Isaacson announces more than $50K in funding for six Philadelphia cultural nonprofits affected by COVID-19
Rep. Mary Isaacson August 5, 2020 | 3:32 PM
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 5 – State Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Phila., announced Wednesday that six cultural nonprofit organizations in her district that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic have been awarded more than $50,000 combined in emergency relief aid.
“Our cultural and historic institutions teach us about who we are and how we got here as a society,” Isaacson said. “And with these reflections and education on the past, we are able to shape a better future for our commonwealth and country. These organizations and historic sites are not only a vital resource for residents and local schools, but they also contribute a great deal to the state’s economy through tourism and recreation. It’s crucial that we support them now, especially with the many challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has presented.”
The following organizations in the 175th Legislative District were awarded emergency aid:
- The Carpenters' Company of the City and County of Philadelphia, awarded $6,000.
- Christ Church Preservation Trust, awarded $7,500.
- Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks, awarded $7,500.
- African American Museum, awarded $10,000.
- Historic Philadelphia, Inc., awarded $10,000.
- National Museum of American Jewish History, awarded $10,000.
A total $780,500 in emergency relief grants were awarded through the Pennsylvania Humanities Council CARES fund, or PHC CARES fund. According to the PHC, the fund is intended to assist in sustaining the state’s cultural infrastructure by advancing humanities programs, helping organizations adapt to site closures and the cancellation of in-person events that bring people together and support local economies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A diverse team of 44 cultural professionals reviewed 313 applications and awarded grants that ranged from $3,000 to $10,000. Recipients include museums, historical societies, libraries and other cultural institutions in 57 counties across Pennsylvania.
PHC CARES is funded by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, which became law on March 27. The National Endowment for the Humanities received funding allocated to the 56 humanities councils in the United States, including PHC, to distribute to humanities-based nonprofits financially impacted by the coronavirus.
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