Resources for Local Nonprofits During the Coronavirus Crisis

We know that our local nonprofit organizations are facing unprecedented challenges during the current coronavirus crisis. Many have questions about loans and grants available through the new federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, as well as potential local and state funding sources.

We’re trying to learn more about these opportunities, too. To share what we’ve learned, we’ve put together the following list of related resources. As we learn more, we’ll continue to update this list. Given the fluid and changing nature of these opportunities, not all information may be up-to-the-minute.

Throughout this difficult time, know that all of us at the Community Foundation are committed to maintaining a steady presence. Please continue to engage with us, whether through email, social media, or by phone. We will do what we can to help.

Resources specific to our local/regional community:

• The United Way of St. Joseph County’s COVID-19 Fund, which provides grant funding to respond to the short-term, immediate needs of individuals and families impacted by COVID-19. The Community Foundation made a $200,000 grant to support this fund.
• The City of South Bend’s resource page, which includes a variety of resources for residents and businesses.
• The South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce’s resource page, which includes information on SBA funding and a special toolkit for small businesses.
• Indiana’s official marketplace for PPE (personal protective equipment): https://backontrack.in.gov/ppemarketplace.htm
• The Indiana Philanthropy Alliance has created a list of SBA-approved lenders in Indiana.

National support regarding the CARES Act and small business loans:

• The National Council of Nonprofits has a thorough resource page focused on the opportunities for nonprofit organizations included in the CARES Act.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration lists loan resources for nonprofits and includes other support materials.
• 5/15 UPDATE: The Treasury Department has released its application for forgiveness of PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans made to nonprofits.
• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has information specific to small business funding during the crisis, including a state-by-state guide to funding resources.
• The Kresge Foundation has created a resource page on how to access capital for nonprofits through the CARES Act.

Resources specifically for artists and arts organizations:

• The Artist Relief Fund, started by a consortium of arts and culture foundations, provides emergency grants to artists.
• The Indiana Arts Commission has compiled a list of resources for arts organizations and artists.
• Americans for the Arts has created a Coronavirus Resource and Response Center that includes national funding resources and an organization impact survey.
• The Event Safety Alliance, a national nonprofit devoted to best practices in performance and public event safety, has published a new set of guidelines for safely reopening venues and hosting performances during the pandemic.

Resources for nonprofit organizations navigating online communication platforms:

• This shared Google doc, created by ThreeSpot.com and shared through the nonproft Communications Network, compares and contrasts more than virtual conferencing tools.