Skip to content

UPDATE: We are not currently accepting applications for the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund (to view funding opportunities, visit cfalleghenies.org/grants)

To move resources as quickly as possible to where they are most needed, CFA is working closely and collaboratively with a group local foundations to make requesting funding as simple and streamlined as possible. (Click HERE to read a press release about this effort.) Organizations that need emergency funding can review the steps below. We’ve also included resources and information below on relief that may be available to your nonprofit through the CARES Act.

The process for Cambria and Somerset County health and human services organizations in need of emergency funding is as follows:

  1. The agency in need sends an email to admin@uwlaurel.org with the subject line “Emergency Funding Request.” The email should include a description of need, the amount requested, and a breakdown of how the funding will be used.
  2. United Way of the Laurel Highlands will receive requests, compile information, and disseminate to the Cambria & Somerset Counties Health & Human Service Advisory Committee.

Community Foundation for the Alleghenies will manage all other nonprofit requests for emergency funding in Cambria and Somerset counties, as well as health and human services requests in Bedford County, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations in need of emergency funding due to the coronavirus can follow these steps to apply for help:

  1. The nonprofit should send an email to aberzonski@cfalleghenies.org with the subject line “Emergency Funding Request.” The email should include a description of need (if possible, include how much income you have lost this month compared to the same time period last year), the amount requested, and a breakdown of how the funding will be used.
  2. CFA will receive requests, compile information, and disseminate to the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund Advisory Committee.

Weekly teleconferences will be conducted with the committee to coordinate with the Collaborative Funders Group for funding availability and distribution. Grants from the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund will be distributed on a rolling basis as fundraising continues and as CFA works to address the immediate, short-term, and long-term needs that arise from the pandemic.

Please check back for updated information as we work to address this fluid situation in the most responsive, responsible, and efficient way possible. As we move forward, new priorities may arise, and we anticipate that needs will change. Right now, for example, the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund Committee aims to support the need for emergency equipment and supplies to help nonprofits manage the unexpected challenges that have arisen from the crisis, both for their own operations and for the audiences they serve—but committee members will continue to evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis.

CARES Act Information and SBA Loans for Nonprofits Fact Sheet
Info provided by the United Way of the Laurel Highlands*

The CARES Act includes provisions that may be valuable to nonprofits, and we can potentially expected a second wave bill to be passed depending on the severity and duration of the COVID-19 crisis. Here are some noteworthy items:

SBA Expansion: The bill provides $562 million to ensure that the Small Business Association has the resources to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans to businesses and nonprofits that need financial support during this difficult time. These loans will help businesses keep their doors open and pay their employees. (Scroll to the bottom to see more guidance on SBA loans available to nonprofits.)

Financial relief for businesses in the amount $425 billion to be administered by the Treasury Department. While nonprofits were not explicitly included, it is believed the Treasury will have discretion over entities that are eligible, including nonprofits.

A non-itemizer charitable deduction for up to $300. CLICK HERE for more info.

Refundable payroll credits to distressed charities will be made available to entities whose revenues drop by 50%. There are additional payroll credits included.

Emergency funding for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program is slated to receive $200 million.

Cash support for individuals: Provides up to $1,200 for individuals up to $75,000 a year and $500 per child. Benefits start to phase out above $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for married filers. Critically, some individuals that did not file taxes are not currently eligible.

SNAP funding increase of an additional $15.5 billion to ensure all Americans, including seniors and children, receive the food they need. If someone is already receiving

$3.5 billion for child care through the Child Care Development Block Grant and $750 million for Head Start to meet emergency staffing needs.

$8.8 billion in additional funding for Child Nutrition Programs in order to ensure children receive meals while school is not in session.

$900 million for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help lower-income households heat and cool their homes.

Considerations for Community Nonprofit Organizations When Thinking About SBA Funding

  • Contact an SBA banker, a list of most active SBA lenders is HERE. If there is a banker on your board, consult him/her immediately for advice on a bank that can successfully steer/guide your organization through this process.
  • Determine if your board must approve the loan application and if so, convene your board immediately (virtual meeting using online meeting platform should be sufficient). Your organization’s bylaws will help determine if the board must approve this loan application.
  • The application is expected to be available no later than April 3, 2020.
  • Organizations applying for the Payroll Protection Program are also eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
  • Some, if not all, of the Payroll Protection Program dollars awarded will be forgiven if used on payroll and other qualified operating expenses.

*Please note that much of this information was obtained through policy updates by the United Way of Pennsylvania and is subject to change as stimulus fund use is clarified and funds are officially released.

Back To Top