The Restaurant Employee Relief Fund (“Fund”) was created to help restaurant industry employees experiencing extraordinary hardship in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Through this Fund, grants will be made to restaurant industry employees who have been impacted by COVID-19, including a decrease in wages or loss of employment. Grants will be awarded as soon as possible to those individuals who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria, as reviewed and verified by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). This Fund is operated by the NRAEF, whose mission is to attract, empower and advance today’s and tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice workers.
Get Assistance
Grants will be awarded as soon as possible to those individuals who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria, as reviewed and verified by the NRAEF. Subject to the availability of funds contributed to the Fund, a one-time grant of $500 will be disbursed directly to the applicant following NRAEF’s review and confirmation that their submitted application meets the prescribed guidelines. Awards will be limited to one grant per person. All grant approvals are at the discretion of the NRAEF.
Our Eligibility
Who Should Apply To Receive Funds?
Funds will be available for restaurant and foodservice employees who can demonstrate that they:
- Worked on a part- or full-time basis in the restaurant industry for at least 90 days in the past year; and
- Have had a primary source of income in the restaurant industry for the last year; and
- Have experienced a decrease in needed wages or loss of job on or after March 10, 2020 the result in a lack of resources to pay for essential expenses; and
- Live in the United States, an overseas U.S. military base, or any U.S. territory*; and
- Are over the age of legal majority in their U.S. state or territory; and
- Meet other requirements demonstrating financial need as determined by the NRAEF.
* Depending upon the terms of certain contributions to the Fund, certain amounts may only be available for distribution in limited geographic areas.
Individuals related to employees or board members of the National Restaurant Association or National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation ARE NOT eligible for grants. All grants are made at the discretion of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.
Your Need For Funds
One-time grants are for short-term COVID-19 related hardships in paying any of the following expenses only:
- Home rent or mortgage
- Car payments or transportation costs
- Utility bills
- Student loan payments
- Child care
- Groceries
- Medical bills
To learn more about how to apply for this grant, visit The National Restaurant Association here.
If you are a restaurant owner and need help with other business funding options call us today at 800-791-0430 or apply for business funding here.
