As coronavirus concerns continue to grow statewide, so does the amount of financial relief offered to those suffering from the economic repercussions the virus is causing.
At the governor's news conference on Friday in Little Rock, Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said she will commit $3 million, adding to the $4 million previously committed, for the state's "quick-action fund," making for a total of $7 million.
The fund, according to the governor's office, will provide bridge loans to help mid-size companies and nonprofits remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a news release distributed through the Arkansas Press Association, the Arkansas Community Foundation is accepting proposals for "mini-grants" to nonprofits assisting in COVID-19 relief.
ACF is accepting proposals for "$1,000 mini-grants for organizations responding to the immediate needs of vulnerable populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic," according to the release. "These grants will help organizations maintain their operations and respond to increased demand from clients during this first phase of pandemic relief."
Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, churches, hospitals, schools or government entities based anywhere in Arkansas are eligible to apply. Priority will be given to organizations that:
• Provide human services and emergency assistance.
• Primarily serve vulnerable populations, including children who are out of school in families without child care, people who have lost a source of income due to the pandemic, people who are at high risk medically, people who are homeless or incarcerated, or individuals who lack paid sick leave or health insurance.
• Disseminate factual safety and response information to vulnerable communities such as non-English speaking residents, rural residents, and senior citizens.
The release also said that organizations may use funding to support clients' needs that cover costs associated with decreased staffing or remote-working due to quarantine/social distancing; provide mental health programming for clients or staff or coordinate/facilitate in-kind goods; and donations to sites and organizations that provide human services and serve vulnerable populations. This is not an exhaustive list, and other needs will be considered.
"Businesses and individuals are not eligible to apply; however, we will consider grants to nonprofit organizations that provide direct financial assistance to individuals," according to the release. "Visit www.arcf.org/COVID19 to apply online. Mini-grant applications will be accepted and grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until available grant funds are expended. All grants will be awarded in the form of a $1,000 award for general operating support. Organizations may receive only one mini-grant at this time."
The United Way of the Ouachitas hosted a meeting Monday, discussing how area organizations are collaborating to assist people affected.
The Hot Springs online resource guide, which can be found at hsresourceguide.org, and the Charity Tracker, that can be found at ouachitas.charitytracker.net, were both promoted as "great tools" for the organizations and members of the public to utilize, according to a city of Hot Springs news release.
"I think Charity Tracker is going to be very important as we begin to navigate the aftermath of COVID-19," UWO Executive Director Sarah Fowler said in the release. "If you are a nonprofit, city, county, school, church entity, HR manager, and you are not already on Charity Tracker, you should strongly consider becoming a part of this tool. We are more than happy to set up appointments to train and get anyone up and running."
In the release, Fowler also said people should call area organizations in advance before visiting, as many organizations are currently working with smaller staffs and are open shorter hours for virus mitigation. She also encourages anyone experiencing hardship with paying utility bills to reach out to their providers and work out a payment plan.
Local on 03/23/2020