Small Business, Nonprofit COVID-19 Grants Available

Deadline to Apply is September 15

The County of Santa Cruz announces the availability of COVID-19 relief funds for local small businesses, nonprofits responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and community partners. Available through the Santa Cruz County Cares Recovery Program, applications are now being accepted through Sept. 15, 2020 for CARES Act grant funds.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Included in the $2 trillion economic relief package, was an approximately $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund directed to states, local governments, and tribal entities for economic and disaster relief. There are three grant opportunities for organizations responding to COVID-19:

Small Business Assistance Grant Program

To mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Santa Cruz County small businesses and employees, the Santa Cruz County Cares Recovery Program has committed up to $15,000 per eligible small business in one-time funds, up to a total of $1 million for the program.

Health Equity Partnership Grants

Nonprofits responding to the COVID-19 pandemic may apply for immediate financial assistance to reimburse expenses related to the pandemic. Priority recipients will be organizations serving individuals most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on ensuring those most at risk for poor health outcomes related to the pandemic have equitable access to resources, services and information. A total of $500,000 is available.

Community Partner Capacity Grants

Santa Cruz County Cares Recovery Program is distributing $500,000 in one-time grants to community partners to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Priority recipients will be agencies providing safety net and cultural services currently funded by the County. The majority of grants are dedicated to programs receiving Collective of Results and Evidence Investments funding in FY 2019-20. Remaining grant funds are dedicated to community partners providing Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services funded programs.

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For more information, including eligibility requirements, visit https://www.sccvitality.org/Business/CARESGrant.aspx