The creative economy has launched thousands of artisans, crafters and makers into the world of entrepreneurship. Arts Wisconsin fosters this vital connection between the arts and the economy through community-based cultural development and resources for artists throughout the state.

When the organization’s membership and grant funding streams dried up during the COVID-19 pandemic, executive director Anne Katz worried most about making payroll to support the organization’s mission, vision and purpose, including a full-time staff member and contractors, interns and part-time staff employed during the economic downturn.

With Arts Wisconsin’s in-person advocacy work on hold, Katz sought a PPP loan from CRF in order to make payroll and ensure the 30-year-old organization could survive at a time when creative entrepreneurs needed its advocacy the most.

Through a referral from IFF, Katz applied for a PPP loan and got approval by the end of the same week. With the loan in hand for paying staff salary, the organization can re-focus its efforts on rebuilding its donor base and continue to stay involved in the creative communities it serves.