About CERF
Mission and Programs
CERF’s Mission
The mission of CERF is to strengthen and sustain the careers of craft artists across the United States. CERF is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization and is the only one of its kind in the United States.
CERF Programs
CERF accomplishes its mission through direct financial and educational assistance to craft artists, including emergency relief assistance, business development support, and resources and referrals on topics such as health, safety, and insurance. CERF also advocates, engages in research, and backs policy that supports craft artists’ careers.
Emergency Relief & Recovery
CERF’s emergency relief programs provide assistance to help sustain a craft artist’s career when an emergency occurs.
CERF is:
- A bridge before more significant assistance, such as insurance payments, are made available
- A connection and guide to other sources for support
- A charitable response by a community for its community
- A first responder for professional craft artists
Emergency Readiness
CERF provides training, information, and resources to help craft artists prevent emergencies and to protect themselves and their businesses when emergencies occur. CERF is:
- A clearinghouse for risk management information and services
- A consultant on risk management to craft artists and to organizations serving craft artists
Professional Development
While CERF’s primary focus is on emergency relief and emergency prevention and protection, CERF also works to advance craft artists’ careers. CERF is:
- An information clearinghouse/internet portal for business training and development
Advocacy, Research & Policy
CERF promotes and advances issues related to emergency relief response, preparedness, and prevention for craft artists within the cultural, business, insurance, and human services sectors. Beyond its direct services to craft artists, CERF actively engages in documentation, analysis, and information dissemination about the status and needs of craft artists to public and private decision-makers at the state, regional, and national levels. CERF is:
- A recognized specialist in delivery of emergency aid to artists
- A leader in national efforts to coordinate emergency relief to all artists
- A producer/distributor of research and policy studies
- An advocate to stakeholders in the cultural, financial, and educational sectors to expand the support infrastructure for craft artists