Haven Foundation

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OVERVIEW: The Haven Foundation awards grants to freelance artists across a broad range of disciplines for emergencies that affect their ability to work.

IP TAKE: After being involved in a serious car accident, the author Stephen King established the Haven Foundation to address the “uniquely perilous situation of many freelance artists.” The foundation is a source of financial support to a broad range of artists and performers who experience serious accidents, illnesses or other catastrophic events that impact their careers. Applications for assistance are accepted via an online form, but must be accompanied by evidential materials. Decisions are made by a “committed group of board members willing to sift through cases and identify those where the need seems to be the greatest.”

PROFILE: The Haven Foundation was established in 2006 by author Stephen King. He was hit by a car in 1999 and nearly died. King spent 10 months in recovery before he was able to return to work. During that time, he realized that many writers, audio readers and other freelancers don’t have an emergency fund or financial cushion to fall back on should they suffer from a chronic illness, injury, medical emergency or catastrophic event. He founded the Haven Foundation in response. The foundation’s mission is “to offer interim financial assistance to freelance professionals in the arts who face crises.” Grants are awarded “with a view to helping individuals overcome temporary adversity and return to full-time work.” Giving is limited to the U.S.

Grants for Arts, Culture and Disaster Relief

The Haven Foundation’s grantmaking is limited to support for individuals “connected with the artistic or entertainment industries including, but not limited to authors, actors, singers, dancers, directors, producers, choreographers, musicians, artists and screenwriters,” and people whose work involves “selling work or services by the hour, day, job, etc. rather than working on a regular salary basis for one employer.” Furthermore, funding is designated for freelancers who are “[e]xperiencing a specific career-threatening emergency.” To apply for an assistance grant, fill out the foundation’s online application form by the due date, which usually falls in mid to late October each year. Applications must be accompanied by evidential materials including a resume, tax filings and medical records and bills related to the emergency.

Important Grant Details:

The Haven Foundation’s grantmaking is conducted confidentially and grant amounts are not reported.

  • Grantmaking is limited to artists who are legal residents of the U.S. and whose work is based in the U.S.

  • The foundation does not place limitations on the type or disciplines of artists and performers it supports. Grants have gone to individuals who work in multiple fields relating to writing, visual, performing and media arts.

  • The online application consists of a form but must be accompanied by materials that document the applicants work status as well as the nature and gravity of the emergency.

  • See the foundation’s guidelines and FAQ before submitting an application.

The Haven Foundation does not provide a direct avenue for getting in touch. Its phone number is listed as 212-503-8822.

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