Disaster Relief and Preparedness

The League, together with a number of other national arts organizations, has worked with Congress and federal agencies to ensure that arts organizations have improved access to preparation resources and federal disaster relief. A growing number of national resources and expert organizations are available to help arts organizations and artists take essential steps to be prepared and respond to emergency events.

Congress recognized the public value of performing arts organizations by addressing a significant inequity in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster relief policy. A provision approved by Congress in October 2006 added nonprofit performing arts facilities to the list of organizations eligible for future FEMA disaster relief assistance.  And, in November 2024 FEMA published information about new eligibility for self-employed musicians and other artists to gain access to tool-replacement resources, including support for musical instruments. Most FEMA resources flow through state FEMA offices, so getting familiar with your state’s emergency management agency is an essential first step.  

Disasters can strike at any time and in any place. Advanced preparation is essential to navigating a natural disaster and other unexpected emergencies. Find more information in the links below.

Disaster Preparation and Relief Resources

• Los Angeles Wildfire Relief: See the Wildfire Resources assembled by the Association of California Symphony Orchestras, including relief funds specific to the LA region.
  
  
• Find your state’s emergency management agency. 
   
• ArtsReady: Find resources on response, recovery, and readiness. 
   
• CERF+: While many of its resources are dedicated to crafts people, the Craft Emergency Relief Fund, CERF+, has a web page with resources available to artists of all types. 
   
• DisasterAssistance.gov: providing disaster survivors with information, support, services, and a means to access and apply for disaster assistance through joint data-sharing efforts between federal, tribal, state, local, and private sector partners. 
   
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): FEMA offers assistance before and after disaster strikes. Orchestras should consult FEMA Assistance for Private Non-Profits After a Disaster and musicians may find helpful FEMA Assistance for Self-Employed for Equipment, Tool Replacement. 
   
• Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works: Disaster response and recovery resources.  
   
• MusiCares: MusiCares provides crisis relief, preventive care, recovery resources, and need-based financial assistance for people across all music professions.  
   
• National Coalition for Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response (NCAPER): Find numerous resources for the arts community, including a dedicated disaster resource page. 
   
• NEA Disaster Readiness & Recovery for the Arts and Culture Sector: The National Endowment for the Arts has compiled resources, including damage assessment forms and links to response networks.  
   
• Performing Arts Readiness:  Performing Arts Readiness project offers free webinars, on-site training, and presentations at professional conferences on various topics related to emergency preparedness. 

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Banner: Peoria Symphony Orchestra staff accepted food donations to benefit the local Peoria Area Food Bank as part of Orchestras Feeding America. Photo credit: Michelle Seibert.