UPDATED 8/11/20
Hello to our NYC Plugged Community!
As our day to day lives continue to change within the city, we will be sharing helpful resources and updates that may be of assistance during this difficult and uncertain time for many.
If you would like to recommend anything in support of our restaurants, bars, and makers, regarding funding or food assistance, or mental and physical health, please send them our way. Anything that you would like to share, tag us on social media or email us at contact@nycplugged.com. Many of the organizations mentioned below are also taking donations in various forms (monetary donations, food donations, and volunteers)!
Remember to stay safe, strong, and kind in mind, body, and spirit, and to support one another. We are New York City, a city like no other! ????
Stay up-to-date through our NYC Plugged Calendar which has virtual events.
Contents:
?Home Tips/Mental and Physical Health (Virtual- Wellness, Music, Art, Film/TV, Books/Magazines)
?Funding/Finances/Food Assistance (Hospitality, Small Business, Individuals, and Healthcare Workers)
?How to Support You Local Restaurants, Bars and Makers
?Citywide and Nationwide Updates
Home Tips/ Mental and Physical Health
Home Tips/ Mental and Physical Health
10 Ways to Work From Home (WFH) Like a Boss
Working from home can either be a godsend or a curse. Warding off distractions and staying motivated can hinder your true WFH potential. Scroll down for creative ways to stay on track, and fight off the urge to procrastinate.
20 Things to Keep You Busy While Being Socially Distant
While we are all socially distancing ourselves from the outside world – it doesn’t just have to be about binge-watching endless amounts of Netflix. This list breaks down 20 things you can do, to make your time spent indoors productive.
Perfect These Simple and Fun Recipes Using Items From Your Pantry
Still wondering how you ate most of your quarantine food in the first week? Get down and a (little) dirty with recipe recommendations you can pull off, utilizing simple pantry ingredients. Here’s to becoming the skilled home cook you were always meant to be!
Keeping it Flawless: The DO’s and DONT’s of at Home Skincare
Now that we’re in the nitty-gritty of quarantine life, you might (like me) be questioning how to maintain your hair, skin, and nails, as you did only a few short weeks ago. All this added free time, may have you wanting to experiment, especially when it comes to your skin. Unsure of what you should or shouldn’t be doing? Well, you’re in luck!
7 Aesthetically Pleasing Coffee Drinks You Can Make at Home
One viral video that has become a trend is centered around a special whipped coffee drink, which for some clarity, has 1.2 billion (#whippedcoffee) uses on TikTok. One reason behind its popularity might have to do with it being a neat cafe-quality drink, you can make right from the comfort of your kitchen.
9 Movies Which Depict New York City’s Quintessential Identities
We’ve decided to bring you a list of films that have New York City roots, paying homage to notable New Yorkers and their call to fame. Grab some microwave popcorn, a bottle of wine from your stash, and tune into a few of these worthy features.
Take a Vacation From Your Living Room With These Cocktails From Around the World
If you’re looking for some fun-alternate ways to travel (through your beverage), featuring cocktails from cities and countries around the world. We have more reason and time to get creative at home, and possibly pick up a new skill. If that means becoming our own bartender, so be it.
Adorable Instagram Pets You Will Want to Have on Your Feed
Adorable IG pets are more in than ever ATM. We have compiled a list of my personal favorites on Instagram, and exactly why we think you should follow them too!
Let’s Get Virtual! 7 Tips to Make Your Next Get-Together a Success
If you have yet to team up with friends or family for some digital bonding, we’ve put together a list of tips and alternatives for when you do. Tech is supposed to make things easier, but that’s not always the case, so the more you can curate your experience, the better. Read on below for some hacks on perfecting your next virtual hangout!
“I Take My Coffee…”, Our Bean Hoppers Coffee Experience
Do you often drink coffee, but dislike its bitter taste? For the past 2 months, while at home some of us have brought out our inner Home Chef and DIY Skills. If you’ve gotten on the whipped coffee trend or just love a Cup of Joe to keep you going, it’s probably time for something your taste buds would love you for. After learning about Bean Hoppers Coffee, and how they process their coffee beans, we decided to give them a try!
5 Home Cleaning Brands to Try, With the Environment and Your Health in Mind
Now, more than ever, the search for cleaning products to keep our homes clean is paramount. There are however, many products on the market full of toxic ingredients and chemicals that are just too hard to pronounce. We did the hard work for you, and scoured the net for a list of small businesses, that have addressed this problem, Creating products that not only look good, but are also good for Mother Earth, and your health.
Fashionable Reusable Face Masks and Where to Get Them
Face masks have become the fashion statement of 2020, required (and the right thing to do!) in most public settings, they are encouraged by the CDC as an additional step to help slow the spread of COVID-19 (when combined with preventative actions). When it was officially green-lit back in April that cloth face masks can do the job as well, many brands and designers here in the US, have adapted and created their own collections.
Black Lives Matter: Take a Stand Against Racial Injustice and Support Black-Owned Businesses
Hey, y’all. We’ve shared this across our socials and newsletter, but it’s also important to us that it lives here, as we come across additional information and resources, and as a note on where we stand. We’re usually here to bring you fun and exciting experiences to take part in, in this one of a kind city of ours (which we love doing!), but this past weekend was a hard one for a lot of us…scratch that, it’s been hard for a very long time…too long.
NYC Parks
Many NYC Parks remain open. If you need to, go for a quick stroll and get some fresh air! While taking precautions and practicing social distancing of course.
How to Stay Safe at Home Amidst the Coronavirus (Kitchen Edition)
Useful tips from Jhack Sepúlveda from Eat Good Community, on what you can do to stay safe at home. Jhack is a Food and Nutrition Consultant with 12 years of specialized experience in the food industries Food Safety and Quality Assurance.
