About the fund.
The Pioneers Assistance Fund provides financial aid and supportive counseling to individuals who work in theatrical exhibition, distribution and vendors exclusive to either sector, who are encountering an illness, accident or injury.
Assistance Programs
Social Service Consultations
Consultations Include:
- Comprehensive Care Assessment
- Federal/State Benefits Screening
- Health Insurance Advice
- Elder Care Guidance
- Education
- Advocacy
- Supportive Counseling
- Bereavement Counseling
Salah Hassanein Medical Grant*
Temporary Financial Aid for:
- Physician Fees
- Diagnostic Tests
- Medications
- Home Health Care
- Physical Therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Health Insurance
Bernie Myerson Emergency Grant*
Temporary Financial Aid For:
- Housing
- Utilities
- Food
- Burial or Cremation
Vocational Rehabilitation*
Temporary Financial Aid for:
- Skill Analysis
- Career Counseling
- Retraining
- Job-Seeking Advice
Equipment Aid*
Temporary Grants For:
- Hearing Aids
- Orthotics
- Mobility Aids
- Assisted Devices
- Home Health Supplies
- Bath Safety Aids
- Emergency Call System
Tom Sherak Pioneer Grant
Ongoing monthly stipend for career film industry members.
Requires a lengthy career in the motion picture entertainment industry prior to retirement. Applicants must be at least 60 years of age, unless permanently disabled with extenuating circumstances.
*Requires three recent, qualifying years of employment in Exhibition, and five recent years for Distribution and vendors
How to apply for assistance
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
1) You have worked in exhibition (i.e. a movie theater) for a minimum total of three (3) recent years.
2) You have worked in either of the following for a minimum total of five (5) recent years:
- Theatrical distribution (i.e. a movie studio)
- Vendor exclusive to either sector
- Theatrical trade services
3) You DO NOT work in the production sector of the motion picture industry (emergency relief for this sector is provided by other industry charities).
Step 2: Confirm your financial need
The primary reason for your financial need must be related to:
- Housing emergency
- Accident
- Illness
- Injury
- Life-changing event
- Death of an immediate family member
Step 3: Submit Online Inquiry
Please know you are not alone. Many industry workers are in the same position you are in. Click below to submit your request and schedule a call with one of our social workers.
Natural Disaster Grants
If you have been impacted by a recent natural disaster, such as:
- Earthquake
- Flood / Heavy Rain
- Hurricane / Typhoon
- Tornado
- Tsunami
- Wildfire
How to apply for natural disaster assistance:
The minimum three-year employment eligibility is waived for natural disaster assistance. A one-time emergency stipend is available for active/current movie theater employees impacted by a natural disaster.
If you have worked in a movie theater for three years or more and have an additional need, you may be eligible for further assistance. Please describe your situation in the comment box at the bottom of the intake form and a social worker will contact you with further instructions and documentation requirements.
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Your primary source of income must come from one of the following:
- Exhibition (i.e. a movie theater)
- Theatrical distribution (i.e. a movie studio)
- A vendor exclusive to either distribution or exhibition
- Theatrical trade services
Step 2: Submit Online Application
“When my mother became ill and needed hospitalization, the PAF social workers helped me to understand her Medicare payments and rights to care. I don’t know how I would have done it without them.”
-Anonymous