COVID-19 Staff Resources

This page was last updated in December 2022.

As the pandemic has had a lasting effect on our staff, museums must continue to operate with empathy and care for their well-being. This section contains information on meeting museums’ internal challenges in the continued COVID-19 crisis, such as Financial and Mental Health Resources.

Financial

This section is designed to connect small museum administrators and museum professionals with resources that may assist in applying for federal financial assistance, or identifying alternative funding sources for COVID-19 relief.

Financial Resources for Museums

• Mid-Atlantic Museums – Emergency Funding Sources
  A compilation of federal and state resources for museums, largely focused on the mid-Atlantic region of the United States.
• American Association of Museums – Finding Financial Relief and Support
  Data on federal and independent funding opportunities, along with information for individual museum employees.
• U.S. Treasury – CARES Act Funding
  Information on federal funding available for private non-profit organizations with fewer than 500 employees.
• Giving Compass – Coronavirus and COVID-19 Response and Relief Funds
  A database of over 600 funding sources compiled by Giving Compass and the National Center for Family Philanthropy–many specifically geared towards COVID-19 relief for nonprofits. 

Financial Resources for Museum Employees

• CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) – Unemployment Benefits Finder (by state)
  A tool to determine what unemployment benefits may be available to you by state and how to apply for them.
• U.S. Department of Labor – How Do I File for Unemployment Insurance?
  A how-to guide explaining the intricacies of unemployment benefit programs containing information on eligibility and application processes.
• Museum Workers Speak – Museum Workers’ Relief Fund
  A mutual aid fund for museum workers.

Mental Health

Returning to the Office

• Gensler Research and Insight on Transitioning Back to Work in a Post-COVID-19 World
  10 considerations for returning to a work environment after a long period of working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• California Department of Industrial Relations Updated Suggestions on Isolation and Quarantine for Boosted Employees
  See how other fields are handling changing their policies so you can be confident in your decisions for yourself and your staff. 
• Mayo Clinic – Work-life balance: Tips to Reclaim Control
  Strategies for dealing with work-life balance during a pandemic when working from home and at the office.

Mental Health Resources

• Center for Disease Control – Coping with Stress
  Strategies for coping with stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic with many links to outside resources.
• Healthline – 6 Long-term Strategies for Coping with Anxiety
  Resources and tips for coping with anxiety.