Arizona Restaurant Association Foundation Crisis Fund
The Arizona Restaurant Association, through its 501c3 Education Foundation (the ARAEF) has formed the Emergency Fund to activate immediate emergency funding for restaurant workers. A maximum $500 individual grant will be available, under specific criteria, so that restaurant industry service staff (waitstaff, bartenders, bussers, line cooks, dishwashers and other hourly workers) who have suddenly found themselves without a paycheck, can breathe a little easier knowing that this emergency help can assist them to buy groceries, pay their rent, fill their prescriptions, and take care of their kids. Other Federal and State help will be coming, but the Arizona Restaurant Association Foundation funds will help get workers over this critical first hump!
To qualify for grant assistance, you must meet all the following requirements:
- You have been laid-off, furloughed, or otherwise terminated from a full-time hourly position within the restaurant industry after February 29, 2020. (please note that full-time is defined as an average of 30 hours a week)
- You have been continuously employed by the same business for at least six months.
- You are able to certify that you are not receiving any compensation from any business or individual that is licensed to sell or serve alcoholic beverages by the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control. (compensation includes pay for work, any form of paid leave, or other benefits such as retirement contributions or healthcare coverage.)
If you meet these qualifications, please:
- Complete the Emergency Fund Application
- Submit your last two pay stubs – one of which must be issued after February 29, 2020
- Submit proof that you have filed for unemployment insurance
- Agree to the “Pay It Forward Oath”
Apply Here:
If you are a full-time industry worker who meets the outlined criteria above, please begin your individual application here. Please only complete one application per person. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
If approved, we will be using checks to issue grantee awards. Please allow up to 4 weeks for processing as grantee awards will be on a rolling basis.
Questions?
Please review out FAQs below. If you have additional questions please email all inquiries to [email protected].
Donate Today
We all have that favorite neighborhood bistro, that great bartender at your favorite pub, the server who always has a smile for you….now they time they need your help. As a result of the mandatory closing of dine-in services at all Delaware restaurants, over 11,000 workers have already filed for unemployment benefits, after having been laid off or had their hours drastically reduced. Restaurant owners, with little to no notice about the shutdowns, had no choice but to face the horrible reality of letting much of their staff go. And with 78% of individuals live paycheck to paycheck, our help is critical to the livelihood of our industry workers and their families.
Now is the Time to Act
Please consider a donation to help provide relief to those restaurant workers in critical need of supplemental income during the restaurant shutdowns. Many can and have filed for unemployment benefits, but many are in dire need of additional income until restaurants are allowed to reopen. 100% of all donations will go directly to the restaurant industry Emergency Action Trust (EATs), and donors will receive a taxable donation letter upon receipt of their donation.
FAQs
What is The Arizona Restaurant Association Foundation Emergency Crisis Fund?
The Arizona Restaurant Association Foundation Emergency Crisis Fund, supported by the Arizona Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, is designed to assist employees of Arizona’s restaurant and lodging industry who are in need of support after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who can apply for The Arizona Restaurant Association Foundation Emergency Crisis Fund?
Funds will be granted to individuals that can demonstrate need and proof of hospitality industry employment as of February 29, 2020. Awards in the amount of $500 will be granted to all approved applicants until resources are fully depleted.
Why was The Arizona Restaurant Association Foundation Emergency Crisis Fund created?
People across the state are currently in economic distress with no clear view of when, or if, they will be returning to work. COVID-19 has left more than half of the 600,000 hospitality workers in Michigan without gainful employment. The ARAEF understands the needs of the industry and has created a partial solution to help these hardworking, passionate employees.
