The COVID-19 global pandemic has left many archival workers financially vulnerable as institutions shut their doors and contract work disappears. In response, an ad hoc group of concerned archivists, in partnership with the SAA Foundation, established the AWE Fund to provide immediate support to archival workers in the United States, particularly those in contingent positions, who are disproportionately affected by this crisis and its financial impact.

The fund has already raised over $80,000 thanks to a generous seed grant from the SAA Foundation and momentum from over 450 individual donors. This has allowed the fund to provide financial support to 77 archival workers with a concrete message that the archival community has one another’s backs. They want to ensure news about this fund reaches all corners of the profession.

To learn more about the fund, please visit the SAA site here: https://www2.archivists.org/groups/saa-foundation-board-of-directors/archival-workers-emergency-fund.