Emergency Grants

It is vital to support writers in times of need so that they can get back to doing what they do best. DGF provides emergency financial assistance to individual playwrights, composers, lyricists, and bookwriters in dire need of funds due to severe hardship or unexpected illness.
If you are a writer in need, we can help.

Apply Online    Download Form

As you are aware, news is constantly unfolding regarding new cases of COVID-19, in the US, and around the globe. In the midst of this situation, DGF will be processing Emergency Grants based on severity of need, especially as it relates to COVID-19. DGF is sensitive to the inherent economic challenges that will arise in relation to CDC recommendations for social distancing. 
Please be advised, we are receiving a higher than normal volume of requests. We apologize for any delay and are working to process all applications swiftly. 

DGF accepts applications submitted online or by mail. Please note that mailed applications are still being accepted but will take longer to process during the COVID-19 crisis.

If you are applying via the Postal Service with the downloaded form above, please be sure to include all additional attachments and documentation designated in the application.

DGF Staff is working remotely–DO NOT SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO THE DGF OFFICE. If you choose to mail in your application, please send to:

Claire Hackett
Dramatists Guild Foundation
417 Myrtle Ave
Suite 34
Brooklyn, NY 11205

DGF Emergency Grants regularly support costs associated with healthcare, childcare, housing, disability, natural disaster relief, and other unforeseen circumstances. DGF does not support requests related to production expenses or taxes, nor requests from individuals not actively seeking employment if they are able to work. Requests typically range between $500-$3,000. Please be advised that DGF does not support all requests.

Applicants will be notified within two to four weeks of submitting all required materials. DGF Emergency Grants are typically one-time only gifts.

Please note that for awards over $600 the Dramatist Guild Foundation is required by the IRS to issue the awardee a tax form 1099- Misc. This form is required to acknowledge the receipt of miscellaneous income by the awardee. We encourage all recipients to consult with their tax planner as to any financial implications incurred with this award.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please call 212.391.8384 or email applications@dgf.org.

“I applied to the Foundation when I was in real and totally unromantic trouble. Help arrived speedily and quietly in the form of a grant, which allowed me to pay my rent. The Foundation does not dole out statues and plaques; it gives people help when people need help.”
WILL ENO,
Playwright and Emergency Grant Recipient,
The Realistic Joneses, Middletown

George Bailey Fund

The George Bailey Fund has been established to benefit the participants of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop. The fund is open to first and second-year workshop members and will provide financial assistance for unforeseen expenses that go beyond the normal day-to-day cost of living and can hinder the pursuit of the craft.

Apply Online

The name of the fund was inspired by a scene in It’s A Wonderful Life, which stems from an assignment given during the workshop. In the scene, George Bailey gives his friends and neighbors what they need to tide them over financially, which is exactly what the donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, hopes the fund will achieve. As someone who has participated in the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop, the donor has seen firsthand how unexpected expenses can interfere with the creative process needed to succeed in the program and wanted to offer financial support to those in need during the early stages of their careers.

Grants of up to $500 per person will be awarded during each workshop term, September through August, and eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

All applications will be managed by The Dramatists Guild Foundation. BMI’s Director of Jazz & Musical Theatre Patrick Cook and workshop administrator Frederick Freyer will determine the eligibility for grants.

All applicants’ personal information will be kept strictly confidential.

“I really appreciate that the Dramatists Guild Foundation considered my proposal and the conferral of the Emergency Grant. Puerto Rico was significantly damaged by Hurricane Maria. Most of my work is voluntary and is meant for marginalized communities. I have access to these communities through creative writing workshops and dramatic art programs that have become an outlet for individual and collective sorrow. We have developed stronger communities able to express their inner voices through the arts and have given them tools to deconstruct their past and construct a brighter future. I really appreciate this opportunity and feel blessed to know that artists in the world are supporting each other.”
María Teresa Marichal Lugo,
Playwright