COVID-19: RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS
We appreciate all the work that nonprofits are doing to address the needs of our community in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we know that many are struggling financially during this global health and economic crisis. We have compiled these resources to assist local nonprofits.
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We will be updating this webpage as we receive current information.
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The $500 million California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, as announced by Governor Gavin Newsom and the State Legislature, supports small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19 and the health and safety restrictions.
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Applications for Round 1 will open on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, and close end of day on Friday, January 8, 2021. Round 2 will be announced in the near future. Eligible small businesses and nonprofits may apply during these times, directly, at CAReliefGrant.com, or with assistance from a partner. Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the business' annual revenue.
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One of the state’s Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Lendistry, is supporting the State to distribute these grants and partnering with other CDFIs and small business centers to assist with applications. To connect to a partner or find more information on the program and requirements, visit CAReliefGrant.com or join one of our small business webinars available daily in multiple languages. If interested in a webinar briefing on the grant program register here.
​On March 27, 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. It is an estimated $2 trillion package that specifically allocates $10 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loans and $350 billion for Paycheck Protection Loans to help small businesses including nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the initial tranches of funds were depleted by mid-April, additional funding for programs benefiting small business - including $320 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program and $60 billion for the Economic Injury Disaster Loans Program - was approved and signed into law on April 24, 2020.
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Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act​
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* National Council on Nonprofits: What's in the CARES Act for Nonprofits
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* Nonprofit Quarterly: "How Nonprofits Can Utilize the New Federal Laws Dealing with COVID-19"
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* Office of Congresswoman Jackie Speier: Coronavirus Relief for Small Businesses and Nonprofits
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* Forbes: "Getting Cash for Your Small Business through the CARES Act"
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* U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act: What Small Businesses Need to Know
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* Small Business Finance: The Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act​
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* For information on federal assistance programs for small businesses including nonprofits, see our Small Business Resource Page.
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Charitable Tax Deductions
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For the 2020 tax year, the CARES Act allows households to take up to a $300 tax deduction for certain qualified charitable contributions even if they are taking the standard deduction and are not itemizing. There are also expanded charitable tax deductions for corporations and for taxpayers who itemize.
San Mateo County Strong is a county-wide effort funded by $3 million in emergency funding approved by the Board of Supervisors as well as community donations. It supports individuals and families with basic needs, local small businesses, and nonprofits providing services to the most vulnerable populations like seniors, homeless individuals or people with disabilities.
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The goal of SMC Strong's nonprofit efforts is to provide emergency grants through the Silicon Valley Community Foundation to support nonprofit organizations serving San Mateo County whose services are most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The first round of funding for non-profits of $1 million was designated for the eight core services agencies in the County and the Shelter providers. The second round of funding is targeted to organizations whose organizational activities or everyday operations have been disrupted by COVID-19.
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What can nonprofit organizations use the grant funding to pay for?
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• Supplies related to health and hygiene (e.g., masks, gowns, gloves and other protective equipment) as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control or the county public health department
• Technology upgrades or purchase of virtual communication vehicles
• Other operational and staffing expenses that relate to the shift in direct service plans or the provision of emergency services
The grant funding is a maximum of $20,000 per organization, subject to availability of funds.
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The application period will be from Wednesday, May 6, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. until receipt of 250 applications or Monday, May 11, 2020, at 5:00 p.m., whichever comes first.
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You can access the San Mateo County Strong Fund Nonprofit Grant application form at the website www.smcstrong.org starting at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2020.
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For more information, visit here.
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The Silicon Valley Community Foundation has created three emergency funds, including one that offers operating grants to nonprofit organizations providing emergency-related services and to nonprofits that have experienced unexpected costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The San Francisco Foundation is offering emergency grants to nonprofits addressing racial bias, worker protection, homelessness and renter protection/housing security, and food security.
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The Horizons Foundation is providing emergency funding to Bay Area LGBTQ nonprofit organizations to help them respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially to support individuals, couples, and families impacted by the pandemic and those in vulnerable and underserved parts of the community.
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Other grant and loan programs available to small businesses may also be available to nonprofit organizations. Please see our Small Business Assistance page for additional resources.
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National Council on Nonprofits: Nonprofits and Coronavirus, COVID-19, including analysis of the CARES Act
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