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