The Outdoors
The Outdoors
NYC Parks
Many NYC Parks remain open. If you need to, go for a quick stroll and get some fresh air! While taking precautions and practicing social distancing of course.
All You Need Is a Good Dose of Vitamin Sea: Beaches in and Near NYC to Visit This Summer!
With summer officially here, there is nothing more relaxing than a day at the beach! Restrictions on swimming at NYC beaches were lifted this week, so why not do your summer right and take a dip, or soak up the sun, with the proper precautions of course.
Good for the Mind, Body, and Soul: The Best NYC Parks to Visit in Every Borough
For most of us, being indoors for the last few months has not been easy, but now that the weather has been warming up, the sun and fresh air is all the more inviting. Nature and the outdoors are not only beneficial for our physical health but our mental health as well. Something we all need to keep in check, with a pandemic and its effects to think about. As the city’s lockdown measures are beginning to ease, and people are flocking outdoors, we’ve put together a list of some NYC parks you can visit in each borough. So throw on your walking shoes, get that bike out of storage, and take get ready to all those feel-good rays (safely, of course)!
Let’s Get Virtual! (Wellness)
Let’s Get Virtual! (Wellness)
Uncovermore’s list of At Home Fitness Workouts
As much as I love working out in the studio, I am personally limiting my time (traveling to studios, train time, etc..) for in-person workouts
NYC Well
NYC Well is your connection to free, confidential mental health support. Speak to a counselor via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services, in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365. They also offer resources for apps, services, and tips!
Hims Free Online Therapy
Our mental health deserves as much care as our physical health. That’s why we’re making it easier than ever to access therapy and support—all from your home.
Inner Essentials Meditations
Limitless Health Institute’s Inner Essentials is a series of powerful meditations that will strengthen everyone’s wellness during this worldwide COVID-19 health crisis. The series offers classic meditations and time-tested techniques, presented in an innovative way to help all people take care of the inner essentials of life.
You are invited to use the tools in these free recordings, courtesy of Limitless Health Institute, a not-for-profit that provides free services helping people to help people have ultimate health and happiness in their lives.
Free Year of Headspace Plus For the Unemployed
During this crisis, our mental health is suffering. Headspace is here to give you the tools and resources to look after your mind. And now, more than ever, it’s time to support those who really need it. If you’re unemployed, you can get a free year of Headspace Plus to help you get back on your feet.
Brooklyn Botanical Garden ‘Yoga in the Garden’
Connect with nature, yourself, and your practice during these special wellness sessions with returning yoga instructor Sarah Schumann. Experience the beauty and tranquility of the Garden from the comfort of your own home with a peek at favorite spring collections offered by members of our Horticulture team.
Let’s Get Virtual! (Entertainment)
Let’s Get Virtual! (Entertainment)
Billboard.com’s List of Live Streams & Virtual Concerts
As the nation adjusts to the new reality of life under self-quarantine amid the coronavirus pandemic, several artists and musical institutions are taking the show online to share some musical joy during these trying times.
Playbill’s 15 Broadway Plays and Musicals You Can Watch On Stage From Home
From Newsies to Sweeney Todd, Playbill is running down some of the best filmed Broadway shows—and where to find them. While it used to be a rare treat when a Broadway show was filmed live on stage, it’s becoming more and more common today—great news for Broadway fans. Now, if you can’t make it to New York City or just want to see a show you may have missed, there’s an ever-growing list of productions available to watch wherever you are.
Broadway HD
Stream Your Favorite Broadway Hits! Anytime, Anywhere! You can start with a 7-day free trial or $9/month plan.
NY Phil Plays On
Welcome to NY Phil Plays On, a new portal for free digital content to provide comfort and connection to millions of classical music fans worldwide. Many more hours of digital content, including performance footage both past and new, will be released.
Playbill’s Stars in the House
Want to get up close and personal with your favorite Broadway Stars? The series, which launched with Tony winner Kelli O’Hara and featured four-time Tony nominee Judy Kuhn, promotes support for The Actors Fund and its services in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
NYPL ‘SimplyE’ Library E-Reader App
The Library is a critical resource for New Yorkers of all ages, which is why NYPL has taken steps to expand access to their online offerings while their branches are temporarily closed. Apply for a library card through SimplyE to gain access to an array of digital resources, including e-books and audiobooks, as well as databases available from home during their period of closure.
HERE@HOME
HERE invites you to join them virtually, for laughs, poems, photos, songs, and other uplifting musings for these unprecedented times. They’ll be sharing from their HARP artists and Alum, HEREart artists, HERE staff, and their community (you!). Join them weekly on Wednesday evenings for HERE@HOME watch parties of full-length productions, and on Friday afternoons for #stillHERE Livestreams from their artist community!
The Shows Must Go On!
Welcome to The Shows Must Go On the channel bringing you show tunes, backstage access, and full performances from some of the best-loved musicals in history! Featuring melodic moments, show-stopping solos, and high notes for the history books.
Ailey All-Access
For the moment, you can’t see the Ailey dancers perform in a theater, so Ailey wanted to make sure you can still find comfort and joy in the beauty of dance by virtually connecting with their performances. For a limited time, they are thrilled to share videos of the Company performing on stage.
Experience Coney Island Iconic Rides in 360
Miss the thrills? Enjoy Luna Park in Coney Island’s classic coasters from the comfort of home (or wherever you are) with these interactive 360 virtual reality rides. Don’t be shy, click the screen and look around – these videos are fully interactive. For those who have Virtual Reality headsets, these 360 videos are VR headset compatible. So, turn up the volume and experience the thrill of Luna Park in Coney Island, virtually!
