We cannot overemphasize the vital role that nonprofit organizations play in providing much-needed services to disadvantaged communities. No doubt the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted those with low incomes, especially those who live paycheck to paycheck. With the US, now posting a record number of daily infections, and states quarantining to slow the spread, an already challenging economy just got tougher. The vaccines can’t get here soon enough!

It is in recognition of the role charities play in building healthy communities that the state of Ohio, through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), is providing up to $25 million in grants from the federal CARES Act to nonprofit organizations that serve Ohioans that have been adversely impacted by COVID-19.

Eligibility

To be eligible, 501(c)(3) organizations must meet the following criteria:

• Must be providing direct services to low income or at-risk Ohioans in industries outside health care, education, recreation, and/or cultural activities.
• Had to reduce or stop services due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Are reimbursing employees as defined by Ohio unemployment law.
• Have not already received or established their eligibility to receive additional Coronavirus Relief Fund assistance from the state or other federal CARES Acts grants.
• Must disclose the amounts and use of any Coronavirus Relief Fund assistance received from local governments and any Paycheck Protection Program loans received.
• Must submit a completed grant application by 5 pm on November 27, 2020.

How To Apply

Considering that your nonprofit meets the eligibility standards above, be prepared to disclose any other types of CARES Act assistance that you may have received, including any Payment Protection Program or Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

Click here to access the Nonprofit Relief Grant Application.

Grant Amount to Expect

The amount of grants awarded to each applicant will be calculated by dividing the total grant amount of $25 million, by the total unemployment charges incurred by each approved applicant after the crediting of any federal reimbursement for unemployed charges, and multiplied by each approved applicant’s total charges minus credits.

Note that individual grant amounts may not exceed the applicant’s total amount of agency unemployment charges incurred during this period.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email the Ohio nonprofit relief office by Clicking Here. Make sure that you include your organization name, contact person and telephone number. As, always, we here at Labyrinth, wish you continued success in these tough times. Please stay safe.

Written by Franklin Asongwe