Behind the Scenes is a charity that provides Basic Needs Grants for entertainment technology professionals who are seriously ill or injured and are seeking assistance with basic living expenses (such as rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, insurance and transportation) or for medical expenses (including health insurance, doctor and hospital bills, medication, physical therapy, home health care, and medical equipment. This grant is also appropriate if the eligible person has an immediate, dependent family member who is seriously ill or injured.

Counseling Grants are available to entertainment technology professionals who would like to initiate or support ongoing counseling or participate in an in-patient or out-patient chemical dependency recovery program. Grants are issued directly to the recipient’s self-selected provider, which must be a licensed social worker, psychotherapist, psychiatrist, mental health facility, emergency medical facility, or chemical dependency recovery facility.. Their Mental Health Initiative provides tools and resources to support all entertainment industry workers and their families and promote mental health and awareness.

The Funeral Assistance Grant: for immediate family members of an entertainment technology professional who has passed away and assistance with funeral costs is needed.

The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) reaches across the country to provide an anonymous safety net for radio and television broadcaster professionals who find themselves in acute financial need due to an illness, accident, or emergency. Learn more and apply for Monthly Medical Aid Grants or Emergency Disaster Relief Grants.

Dramatists Guild Foundation (DGF) is a national charity that fuels the future of American theater by supporting the writers who create it. DGF fosters playwrights, composers, lyricists, and book writers at all stages of their careers.

Entertainment Community Fund Social Services & Emergency Financial Assistance: Free and confidential social service programs are available nationally and address a wide array of challenges faced by people in performing arts & entertainment. With respect and understanding, their professional social workers offer counseling, support groups and workshops, education, emergency financial assistance and practical help. If you are in need of counseling and support because of sexual harassment, the Entertainment Community Fund provides safe and confidential help.

The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants program provides one-time grants of up to $5,000 for recent unexpected medical, dental, and mental health emergencies to artists in financial need* who are creating in the visual arts, film/video/electronic/digital arts, and choreography.

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation offers critical financial assistance programs for eligible SAG-AFTRA members experiencing urgent financial need due to a life crisis. This program cannot replace government unemployment/disability assistance and is meant to provide temporary relief during unexpected crises. Members are advised to review all eligibility requirements before starting their application. Learn more and apply for the Emergency Financial Assistance Fund.

The SAG-AFTRA Disaster Relief Fund is dedicated to addressing the most dire needs of SAG-AFTRA members impacted by government-declared natural disasters – learn more and apply.

The Pioneer Assistance Fund: provides financial aid and supportive counseling to individuals who work in theatrical exhibition, distribution, and vendors exclusive to either sector, who are encountering an illness, accident, or injury.

A team of social workers confidentially assesses the needs and financial difficulties of motion picture industry members and provides aid to support health and well-being when income and assets are limited. The program currently has six types of assistance to help those in need.

Social Service Consultations – Consultations include: comprehensive care assessment, federal/state benefits screening, health insurance advice, elder care guidance, education, advocacy, supportive counseling, bereavement counseling

The Salah Hassanein Medical Grant – Temporary financial aid for: physician fees, diagnostic tests, medications, home health care, physical therapy, psychotherapy, health insurance
The Bernie Myerson Emergency Grant – Temporary financial aid for: housing, utilities, food, burial or cremation costs

Vocational Rehabilitation – Temporary financial aid for: skill analysis, career counseling, retraining, job-seeking advice

The Tom Sherak Pioneer Grant – (monthly stipend for frail or disabled low-income senior veterans)

The Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF), an 84-year-old charity that provides social, charitable health care and senior services exclusively for entertainment industry members, administers the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) Good and Welfare Emergency Assistance Fund (“Assistance”). WGAW Current members in good standing and Post-Current members who are experiencing acute financial distress may contact MPTF Community Social Services (“CSS Professional”) by calling (323) 634-3888, a voice mail number, to leave a message. Calls to this line are returned the same day, typically within two (2) hours of the time the message is left.

A CSS Professional will call the WGAW member to gather relevant eligibility information and to describe the Assistance program. While the information is received and being evaluated, appropriate referrals are given as warranted by the situation. If the WGAW member is not eligible for Assistance, the CSS Professional will provide additional referrals as appropriate. If the WGAW member meets eligibility, the CSS Professional will instruct the WGAW member on documents required for an office visit in L.A, area, located at 3601 W. Olive Ave Suite 625, Burbank, CA, 91505. Typically, the appointment will be scheduled within three (3) business days after the WGAW member meets eligibility requirements. If the WGAW member does not live in the Los Angeles area, the process may be completed by mail and/or fax.

The Hollywood Commission offers a non-crisis helpline to help entertainment workers address workplace harassment, discrimination, bullying, and other forms of abuse. The Entertainment Industry Helpline is not a 24/7 crisis hotline. In an emergency, please dial 911. The helpline is closed for all major holidays. If you leave a voicemail, a member of our team will return your call within 3 business days.
Servicios disponibles en español.

IATSE Local 600 has contracted with the Entertainment Community Fund to provide a free, confidential Member Assistance Program (MAP) for all Local 600 members. These free, confidential services are designed to provide support, find relevant solutions, and meet the unique needs of members.

The MAP services include:

- Short-term counseling, support and referrals with social workers to help address a wide range of personal, family and work issues including depression, stress, relationship difficulties, harassment and discrimination, and bereavement
- Specialized pension and benefits counseling designed for union members, support and guidance on applying for Workers Comp, Social Security and Social Security Disability, Public Assistance, Nutrition Assistance Programs and other benefits
- Personalized support for substance abuse treatment options and insurance coverage
- Workshops on a variety of topics to help balance work and personal life
- Individual consultation and workshops on health insurance and access to healthcare issues
- Supports for local leaders, including critical incidence debriefing, help with managing member conflict and navigating job jeopardy concerns
- Financial assistance through the Hardship Fund is available for eligible members impacted by catastrophic illness or natural disaster

The Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF) supports working and retired members of the entertainment community with a safety net of health and social services, including temporary financial assistance, case management, and residential living.

MPTF Services and Programs Include:

- Supportive Services: Counseling, Community Resources, Financial Assistance
- Health Insurance – in association with the Entertainment Community Fund
- Veterans Benefits Assistance
- Social Connectivity
- Palliative Care

Optum works with physicians, hospitals, employers, insurers, government entities and individuals. Their businesses are all focused on the delivery of integrated, intelligent solutions that work to truly modernize the health care system and improve overall individual and population health. Enter access code MPIPHP on their website to access emotional wellbeing solutions and behavioral health benefits.

#PayUpHollywood is a grassroots movement that advocates for fair pay, safe workplaces and better treatment for all support staffers and assistants in the entertainment industry. Explore resources, including financial, medical help, food security, housing security, safety & legal help, and more at their website.

Union Plus partners with companies, non-profits, and others to offer discounts and assistance (layoff or furlough assistance, mortgage assistance, insurance plans (auto, renters, homeowners, Medicare), education benefits, credit counseling, medical bill negotiating, hospital grants, disability benefits, and more) to active union members. Click here to learn more.

Founded in 1973 as Women In Film Los Angeles, WIF advocates for and advances the careers of women working in the screen industries – in front of and behind the camera, across all levels of experience – to achieve parity and transform culture. Check out their Resources for Entertainment Workers page, which includes economic support and harassment and discrimination resources.