The Shed: Up Close
Up Close invites a series of artists and creative thinkers within the Shed family and beyond to contribute new artworks, discussions, playlists, and more, exploring what it means to think about the world and make art right now.
These digital commissions aim to continue to connect audiences and artists, building on our beliefs that access to art and culture is a right and not a privilege and that artists’ voices are essential in helping us cope with, process, and understand the immediacy of what we experience individually, in our communities, and as a society.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Art in the Garden
While the Garden remains closed, BBG is sharing special performances by artists whose work connects plants, people, and the planet. In a time when we cannot gather together in the Garden, they are grateful to bring the voices and work of these artists to you virtually. Each performance will premiere live on BBG’s Facebook page, and afterward, remain available on their website and on Facebook to enjoy and share for five days. After the event closes, Garden members will continue to have access.
MoCADA Digital
MoCADA Digital delivers art and social justice news about and from the African diaspora. Explore virtual galleries, exclusive museum notes, films, podcasts, playlists, workshop recordings, and more right here.
Let’s Get Virtual! (Art)
Let’s Get Virtual! (Art)
The Met 360° Project
This award-winning series of six short videos invite viewers around the world to virtually visit The Met’s art and architecture in a fresh, immersive way. Created using spherical 360° technology, it allows viewers to explore some of the Museum’s iconic spaces as never before.
Getty Museum’s Twitter Challenge
Getty Museum is challenging you to recreate a work of art with objects (and people) in your home. Want to take part? First place medal Choose your favorite artwork. Second place medal Find three things lying around your house. Third place medal Recreate the artwork with those items. And share it with them!
Free Online Courses with MoMA
Immerse yourself in ideas and see your world in new ways through art. In MoMA’s free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on Coursera, you will hear directly from artists and designers, look closely at works in our collection and exhibitions, and join a community of learners unlike any other. Enroll any time and complete the course at your own pace.
Brit & Co. All-Access Pass
Brit + Co is a media company that inspires, educates, and entertains real women with a creative spirit. Through their content, online classes, and products. Access all 120+ online classes for $10/month!
NYBG at Home
During challenging times, the power of plants connects people and provides inspiration more than ever. While the Garden’s gates may be closed temporarily, NYBG’s virtual gates are wide open. They invite their NYBG community near and far to stay connected through their collections’ vast digital resources, creative educational programs, and many other online offerings. As spring unfolds, they will bring you the brightness and color of the season, a reminder of how the natural world brings us joy. Kicking off with a Facebook Watch Party video tour of The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham’s Kaleidoscope on Wednesday, March 25, at 12 p.m. EDT.
Fotografiska New York ‘The Foto Sessions’
Fotografiska New York is introducing The Foto Sessions as a way to bring our museum to you while you’re at home. In this online destination, they’ll be hosting artists talks, posting virtual galleries, and telling stories that bring you deep into the imaginations of our photographers. Releasing new content each week, featuring exclusives with some of the world’s most admired artists. Fotographers (in) Focus will be sharing new photography and interviews.
The Other Art Fair Brooklyn
Discover and buy from 130 of the best emerging and independent artists from across the world. The Other Art Fair Brooklyn – delivered to you.
New Victory Arts Break
Explore the arts at home! New Victory Arts Break offers ideas for teachers and families to incorporate performing arts into their online learning. Each week will focus on a different art form with a series of free activities for kids guided by New Victory Teaching Artists.
Virtual Wave Hill
Whether you are near or far, connect to Wave Hill through virtual media—behind-the-scenes guided walks, programs for teachers and families to explore, music, wellness, virtual tours of artwork in our galleries and more.
Small Business Innovation in NYC: Superfine!
If you have at least one foot into the art scene, you have been to a Superfine! Art Fair, one of the leading fairs in the country. If you haven’t, we’re gonna break down why it benefits not only you as a prospective buyer or collector but also the talented artists being displayed. With COVID-19 making its entrance into NYC right in the middle of the art season, it has impacted its world in different ways, read on below on how Superfine! has adapted.
MoMa Virtual Views
We’re bringing our galleries to you with Virtual Views. You’ll find exclusive access to Donald Judd’s revolutionary sculptures, Dorothea Lange’s powerful photographs, intimate home movies, and more. Every weekend, we’ll take you inside an exhibition or a favorite artwork from the collection through video stories and curator Q&As, as well as audio playlists and feature articles.
New Museum Now
See the latest digital initiatives, art programs, online exhibition tours, talk and so much more from New Museum.
Parks@Home
You can enjoy NYC parks from home! While you’re socially distancing and/or staying home, join us in the parks — online. Join us for live park tours, meditation, fitness, art classes, fun activities for kids, and more!
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Videos
Watch videos from BBG’s Gardens and Collections. Stroll through the Japanese Garden in bloom, enjoy performance highlights from past Sakura Matsuri festivals, or visit the Rose Garden.
Central Park Conservancy Virtual Weekly Walks
Central Park has proven to be an invaluable resource for New Yorkers during this challenging time. Its 843 acres are a sanctuary in which to relax and enjoy the fresh air. However, we at the Central Park Conservancy know there are millions of people who can’t access the Park during this time of social distancing — so they’re bringing its sweeping views and stunning vistas, sublime natural wonders, and thriving wildlife to you.
These 15-minute virtual insights into Central Park will showcase some of the flowers and trees currently in bloom, share Park history, and give you the mid-week recharge that we all so desperately need.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Online Classes and Workshops
With dozens of classes to choose from, now is the time to follow your curiosity. Whether you’re a creative kid, horticulturist hopeful, or community gardener, BBG offers fresh ways to explore the natural world with an exciting array of topics.
