The Omaha Community Foundation, in partnership with Douglas County, announces an additional CARES Act Program that will provide stimulus funds to eligible nonprofits adversely affected by COVID-19 since March 13, 2020.
The program will launch after the current CARES Act Fund programs for Arts, Culture, and Entertainment and for Community Service nonprofits close. The exact amount available will be determined after grants for these programs are awarded. Applications for the stimulus program will open on October 5, 2020.
While the two programs launched earlier this month restrict funds based on previously unbudgeted 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.
“We have been listening to the needs of our local nonprofits and understand that this form of investment is essential for the continuity of services for our nonprofit sector,” said Donna Kush, president and CEO of the Omaha Community Foundation. “The Douglas County Board of Commissioners has made it clear that they intend to support nonprofits of all sizes to ensure that the people of Douglas County have continued access to much-needed services like food pantries, mental health support, and cultural enrichment during this challenging time. It is gratifying for OCF to partner with the County and put our knowledge to work.”
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.
Full details will be posted on OmahaFoundation.org after October 1, 2020. Questions may be directed to Covid19@omahafoundation.org at that time.
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