We all hope we'll never have to deal with an expensive medical emergency, a devastating fire, or other financial woes, but sometimes it happens. And it's a scary thought for freelancers who may not quality for disability coverage or have a spouse to help pay bills.
Fortunately, the American Society of Journalists and Authors has the Writer's Emergency Assistance Fund (WEAF) for just these types of situations.
Over the last 27 years, the WEAF has issued more than $400,000 in funds to writers who needed help getting back on their feet. Among those writers was a music critic who had his dropped by the newspaper, then became housebound for two month after suffering a partially ruptured tendon (ironically, he was covering a concert when he tripped and injured his leg). Another writer received a grant after her son's medical treatments for a life-threatening illness drained her savings. Grant applicants don't even have to be members of ASJA to qualify for emergency funds.
I know there are many worthy charities asking for donations this time of year, but I hope you'll consider making a tax-deductible contribution to the American Society of Journalists and Authors Charitable Trust and their WEAF. I set up a reoccurring monthly donation so I can help the cause throughout the year instead of making one big donation. Hopefully we will never need to apply for those grants, but it's comforting to know that writers are looking out for each other.
This post is part of the WEAF Blog-A-Thon, so if you aren't able to contribute, please consider spreading the word by blogging, tweeting, stumbling, or posting on Facebook or other social networks.
Here are some of the other Blog-A-Thon posts written by fellow bloggers:
Project Happily Ever After: Help a Needy Writer
Freelance Zone: The Writers Emergency Assistance Fund (WEAF)
Caitlin Kelly - Broadside: It’s J-Day: Mentors, Money and Where to Find Them
Flickr photo courtesy of Mindful One