Art on View: Galleries and Outdoor Spaces Re-Opening in NYC
What you might not have known, is that included in Phase 2 Reopening Plans were the city’s art galleries, and even though many have not reopened to the public at this time, a few have within the last two weeks. Rather be outdoors? a few green spaces have or will reopen as well! If you do choose to venture out, waiting for you will be new COVID-19 precautions put in place to keep visitors and staff safe. This includes mandatory face coverings, social distancing floor markers, and hand sanitizer for all. This being said, we have created a listing of opportunities and current exhibitions, viewing art how we’ve known it to be, in a gallery, or the great outdoors. Now, onto the art!
Snug Harbor at Home
The best of Snug Harbor right to your home! If you can’t visit right now, you can still learn what’s blooming in their gardens, see dynamic art from the Newhouse Center, and learn what is growing at the Heritage Farm through this new series of videos and live events.
Museum of the City of New York Unlimted
Head uptown, downtown, and throughout the five boroughs with online exhibitions, digitized collection objects, live streams, recorded videos, and more digital content that showcases what makes New York New York.
The Museum of the City of New York has been telling stories for nearly one hundred years. Join them as they celebrate, document, and interpret New York’s past, present, and future during one of the most challenging times in our city’s history.
SCOPE Immersive Online Viewing Room
SCOPE Immersive | Online Viewing Room is an online sales initiative designed to connect SCOPE galleries and artists with new collectors. These invitational, survey, and thematic online events will present our collectors with the opportunity to explore and purchase artworks from SCOPE exhibitors remotely in a curated digital and interactive space.
Presented each month, starting with a curated eight (8) gallery show beginning May 22th and continuing through December in celebration of their 20th anniversary edition of SCOPEMiami Beach.
Superfine! NYC E-Fair
Three distinct NYC art fairs: (Wo)man (work by all-female artists!), Myth (amazing surrealism art for sale!), and Magick (LGBTQ+ and gay art for sale) – brought to you in one easy-to-use, interactive online gallery. Meet and buy art directly from 100+ artists in NYC and around the globe.
Maybe you’re asking yourself how to start an art collection on a budget, maybe you’re trying to find out where to buy art in NYC (or wherever you live – our artists can ship to you easily!). Whatever the case may be, the Superfine! E-Fair has you covered! Their artists have everything from paintings to sculpture to photography for sale, and you’ll buy art directly from artists – it’s a win-win.
Let’s Get Virtual! (Film/TV)
Let’s Get Virtual! (Film/TV)
Tribeca Talks at Home
This year, you’re getting a front-row seat to Tribeca’s signature Tribeca Talks presented by AT&T — because they’re bringing all the conversations into your home! Join them exclusively on Facebook for a series of intimate, festival-style Q&As with the creators and stars behind movies and TV shows you’re loving right now — and the ones you’ll be binge-watching in the future.
Watch HBO for FreeWatch some of HBO’s most beloved shows and documentaries, plus a selection of movies — entirely for free. Just head to HBO GO or HBO NOW or On-Demand to watch every episode of series like The Sopranos, Veep and The Wire along with documentaries including McMillion$ and I Love You, Now Die and movies like Crazy. Stupid. Love. and Blinded by the Light, no subscription required.
MoMA Virtual Views: Home Movies
Watch nine films from MoMA’s Private Lives Public Spaces exhibition, with commentary from the curators.
Free Streaming Services
Here’s a (fairly) comprehensive list to all the free content you can binge right now, plus the best free trials.
Are Drive-in Theaters Making a Comeback? Here’s Where They’ll Be In and Near NYC This Summer!
The times have certainly changed, but as much as this craziness has forced us to adapt, it’s also made us appreciate things we’ve long forgotten. Sweats have taken on a new meaning, relationships might have more than its usual ups and downs, and we long for activities we haven’t done in months.
It’s also no secret that we are all jonesing for an excuse to leave our houses and apartments, while also continuing to practice social distancing, mitigating the spread of this pandemic. So, what exactly am I getting at? Enter the Drive-in Theater—or should I say, re-enter?
Metrograph Screenings
New Live Screenings with Introductions. Select films will be available for an extended period following their initial Live Screening. Membership needed to watch films ($5/month or $50/year) 7 Day free trial available.
Film Forum
Film Forum has partnered with theatrical distributors to present a virtual cinema of recent Film Forum releases. Browse their repertory and premieres titles. Please note: all Virtual Cinema rentals are provided by third-party streaming services. You may be required to create and use a new account for each service. Price, rental periods, and streaming capabilities vary per title.
Funding/ Finances/ Food Assistance (Hospitality)
Funding/ Finances/ Food Assistance (Hospitality)
The NYC Hospitality Alliance
Work in Hospitality? Lots of industry-specific resources and information can be accessed through The NYC Hospitality Alliance. There’s also a support Facebook Group!
USBG National Charity Foundation Bartender Emergency Assistance ProgramTo qualify for grant assistance from the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program, the recipient must: Be a bartender or the spouse or child of a Bartender, experience a catastrophic event or emergency hardship, lack the necessities of life, a result of the catastrophic event or emergency hardship, and provide tangible documentation. If you can, you can donate to SipScience GoFundMe, where all proceeds go to USBG National Charity Foundation.
Broadway Cares Fundraising Campaign for COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has launched an online fundraising campaign to create the COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund, which will be administered by The Actors Fund. The new fund will assist those in the entertainment community, onstage and behind the scenes, who are facing healthcare crises and other needs in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Broadway Cares has seeded the fund with an initial $250,000 and is asking supporters to donate to the online campaign to reach a goal of $1 million by April 12th.
COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources
This list is specifically designed to serve freelance artists, and those interested in supporting the independent artist community. This includes, but is not limited to, actors, designers, producers, technicians, stage managers, musicians, composers, choreographers, visual artists, filmmakers, craft artists, teaching artists, dancers, writers & playwrights, photographers, etc. If you can, you can donate to the NYC Low-Income Artist/Freelancer Relief Fund, they are raising money to support other artists and freelancers who are taking financial hits as a result of closures and lost income from Covid-19.
Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation COVID19 Crisis Relief Fund
Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation is an advocacy and action nonprofit created by and for restaurant workers, a community dedicated to making the restaurant industry more hospitable to everyone.
Re-think Restaurant Response Program
Rethink has set up a Restaurant Response Program to assist with food needs and access during times of crisis. If you are an NYC based restaurant – you are eligible for the program.
One Fair Wage Emergency Coronavirus Tipped and Service Worker Support Fund
One Fair Wage is providing cash assistance to restaurant workers, car service drivers, delivery workers, personal service workers and more who need the money they aren’t getting to survive.
Another Round Another Rally
Another Round Another Rally is offering $500 relief grants for hospitality workers who lost their jobs or had their hours slashed in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Applies if you are a chef, server, bartender, dishwasher, sommelier, manager or someone who holds any other type of hospitality role.
Emergency Relief Fund to Save NYC Nightlife Cultural Spaces
A consortium of advocates have come together to form NYC Nightlife United a new emergency fund that aims to provide immediate relief to preserve the NYC Nightlife Ecosystem during the COVID-19 crisis.
Hennessy’s Unfinished Business Program
A new program by Hennessy that provides immediate relief and long-term support to Black, Asian, and Latinx small-business owners. The grant can be used for Payroll Expenses, Operating Expenses (Insurance, etc.), Rent, Mortgage, Payments, or Utilities.
Funding/ Finances/ Food Assistance (Small Business)
Funding/ Finances/ Food Assistance (Small Business)
NYC Financial Assistance for Businesses
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on March 8th that the City will provide relief for small businesses across the City seeing a reduction in revenue because of COVID-19. Businesses with fewer than 100 employees who have seen sales decreases of 25% or more will be eligible for zero-interest loans of up to $75,000 to help mitigate losses in profit.
The City is also offering small businesses with fewer than 5 employees a grant to cover 40% of payroll costs for two months to help retain employees.
Facebook Small Business Grants Program
Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where they operate. They will share more details as they become available.
U.S. Small Business Administration Coronavirus Relief Options
On Friday, March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the CARES Act, which contains $376 billion in relief for American workers and small businesses. In addition to traditional SBA funding programs, the CARES Act established several new temporary programs to address the COVID-19 outbreak: Paycheck Protection Program, EIDL Loan Advance, SBA Express Bridge Loans, SBA Debt Relief.
GoFundMe Small Business Relief Fund
The GoFundMe.org Small Business Relief Fund will provide micro-grants to qualifying small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Small Business Relief Fund is part of the Small Business Relief Initiative: a program supported by GoFundMe, Yelp, and Intuit QuickBooks. The Small Business Relief Initiative will supply financial assistance and support to businesses across the country by providing grants, tools, and resources to help during the crisis.
Free & Discounted Tech Tools
Some companies are offering technology tools at a discount that may help you in running your small business and staying connected to your remote team during this time.
COVID-19 Free Software Assistance Programs
In an effort to help impacted businesses, there are many companies offering assistance in the form of free services, software, cash grants, and remote work support. Relief programs and COVID-19 responses from companies that want to help in any way they can.
Downtown Alliance Small Business Rental Assistance Grant
To help confront the massive impacts of COVID-19 pandemic, the Downtown Alliance is providing rental assistance grants of $10,000 each to help offset monthly rental costs for 80 small businesses that are currently providing “essential services” as was defined by the State of New York on March 22, 2020. This grant is made possible by contributions from the Downtown Alliance along with neighborhood partners Brookfield Properties, Silverstein Properties, and The Howard Hughes Corporation.
New York Forward Loan Fund
New York Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF) is a new economic recovery loan program aimed at supporting New York State small businesses, nonprofits and small landlords as they reopen after the COVID-19 outbreak and NYS on PAUSE. These loans are available to small businesses, nonprofits, and small landlords that did not receive a loan from either the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for COVID-19 in 2020.
Bring Back Brooklyn Fund
The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce created the Bring Back Brooklyn Fund in response to COVID-19 when they saw how many of their local businesses were being shut out of government loans. Through our CDFI, Brooklyn Alliance Capital (BAC), they will provide no-interest, recovery loans of $500 – $30,000 to help local small businesses recover from COVID-19.
Salesforce Care Small Business Grants
As part of Salesforce’s commitment to small businesses and giving back to the community, Salesforce is partnering with Ureeka to offer eligible small businesses the opportunity to receive a $10,000 grant to help them through the COVID-19 outbreak.
Funding/ Finances/ Food Assistance (Individuals)
Funding/ Finances/ Food Assistance (Individuals)
NYC Human Resources Administration Food Assitance
Get NYC Food Assistance via Food Pantries/Community Kitchens, or SNAP.
NY State of Health Health Insurance
New Yorkers without health insurance can apply through NY State of Health through August 15th, 2020; must apply within 60 days of losing coverage.
Unemployment Insurance Benefits
You can apply for unemployment insurance if you have lost your job through no fault of your own. On March 27, 2020, a law was signed that provides additional Unemployment Insurance (“UI”) assistance to workers impacted by COVID-19. New York State is also waiving the 7-Day waiting period for unemployment insurance benefits for people who are totally or partially unemployed due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines.
On Friday, April 10th, the Department of Labor (DOL) implemented a new filing system. If you have already filed partial claims under the old system and were told to call the call center to finish the application, the DOL will call you directly instead.
