Extended Hardship Grants

BFOA has introduced short term Extended Hardship Grants for broadcasters on unpaid or reduced-pay leave and those confronting extraordinary expenses related to family care, housing emergencies, relocation, or theft.

Who qualifies?

BFOA grants are specifically designed to support over-the-air radio and television broadcasters. If you can answer yes to the below questions, you might qualify for our Extended Hardship Grant Program.

Have you worked at one of the below organizations for at least five consecutive years?

Radio and/or TV broadcasting company

Media representative firm

State or national broadcast association

U.S. trade association representing the broadcast industry

For purposes of eligibility, a radio or television broadcasting company is one that provides free over-the-air broadcasting utilizing full-service television and/or radio licenses issued by the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC").

Are your facing financial strain due to work leave, family care needs or a personal emergency?

Caring for an aging or seriously ill parent or other dependent family member, or arranging or providing long-term care, assisted living, or hospice for a family member

Welcoming a child through birth, adoption, or foster placement without paid parental leave or providing care while a new arrangement is found after a child-care becomes unavailable

Being displaced from a rental home through no fault of their own, such as the sale or foreclosure of the property, a steep rent increase or relocating to secure safety after domestic violence

Recovering from identity theft, fraud, burglary, or a car accident that severely affects the applicant's finances

Caring for an aging or seriously ill parent

Loss of income due to unpaid or reduced pay parental leave or temporary care needs

Rental home displacement

Securing safety after domestic violence

Losing a vehicle needed for work through theft or an accident

Recovering from identity theft, fraud, or a burglary

What qualifies?

Leave that is paid in full through salary, paid time off, or disability benefits

Voluntary sabbaticals, travel, or career breaks

Job loss, termination, layoffs, or unemployment

Business expenses or losses

Property damage or expenses from a natural disaster or home emergency
(see our Emergency Grant program)

The applicant's own illness, injury, or medical treatment, or a spouse or child's serious medical need (see our Monthly Grant program)

What does not qualify?

Next Steps:

1

Apply Online

BFOA uses an application software called Submittable. Each application will ask you to create a free Submittable account to get started. You can use your computer, tablet or mobile phone to submit at any time.


General Managers and HR representatives should use the "Employer Application" option to submit on behalf of a group of employees.

2

Review Process

Extended Hardship grant applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but must be submitted within 30 days of the of the family need or personal emergency. BFOA staff review each application with compassion, discretion and expediency.

3

Grant Approval

Qualifying grant applications are approved by the Foundation's board of directors. Extended Hardship Grants are a short-term award meant to be a hand-up while managing unexpected family care needs or a personal emergency.

Need assistance with your application? Email or call us.

Please contact us at  grants@thebfoa.org  or 212-373-8250 with any questions and a staff member will get back to you. All inquiries are confidential.