Nonprofits have been on the frontlines since the very beginning, responding to those directly diagnosed with COVID-19 and those impacted by the economic constraints of a global health crisis. Many doing so with finite resources; including limited budget, staffing, and physically-distant operational space.
To support those restoring health and normalcy to our community, the Omaha Community Foundation, utilizing federal COVID-19 Relief Funding from Douglas County have established the Douglas County Stimulus Grants Program to provide at least $8 million in financial assistance to eligible organizations that sustained a loss of income/revenue and/or an increase of expenses due to COVID-19 impacts on their operations and communities.
While the two CARES Act Grant Programs launched earlier this fall restricted funds based on previously un-budgeted expenses related to the pandemic, eligible nonprofits will be able to use the new stimulus funds with more flexibility as working capital to pay for operational expenses.
The funding for this program comes from $166 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funds awarded to Douglas County as part of the federal CARES Act. Douglas County has contracted with the Omaha Community Foundation to assist in developing and administering this grant program on behalf of the county, consistent with federal and state requirements.
Applicants must be 501(c)(3) charitable organizations located in Douglas County. Eligible organizations must be an arts, culture, and entertainment organization or an organization that provides human services. Consistent with the CARES Act, these organizations must have sustained a loss of income/revenue and/or an increase of expenses since March 13, 2020, due to COVID-19.
To learn more about the Douglas County Stimulus Grants Program, click here.
To access the Douglas County Stimulus Grants Program FAQ Page, click here.
To support nonprofit applicants, OCF’s Program Team will offer two virtual Q&A session to cover the Douglas County Stimulus Grants Program eligibility requirements, materials needed to apply, and provide insight on how to maximize the grant application period via technical support and more. Join us on:
Friday, October 9 from 10:30-11:30am
Monday, October 12 from 4:00-5:00pm
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.
The application deadline for Douglas County Stimulus Grants Program is Thursday, October 15 at 11:59 p.m. access the grant application here.