sector Support
CERF+ also advocates for:
- Inclusion of artists in federal disaster relief systems
- Improved emergency response policies for independent workers
- Greater awareness of craft as a professional economic sector
Impact and Examples of Work
CERF+ has had a significant impact on the craft and maker community across the United States.
Key Areas of Impact
Emergency Financial Relief
- Thousands of craft artists supported through direct grants
- Millions of dollars distributed in emergency assistance over time
Disaster Recovery Support
- Assistance after hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and economic disruptions
- Rapid response programs during large-scale crises
Artist Preparedness
- Widespread adoption of studio safety and disaster planning tools
- Increased resilience among independent makers
Strengthening the Craft Ecosystem
- Advocacy for recognition of craft artists in policy frameworks
- Support for long-term sustainability of creative careers
Community Mutual Aid Model
- Reinforced culture of solidarity within the craft sector
- Built a national network of support for independent artists
Conclusion
The Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+) is a cornerstone organization for craft artists in the United States, providing essential financial relief, preparedness training, and advocacy for those affected by emergencies and disasters.
By combining direct grants with long-term resilience education, CERF+ ensures that artists are not only supported in moments of crisis but also empowered to prepare for the future.
Its work demonstrates the importance of mutual aid systems in the arts and highlights how targeted support can sustain creative livelihoods through uncertainty and recovery.
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