The Oaklash Disability Fund supports chronically ill and disabled queer and trans performance makers in need of critical support. This could include, but is not limited to:

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• An illness or pain flare-up

• Loss of job associated with illness/disability

• Loss of funds associated with illness/disability

• Lack of accessible work or performance space

• Inability to meet basic needs associated with an inability to work full-time 

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We are offering small grants in the amount of $500 and $1000 to a select group of applicants in need. Selection will be done randomly though applicants who also identify as Queer or Trans BIPOC will be prioritized.

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TIMELINE: Applications for 2023 have closed

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• Selected applicants will be notified and payments will begin to go out by the end of March 2023

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TERMINOLOGY:

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• Chronic illness is a long-term health condition and includes mental health illnesses, as well as long COVID, chronic fatigue, and more. 

• Disability is a condition or lived experience that limits a person's movements, senses, and/or activities.

• BIPOC is Black, Indigenous, and/or Person of Color.

• Queer is an umbrella term inclusive of anyone whose identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, pansexual, or otherwise not heterosexual.

• Trans is Transgender, Non-Binary, Gender Noncomforing, Genderqueer, Genderfluid, 2-Spirit, and/or any gender identity otherwise not cisgender.

 

ELIGIBILITY:

 

• You are eligible for this grant if you work in and for performance including performers, costume makers, stage hands, producers, tech/lighting, and other performance support roles.

• You must live in one of these Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma Counties.

• You must be a US citizen, however, if you are undocumented or have other restrictions in receiving funding but may receive funds through another adult you are eligible to apply.

• You must be 18 years of age or older.

• You must identify as chronically ill and/or disabled (official diagnosis or proof of medical history NOT required) and queer or trans, and have a self-identified need of funding support. 

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SELECTION PROCESS:

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• Applicants will be pulled at random until all funds ($5000 per grant period) are utilized.

• Applicants will not be notified of denial for the grant until all funds are claimed.

• Applicants who also identify as Queer or Trans BIPOC will be prioritized by ensuring at least 70% of available funds are held for applicants who identify as such.

 

APPLICATION SUPPORT:

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• We recognize that applicants for this fund may have challenges completing this application and/or receiving funds. We welcome friends or loved ones to apply on someone else's behalf WITH THEIR PERMISSION.

• If you would like support completing this application from one of our volunteers, please reach out to us at oaklashfestival@gmail.com 

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