ASJA Writers Emergency Assistance Fund (WEAF)

Financial Support for Professional Freelance Writers Facing Hardship

Donor: American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)

About: The Writers Emergency Assistance Fund (WEAF) provides crucial financial support to established freelance nonfiction writers who are temporarily unable to work due to illness, disability, natural disaster, or extraordinary professional crisis. Established in 1982 as the Llewellyn Miller Fund and renamed in 2000, WEAF serves as a vital safety net for freelance writers who often lack the financial security of traditional employment.

Unlike traditional grants that fund creative projects or works-in-progress, WEAF specifically addresses the immediate living expenses of qualified writers during periods of hardship. The fund has awarded more than 160 grants totaling approximately $400,000 to diverse and accomplished writers since its inception, demonstrating its commitment to supporting the freelance writing community during challenging times.

To qualify for WEAF assistance, applicants must meet the professional standards equivalent to ASJA membership, with a proven track record of publication in national outlets or books published by traditional publishers. While ASJA membership is not required to apply, the fund maintains rigorous eligibility standards to ensure support reaches established professional writers.

It’s important to note that WEAF does not provide assistance for routine industry challenges such as publication closures, unpaid client work, or general economic downturns in publishing. Instead, it focuses on extraordinary circumstances that temporarily prevent writers from continuing their freelance careers. Additionally, there is a lifetime limit of two WEAF grants per individual.

The application process requires comprehensive documentation, including published work samples, tax returns demonstrating your professional status and financial need, current bank statements, and relevant medical or crisis documentation. Applications are reviewed by a volunteer committee, with decisions typically made within two to four weeks, though response times may vary based on volunteer availability.

For freelance writers navigating the financial uncertainties of a career crisis, illness, or disability, Grantaura’s grant research and application services can help identify and secure additional funding opportunities beyond WEAF. Our team can assist with document preparation, application submission, and developing a comprehensive financial strategy during challenging periods.

Focus: Emergency financial assistance, freelance writers, professional writers, illness support, disability assistance, natural disaster relief, professional crisis relief, living expenses

Region: United States

Eligibility:
-Must qualify for professional membership in ASJA (but actual membership is not required)
-Must be an established nonfiction freelance writer with clips in national publications and/or more than one book with a traditional publisher
-Must demonstrate that normal writing capacity is severely diminished or non-existent due to:
–Illness
–Disability
–Natural disaster (such as fire or hurricane)
–Extraordinary professional or personal crisis (such as caring for a seriously ill spouse)
-Must provide documentation demonstrating need and eligibility
-Not available for economic difficulties due to:
–General publishing industry downturns
–Unpaid contracted work
–Publication/client business closure
–Loss of staff or permalance position
-Limited to a maximum of two WEAF grants per individual over a lifetime

Benefits:
-Financial grants to help meet living expenses during periods of hardship
-Support from an established fund with a history of helping writers
-No repayment required
-Relatively quick review process (typically 2-4 weeks)

Deadline: Rolling application (accepted year-round)

Terms:
-WEAF: Writers Emergency Assistance Fund – A program established by ASJA that provides financial grants to professional freelance writers experiencing hardship due to illness, disability, natural disaster, or extraordinary crisis.
-ASJA: American Society of Journalists and Authors – A professional organization dedicated to supporting independent nonfiction writers.
-Freelance Writer: A self-employed writer who works for multiple clients or publications without permanent employment by any single entity.
-Traditional Publisher: Publishing companies that bear the costs of production, distribution, and marketing, as opposed to self-publishing platforms where authors pay for services.
-Permalance: A hybrid employment arrangement combining elements of both permanent employment and freelance work, typically involving regular work for a single client but without employee benefits.
-National Publications: Magazines, newspapers, or digital outlets with nationwide distribution or readership.
-Schedule C: A tax form used by self-employed individuals to report income or loss from business activities.
-Form 1040: The standard U.S. individual income tax return form.
-W-9 Form: An IRS form used to provide taxpayer identification information.