How to Apply for Nonprofit COVID Relief Funds

The COVID-19 virus has rapidly changed the way we live our daily lives. Businesses and nonprofits have been struggling with the economic impact and additional hardships brought about by the pandemic. There are a variety of relief funds available for businesses that need extra help during this unprecedented time. Recently passed legislation included $900 billion in aid to those affected and many foundations have set aside COVID-19 specific funding available to small businesses, nonprofits, and individuals. 

CARES Act and Pandemic Relief Bill
The new stimulus package passed just before the holidays included relief and aid to individuals and businesses who were awaiting news of the next stimulus package. This relief bill contained renewals of a variety of funding offered through the first stimulus package and includes a variety of aid for specific populations and small businesses/nonprofit organizations also. 

COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans
The CARES Act includes $20 billion for EIDL grants (economic injury disaster loan program). These grants are meant to provide economic relief for small businesses and nonprofit organizations that are experiencing a temporary loss of revenue and include aid for businesses in low-income communities. EIDL funds can be used to help cover normal operating expenses including health care benefits, rent, utilities, etc.

Entertainment and Theatre Venues
$15 billion of CARES Act funding has been set aside to help entertainment and theatre venues. This is known as the “Save Our Stages” Act and includes live venues, independent movie theatres, and cultural institutions. Organizations will need to have experienced a 25 percent revenue decline compared to same quarters from previous years. These allocations can include up to $10 million in aid for each organization. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is currently working on applications which will be posted on grants.gov and will host a pre-application informational webinar beforehand. 

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP2) 
An additional $285 billion in loans was approved under the Paycheck Protection Program. This funding is available to those with fewer than 300 employees that experienced at least a 25 percent decrease in revenue from quarters from previous years. $12 billion of this funding was specifically earmarked for minority-owned businesses, ensuring that many diverse and low-income communities will receive the aid they need to sustain their businesses. 

Applications for Paycheck Protection
Program loans are currently being accepted by the Small Business Administration (SBA) from participating community financial institutions (CFIs) and lenders. 

Click here for access to the full text of the bill. 


Grant Funders and Foundations 

For those looking for funding outside of federal opportunities, there are many grant funders and foundations who are providing aid to small businesses, nonprofits, and individuals.

Small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals who are looking for a resource list of available grants and funding opportunities can utilize the following websites for their searches: 

• GrantStation-comprehensive list of global resources and COVID-19 emergency assistance. 
• Candid- resource list of more than 200 emergency financial resources.

Small Businesses

• Hello Alice -currently distributing over $1.5 million in funds to awardees of the COVID-19 Business for All Emergency Grant. Accepting applications for the general Business for All program which includes grants of up to $50,000 and mentorship opportunities.
• Professional Beauty Association- created to support licensed beauty professionals experiencing financial hardships due to COVID-19.  
• COVID-19 Freelance Artists- resources for artists and arts nonprofits struggling during the pandemic.  

Nonprofit Organizations

• The Chronicle of Philanthropy- resources for foundations and corporations providing funding through COVID-19 relief grants.
• The Community Foundation Public Awareness Initiative- resources for nonprofits in each state to find funding for coronavirus relief. 
• National Center For Family Philanthropy- list of funds for relief and recovery funding opportunities. These are compiled for groups with a social justice lens and/or community-based focus.
• Donor Box- resources for relief funding and grants available to nonprofit organizations.
• Council On Foundations- spreadsheet of global response funds and funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations related to COVID-19. 

Individuals

• Giving Kitchen- provides emergency assistance through relief grants for those working in the food industry in Georgia. Also has resources for food service workers in all states.  
• Sweet Relief- supports musicians by offsetting the financial burden of canceled events. 
• PFund- assisting individuals from the upper Midwest who have been impacted by COVID-19 and identify as LBGTQIA+.
• Caress + IFundWomen of Color-funding opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs of color. Provides grants, coaching, and connections for diverse women. 
  
• International Women’s Media Foundation- resources for funds available to women in media. These grants provide up to $2,000 for journalists who are facing financial hardships due to the effects of COVID-19. ​