The Acme Hardship Fund provides temporary financial support to people experiencing exceptional short-term financial difficulties as a result of a sudden change in circumstances.

The fund is intended to help those whose ability to work or earn an income has been affected by events such as illness or injury, making it difficult to meet their rental commitments.

About

The fund is intended to help those whose ability to work or earn an income has been affected by events such as illness or injury, making it difficult to meet their rental commitments. Acme currently contributes £12,000 annually to the fund.

Examples of support have included:

• A two-month rent-free period for someone who was unable to continue freelance work following an accident.
• A three-month rent-free period for someone recovering from a serious illness who faced additional childcare costs during treatment and recovery.

The maximum award is £1,500 or up to six months' rent, whichever is lower. Most awards provide support equivalent to one to three months' rent.

The fund is designed to help with short-term financial hardship caused by unexpected circumstances. It is not intended to support longer-term financial challenges, including ongoing loss of income, business difficulties, legal issues, or financial problems arising from personal relationship changes.

Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Factors considered may include the nature of the circumstances, financial need, payment history, and length of tenancy. For shared tenancies, only the applicant's proportion of the rent will be considered.

As funding is limited, repeat awards are uncommon, particularly where financial difficulties relate to ongoing health conditions or long-term circumstances.

Other Sources of Support

The Artists' General Benevolent Institution (AGBI) provides financial assistance to professional visual artists experiencing hardship due to illness, accident or old age. Further information is available at www.agbi.co.uk. Acme may be able to provide references in support of applications where appropriate.

Please note: The Hardship Fund has limited resources and demand may exceed available funding. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee support. Applications are considered individually and awards are subject to available funds.