We Did It — The Thrive Fund Is Here!

It's no longer just an idea; it's real, it's here, and ready to help.

With your help—and the incredible support of donors like Tito’s Handmade Vodka through their Love, Tito’s initiative, and Brandon Johnson, a former local artist now thriving in LA—we’ve raised enough money to officially launch the Thrive Fund!

This is more than a milestone for Black Artist Forward. For me personally, as your president, it’s a triumph born out of a vision: that artists in our community deserve support not only for their art, but for their lives.

Here in Cumberland County, there are fantastic programs offering project grants and residencies. But one truth became painfully clear—there’s very little support for simply staying afloat. Artists, like nonprofits, need operational support. And the reality is sobering: with artists nationwide earning an average of just $25,000 a year, many are only one bill away from crisis.

The Thrive Fund is our answer. We’re not just offering “quick cash”—we’re offering a lifeline. Emergency microgrants will help artists cover essentials like rent, food, and utilities, while also pairing that support with financial education so artists don’t find themselves in the same situation again.

How to Apply

If you’re a member of Black Artist Forward (membership is always free), you can apply online at www.blackartist.com/thrivefund.

• Applications are private and simple—designed to get you the help you need without unnecessary barriers.

• Payouts are made on the last Monday of every month. If you apply that day, you’ll be added to the next month’s round. If your needs are immediate, we’ll direct you to additional emergency resources for utilities, shelters, and groceries.

  
  

How You Can Help Sustain the Fund

This fund exists because of community love—and we need that love to keep it alive. A donation of just $10 can make a direct difference for a Black artist in crisis.

Want to celebrate and support in person? Join us for our first annual fundraising dinner on September 4th at Dirty Whiskey: The Reverie. It’s going to be an unforgettable evening of food, music, and community.

Together, we’re making sure Black artists in Cumberland County don’t just create—they thrive.