About CERF
History
CERF got its start in 1985, when founders Carol Sedestrom Ross, then president of American Craft Enterprises, and glassblower Josh Simpson (featured in the photo above) decided they wanted to tap into the inherent generosity that they had observed within the craft community. It was common practice at craft fairs for exhibitors to “pass the hat” for fellow craft artists who were dealing with emergency situations. CERF was founded in an effort to formalize and build upon this simple grassroots gesture.
CERF spent the first couple of years raising funds and began awarding loans in 1987. Since that time, the organization has helped hundreds of professional craft artists with over $1 million in financial assistance, along with approximately $250,000 in donated services such as booth fee waivers, equipment, and supplies.