Nonprofits have been on the front lines since the very beginning, responding to those directly diagnosed with COVID-19 and those impacted by the economic strains of the global health crisis. Many doing so with finite resources; including limited budgets, staffing, and socially-distant operational space.
To support those restoring health and normalcy to our community, Douglas County in contract with the Omaha Community Foundation will administer the Douglas County CARES Act Fund which financially supports nonprofits operating in Douglas County that are experiencing increased need due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Funding for the programs comes from $166 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funds awarded to Douglas County as part of the Federal CARES Act. The Omaha Community Foundation will distribute funds to eligible nonprofits consistent with both federal and state requirements.
A total of $20 million in funding is available for eligible Douglas County nonprofits, with $10 million allocated for Arts, Culture, and Entertainment and $10 million allocated for Community Services.
To learn more about Arts, Culture, and Entertainment eligibility click here.
To learn more about Not-for-Profit eligibility, click here.
To support vying nonprofits, OCF’s Programs Team offered two live webinar opportunities to cover the Douglas County CARES Arts, Culture and Entertainment Program and Douglas County CARES Not-for-Profit Assistance Program eligibility requirements, materials needed to apply, and provide insight on how to maximize the grant application period via technical support and more.
While grant applications are not prioritized based on submission, our team encourages vying nonprofits to start grant applications early as limited staff capacity for these grant programs will mean last minute questions can not be answered.
For additional support with the application process, including technical assistance, contact: covid19@omahafoundation.org or 402-884-0450.
Community consultant, Deborah Bunting, will offer in-depth appointments to nonprofits in the application process from September 8-21, email covid19@omahafoundation.org to register.
The application deadline for Douglas County CARES Act Grant Programs is Wednesday, September 23 at 11:59 p.m. access the grant application here.