Free Home Delivered Meals for Seniors
NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA) is making it possible for seniors to have meals delivered to their homes. Direct delivery includes a five-meal package delivered to each older adult every week. Because of this direct home delivery, Grab-and-Go meals will no longer be offered at the centers.
Seniors can receive meal delivery by connecting with their local senior center or calling DFTA’s Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) or call 311.
Food Education Fund Food Hub NYC list of Restaurants Donating Food (MAP)
The Food Education Fund is a nonprofit that prepares and empowers culinary public HS Students in NYC. They are working with their partners to share resources on available food sources for families and share general resources, like this list of restaurants donating food.
Food Relief Organizations
Get Help Finding Food, Donate Food or Funds if you can to Soup Kitchens and Food Pantries. Organizations include City Harvest, Food Bank for New York City, No Kid Hungry, Feeding America.
Invisible Hands Food Delivery
Safe, free deliveries for NYC’s most at-risk community members facing COVID-19. Invisible Hands is a group of engaged volunteers working to bring groceries and supplies to the elderly and immunocompromised, but are available to help anyone in need.
Meals on Wheels America
Vulnerable seniors are at the greatest risk amid COVID-19. Local Meals on Wheels programs are on the front lines every day, focused on doing all they can to keep older Americans safe and nourished in communities across the country. If you can, you can donate to the Meals on Wheels COVID-19 Response Fund!
Comcast and Spectrum are offering free Internet for Families
New customers to Comcast will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. Applicants can visit www.internetessentials.com. The website includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Language. There are also two dedicated phone numbers 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish. More on that here (scroll down to internet essentials)!
Charter Communications will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students, which do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription. To enroll in Charter’s free-broadband program, call 1-844- 488-8395. Installation fees for new student households will also be waived. For eligible low-income households without school-age children, Charter has its Spectrum Internet Assist, a low-cost broadband program.
*** Customers who sign up for these free services will automatically be billed for using internet access after the first 60 days, unless you call to cancel the service.
Additional Low-Income Internet Options
F.A.Q. on Stimulus Checks, Unemployment and the Coronavirus Plan
The New York Times breaks down the bipartisan $2 trillion economic relief plan signed by President Trump to offer assistance to tens of millions of American households affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Its components include stimulus payments to individuals, expanded unemployment coverage, student loan changes, different retirement account rules and more.
NYC Renter Questions Answered
What NYC renters need to know during the coronavirus pandemic. Still, there are many uncertainties for renters during this time—Curbed New York has answers to some of the most pressing questions tenants have right now.
ConEdison Coronavirus Updates
Customers won’t lose power now because you’re having trouble making ConEdison payments. This means your service will not be shut off for non-payment, ConEdison is waiving new late-payment fees, there will be no fees for making payments with credit cards or debit cards, and most customers can arrange for payment extensions and agreements.
Recovered From COVID-19? Donate Your Plasma
While COVID has no proven treatment, it is possible that plasma taken from those who have recovered (convalescent plasma), which has antibodies against the virus, could help. Must meet the following criteria: Lab confirmed positive test for COVID-19, your symptoms have been gone for 14 days, and you are willing to donate plasma.
World Kitchen #ChefsForAmerica
WCK is working across America to safely distribute individually packaged, fresh meals in communities that need support – for children and families to pick up and take home, as well as delivery to seniors who cannot venture outside. Active in dozens of cities providing over 250,000 fresh meals every day, WCK is also activating restaurants to help meet this demand by providing jobs for their staff and meals for those in need. #ChefsForAmerica is making a key connection between people who need meals and restaurant workers and drivers who need to earn a living. Also, check out their Restaurants for the People initiative.
COVID-19 Testing
The COVID-19 diagnostic test is safe, free, and easy. A nasal swab, oral swab, or saliva sample may be used. Most results are returned in about 48 hours and your test results are confidential. You do NOT need insurance to get a diagnostic test. There are hundreds of convenient testing sites across the city, in addition to mobile testing units visiting boroughs. There’s also, Antibody Testing, which will be opening in July.
Help or Get Help
During these uncertain times when New Yorkers are in lockdown due to COVID-19, many of us are looking for help or ways to help. Finding these resources and opportunities can be overwhelming, so we made this site to provide you with an easy way to discover these opportunities. This platform was created to help facilitate connections, linking opportunities to give with opportunities to receive. This platform is designed to make the helping ecosystem move a little more smoothly. By connecting each of us to small and actionable ways we can give and receive to and from each other, we can strengthen our community during this unpredictable time.
COVID Rent Relief Program
The COVID Rent Relief Program will provide eligible households with a one-time rental subsidy that will be sent directly to the household’s landlord. Applicants will not need to repay this assistance. The COVID Rent Relief Program is not first-come, first-served. Applications will be accepted throughout the two-week application period (July 16th-30th, 2020). HCR will prioritize eligible households with “greatest economic and social need” accounting for income, rent burden, percent of income lost, and risk of homelessness.
The rental assistance payment will cover the difference between the household’s rent burden on March 1, 2020 and the increase in rent burden for the months the households are applying for assistance. Households can apply for up to four months in rental assistance. Update: Application period extended to August 6th.
Funding/ Finances/ Food Assistance (Healthcare Workers)
Funding/ Finances/ Food Assistance (Healthcare Workers)
Sweetgreen Outpost Operations
Amid this current crisis, Sweetgreen is dedicating its Outpost operations and teams to support those on the front lines by delivering free, fresh sg salads + bowls to hospitals in the cities they serve, including NYC.
Citi Bike Critical Workforce Membership Program
Mayor de Blasio, NYC DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, and Lyft unveiled the Citi Bike Critical Workforce Membership Program, providing the first-responder, healthcare, and transit workforce with a free month of Citi Bike membership.
