Last week, Governor Raimondo announced a $100 million effort to support some of the businesses impacted by the current Pause. One of the two programs, offered through the RI Department of Taxation, explicitly includes some arts businesses and nonprofits. The deadline to apply is December 11, and if you have questions after reviewing available information, you can contact Mollie at mollie.flanagan@arts.ri.gov, and/or the Department of Taxation at tax.excise@tax.ri.gov.
Eligible businesses, which include sole proprietors and nonprofits, are: “Indoor entertainment establishment (e.g. movie theater, comedy club, performing arts venue/organization);” “Fitness instruction center (e.g. aerobics, dance, yoga, karate, etc.);” and “Event Support Professionals impacted by the Pause whose primary source of income (more than 50%) is event-related, including only photographers, videographers, florists, limo services, event planners, event rentals, performers, convention and trade show organizers, hair and make-up professionals”.
Eligibility requirements include: being registered as a business or nonprofit with the state of RI; filing tax returns with the state of RI; being currently open or only temporarily closed due to the pause; and being able to show proof of the impact of The Pause.
Note that, although asked for in the application, you are eligible if you do not have a sales tax permit. Additionally, indoor recreation and entertainment establishments, which includes performing arts venues/organizations, can use gross receipts instead of sales tax information on the application.
Rhode Island on Pause Grant Eligibility and Requirements
Rhode Island on Pause Grant Application Link
Rhode Island on Pause Grant Application Preview (PDF): note that this is the full application, with all possible questions. As you are filling out the application, depending on your responses to some questions you may not be asked all of the questions in this PDF preview.