The Bristol Improv Theatre filled our hearts with joy, connected us and made us laugh, and its sudden closure saddened us terribly, but its loss has taken more than laughter.

It has removed staff's livelihoods, for many leaving them and their families unable to pay for basic necessities such as housing, heating and food, putting others at risk of this situation or in debt. It has taken freelancers' earnings for work completed, left staff in uncertainty over this month's wages, and left everyone without work they had sacrificed and planned for in many ways. Some people will not be okay unless we act.

We as a community can change this story. We can make sure people are housed, healthy, and safe. We can change this story from a tragedy to a story of community togetherness, kindness and resilience. Please step forward and help. Step out and be a person that helps others. Please donate what you can today.

How it works

Former BIT staff and freelancers can apply in confidence. The first round closes at 17:59 PM on October 28th and we aim to start paying out by October 31st, with further rounds through November as funds allow. Essentials (housing, food, utilities) will take priority, as will applicants with dependants, followed by other needs as we move up Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Every pound you give, after platform and hosting fees, goes to grants. Please give what you can, share this page, and if you’re affected, please apply by getting in contact with us.

Thank you for helping us look after the people who made the BIT what it was.

Questions? Send a DM to us on gofundme

FAQ

Who is running this?

A small group of volunteers from the community. We’re independent of the BIT and of any insolvency process, and none of the BIT’s management is involved. Liam is the holder of this gofundme page on the fund's behalf and treasurer.

Who can apply?

Former BIT staff and freelancers facing sudden financial hardship. We will ask for evidence of employment only to ensure we distribute funds to the right people.

How are decisions made?

A small volunteer panel, none of whom are applicants, makes the decisions. Our treasurer confirms eligibility, maintains anonymity and distributes grants. Everyone else on the panel reviews anonymised summaries. The panel decides on grants using the same criteria for everyone. Anyone who is close to an applicant steps away from that decision.

How are grants worked out?

Applicants request how much they need to cover essentials, and how much more would help with other needs. We fund essentials for everyone first, then other needs as money allows. If a request is particularly high, we may cap it to ensure others get the help they need too. If funds don’t cover a level for everyone, each grant at that level is reduced by the same percentage. Nothing is guaranteed. If a recipient finds themselves no longer in need of the funds sent, they may make a donation back to the fund to help support others if they wish.

Who holds the money?

For now, our treasurer holds donations in a separate account used only for this fund and pays out by bank transfer. We’ll post updates on money raised and paid out. From November we plan to move to an Open Collective page hosted by The Social Change Nest, which would then hold the funds on our behalf. If that doesn’t happen, we’ll stay on this page.

Where does my donation go?

To former BIT staff and freelancers facing sudden hardship, and to platform and hosting fees. Surplus is handled as outlined below.

Is this a registered charity? Can I claim Gift Aid?

No. We’re a small volunteer fund, so Gift Aid and tax relief don’t apply.

What are the grants, legally?

Voluntary gifts, not wages, compensation or loans. They have nothing to do with the BIT’s finances or insolvency.

Will a grant affect my benefits?

It might. We can’t give financial or benefits advice, so please check with Citizens Advice or Turn2us before accepting, and report the payment if you’re required to.

Who sees my details?

Applications are confidential. Applicants’ details are kept private and shared only with those who need them to run the fund. Details are deleted once payments and records are complete. Full details will be on the application form.

How long will the fund run?

Until November 30th, extended to December 31st if funds and need remain, at the organisers’ discretion.

What happens to any money left over?

If there is any money left when the fund closes (November 30th, or December 31st if extended), we’ll first use it for more support for people affected by the closure. Anything still left would go to other improvisers or freelancers in hardship, or to improv community projects. We’ll announce the plan here before spending it, and no organiser will personally benefit.

Dear Former BIT worker, please apply to the Bristol improv hardship fund

When : From now until this first round closes at 6.00 PM on Wednsday October 28th.

We aim for further application rounds.

Who can apply

Former BIT staff and freelancers who are facing financial hardship because of the closure.

How : All details are included in the form, but please allow time to review your requirements, resources and to contact members of your support network to check if they can help you

We count on your honesty, this fund is only possible from the generosity of the improv community and some needs are greater than others. Let's all look after each other

Apply by completing this google form https://forms.gle/mdkNVCJiQVUY2vth9

If you have problems completing the form you can contact us via DM