Frontline Strong Relief
Frontline Strong Relief is an initiative created to help support the physical and mental well-being needs of frontline workers at New York hospitals. Conceived by Studio Elsewhere, a New York-based design studio specializing in resilient healthcare environments and the Abilities Research Center, a part of the Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, the Frontline Strong Relief Center will provide frontline workers with ongoing resources during an unprecedented time of intense psychological and physical strain.
Fueling The Fearless
Fueling the Fearless if feeding tireless hospital workers at the front lines of COVID-19, while helping locally-owned restaurants stay open and running. Because the strongest support happens when we all join forces. What They Do: Raise donations, Hire local mom and pop restaurants hit hardest economically to prepare meals, Deliver healthy, hearty, delicious meals to the brave doctors, nurses and hospital staff caring for and protecting our communities.
Masks for Medicine
Group of NYC doctors helping to get PPE into the hands of healthcare providers who need them!
Support Your Local Restaurants, Bars, and Makers
Support Your Local Restaurants, Bars, and Makers
NYC Plugged NYC Hospitality Resource
In this difficult time, we are compiling a map and list of restaurants and bars, who are currently open for pick-up and/or delivery. Also, those who are offering Gift Cards or Merch for purchase, Employee Fundraisers, or Healthcare Worker Programs.
Small Businesses Innovation in NYC: Jajaja Mexicana
One of our goals at NYC Plugged has always been to inspire New Yorkers and visitors alike, to venture out and see the real city. New York City is one of the most bustling cities in the world, with countless things to do, places to see, and restaurants to try. With COVID-19’s impact, the bustle we’ve all become so accustomed to has been put on hold. In response, many businesses have been getting creative, Jajaja Mexicana being one of them. Their innovation and quality are not to be missed.
Small Businesses Innovation in NYC: junzi kitchen
In the midst of coronavirus and New York City as the epicenter of the US, its restaurants have had no choice but to close their doors until it’s safe for residents to dine in again. While some hotspots have been able to offer takeout and delivery, other long-time favorites have made the ultimate and heavy-hearted decision to close their doors for good. As it has now become a necessity for the hospitality industry to shift the way they serve New Yorkers, we chatted with Lucas Sin, the chef at junzi kitchen, to learn how he and his team were able to pivot their business during this difficult time.
Black-Owned Businesses in Hospitality to Support Now and Always
We’ve rounded up for you some appetizing Black-Owned restaurants, bars, cafes, ice cream shops, and bakeries pulled from our NYC Hospitality Resource. Read on below to learn more about each owner, as we enjoyed getting to know a little bit about those at the helm of these establishments. We wanted to share this list with you in support of Black-Owned businesses, namely those in the hospitality industry during this trying time. Let us know in the comments below if you spot any favorites, and tag us on social media if you try any of those listed below!
Supportrestaurants.org Dining Bonds Initiative
Due to the impact that the coronavirus COVID-19 has had on the restaurant community, a collective of restaurant industry professionals have set a national initiative in motion to get funds into the hands of restaurants NOW, even if they are temporarily closed. A Dining Bond works like a savings bond, where you can purchase a “bond” at a value rate to be redeemed for face value (for example, a $100 bond for $75) at a future date.
Purchase a Gift Card Now Through Give Local
Give Local ensures that some of our favorite local restaurants and businesses could make it through this challenging time of quarantine. Here’s the current list of restaurants in New York, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Help Main Street
Help your local business by buying gift cards to provide critical cash support during the COVID-19 crisis.
Feed the Frontlines
By purchasing meals through Feed the Frontlines NYC, you will help sustain New York City through the COVID-19 crisis. They deliver free, nutritious meals prepared by local restaurants to healthcare workers and New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity.
Eater New York’s Running List of NYC Restaurants Expanding Delivery
A neighborhood-by-neighborhood breakdown of modified hours and expanded delivery and take-out options.
Local Relief Funds for NYC Restaurant Workers
Some restaurants had to drastically slim their numbers, and it’s still nowhere near enough to sustain current staff levels. Want to help? Eater has a running list of restaurants that have turned to the public to crowd-source funds to continue paying their staff during this uncertain time.
Helen Rosner (Food Correspondent for The New Yorker) Restaurant Merch List
An ongoing roundup of cool tees, sweatshirts, totes, hats, candles, tarot cards, beer koozies, enamel pins, nail polish, cycling jerseys, and other amazing stuff you can buy directly from restaurants right now to help them keep their bottom lines slightly less dire during this very rough moment!
Farm to People
Online farmer’s market delivering in NYC. Unlike a traditional farm share, you can customize your box, and browse an extensive selection of grocery add-ons that you can add to your box or shop à la carte. Supports Farmers and Makers in and around NYC.
GrowNYC Greenmarkets and Farmstands
Running low on fresh fruits and vegetables? Most Greenmarkets and Farmstand locations are open and operating on schedule (as of 3/18/20). Support the 250 regional farms and pick up some locally grown products at these open-air markets. They will also have healthy shopping guidelines in place. Can’t get out? You can donate here!
PlatFarm Live
NYC’s Virtual Farmer’s Market. Watch farmers harvest your food live hours before they’re at your door.
Citywide Updates
Citywide Updates
NYC Bars and Restaurants are Offering Delivery and Take-out
Effective March 17th, 2020. Mayor Bill de Blasio signed an Executive Order limiting restaurants, bars, and cafes to food take-out and delivery. Nightclubs, movie theaters, small theater houses, and concert venues must all close. The order will go into effect Tuesday, March 17 at 9:00 AM. Most establishments are moving to strictly takeout and delivery, some offering alcoholic beverages with them as well. Take a look at Thrillist’s list of NYC spots offering takeout and delivery cocktails.
