This is a frightening time. As cities and states are shutting down events and nonessential businesses in the attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19, industries across the U.S. have suffered or ground to a halt.

We've heard from thousands of members who have lost jobs this month and are concerned about how they're going to make rent, buy groceries, or pay the bills. While precarity is an unfortunate fact of life for freelancers in the best of times, no one should be forced to bear the weight of this global crisis alone.

That's why we're launching Freelancers Relief Fund.

Freelancers Relief Fund will provide financial assistance of up to $1,000 to freelancers who are experiencing sudden hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether as a result of illness, lost work, or caregiving responsibilities.

We're putting out the call to all of our partners and members who are able to help: Please donate to the Fund here. And we're thrilled to announce that we're launching the Fund with generous gifts from our partners at Fiverr, Upwork, Wethos, and AND.CO. As companies that serve the independent workforce, they are stepping up to give back to our community in its time of need, and we are grateful for their donations.

What can you do?

1. If you are able, please donate today.
2. Share the Fund with your networks — the more visibility we have, the more people we can help right away.
3. Keep advocating for freelancer representation in all government relief

In these unprecedented times, community is the most powerful tool we have. We will get through this together.