NYC Schools are Closed
Effective March 16th, 2020. Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza announced the City will move towards a new Remote Learning Model for all school days until Spring Recess. Students will not report to school buildings for instruction during this time. On Saturday, April 11, Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza announced that New York City public school buildings will not reopen during the 2019-20 school year. More on NYC School COVID-19 Updates.
Request a Remote Learning Device Here!
NYC DOE’s ‘Learn at Home’ MaterialsGrab-and-go breakfast and lunch is also available at the entrance of every school building. Beginning March 23rd, meals will be distributed at more than 400 sites across the city. Three meals a day, including breakfast, will be available to all NYC children Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 1:30 pm. ANY student can pick up breakfast and lunch at ANY school building. Find a Free Meal Location Near You HERE.
Right now, more than ever, it will take a village to support the well-being and continued learning of our City’s 1.1 million students. You can be part of the City’s critical response efforts by donating to the NYC Schools COVID-19 Response Effort, led by the Fund for Public Schools.
Register your child’s learning preference. This fall, your child’s school plans to offer blended learning, a mix of in-person days at school and remote-learning days at home. The default for all students is to participate in their schools’ blended learning schedules. To choose fully remote learning for your child, fill out and submit this form here.
NYS on PAUSE
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced he is signing the “New York State on PAUSE” executive order, a 10-point policy to assure uniform safety for everyone. It includes a new directive that all non-essential businesses statewide must close in-office personnel functions effective at 8pm on Sunday, March 22nd, and temporarily bans all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason. Update: Extended until May 28th.
*Maximum Fine for Violations of Social Distancing Protocol increases to $1,000.
Face Masks in New York
Imposing a stricter measure to control the spread of the coronavirus, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has required people in New York to wear masks or face coverings in public whenever social distancing was not possible. Taking effect on Friday April 17th, it will apply to people who are unable to keep six feet away from others in public settings, such as on a bus or subway, on a crowded sidewalk or inside a grocery store.
Summer in NYC: Beaches and Pools
NYC beaches may not reopen this summer. On Thursday, April 16th Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that summer may look different this year and that New Yorkers should keep expectations “low for now” as far as summer as usual in the city, including beaches, sporting events, and public gatherings. The unveiled budget plan for fiscal year 2021 also includes the closing of all outdoor pools for the 2020 season.
All NYC Public Events Canceled for June
New York City has canceled all non-essential events in June, including the Puerto Rican Day Parade, the Pride March and the Salute to Israel Parade, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday, April 20th.
Open Streets
New York City is opening 40 miles of streets to allow for greater social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis, with a plan to expand to a total of 100 miles. Open Streets are available daily, 8 am to 8 pm (unless otherwise noted) for pedestrians and cyclists to use the roadbed of the street while maintaining social distancing. Opening hours may vary by location due to NYPD staffing.
Cool It! NYC
Cool It! NYC is a Citywide plan to increase the amount of cooling features available to the public during heat emergencies, particularly in neighborhoods that face the dangers of high heat. At NYC Parks, our plan focuses on three elements: spray showers, drinking fountains, and trees.
NYC Subways To Shutdown Overnight
Starting next Wednesday, May 6th, the subway system will shut down from 1- 5 am. to give workers time to scrub and disinfect trains in an “unprecedented” move to curb the spread of coronavirus, as per Gov. Cuomo. Homeless people will be offered help from outreach workers, and people who need the trains to get to and from work will be offered free rides on for-hire vehicles, dollar vans and buses. The initiative marks the first time in the subway’s 115-year history that the entire system will lose 24-hour service outside of major events like transit strikes, blackouts, and natural disasters.
New York Forward
Governor Cuomo’s Plan to Re-Open New York. Governor Cuomo outlined a plan to re-open New York State, which focuses on getting people back to work and easing social isolation without triggering the renewed spread of the virus or overwhelming the hospital system. New York will re-open on a regional basis as each region meets the criteria necessary to protect public health as businesses re-open.
Free Face Coverings
New York City will continue distributing face coverings in parks across the city free of charge through Monday, May 11th. Use the map below to find the closest Parks distribution location, date, and time. Additionally, New Yorkers can find face coverings at DOE Grab & Go meal sites, NYCHA buildings, Mitchell-Lama buildings, grocery stores, and during social distancing enforcement.
MTA Deploys PPE Vending Machines Across Subway System
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced the deployment of a dozen vending machines at 10 subway stations allowing customers to buy Covid-19 personal protective equipment (PPE). The new machines, part of a pilot program will offer reusable face masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes.
Community Refrigerators
Collecting and sharing food and produce that may otherwise go to waste, NYC communities are stocking refrigerators with these items, which is available for all to take or donate. Stay up to date here, and a map can be found here.
Free Outdoor Pools
Due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, only 15 pools will re-open for the summer 2020 season. City pools will re-open in two phases on July 24 and on August 1. Outdoor pools hours are from 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. All outdoor pools (except mini pools) are open through September 8, 2019. Mini pools will close on Labor Day.
Get Citywide Updates via Text!
Real-time updates on the Coronavirus in NYC.
More Citywide Updates from our friends over at DoNYC
Nationwide Updates
Nationwide Updates
Tax Deadline
The deadlines to FILE and PAY federal income taxes are extended to July 15, 2020.
Federal Student Aid Payments
Payments will automatically stop from March 13, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2020. To provide relief to student loan borrowers during the COVID-19 national emergency, federal student loan borrowers are automatically being placed in an administrative forbearance, which allows you to temporarily stop making your monthly loan payment. This suspension of payments will last until Sept. 30, 2020, but you can still make payments if you choose.
