The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act is now law. Nonprofits can get help with how to apply for this aid through the Independent Sector, a national membership organization that brings together the charitable community to advance the common good. Independent Sector has created a webpage with reliable information on how to apply for nonprofit relief funds. Independent Sector has teamed with Washington Council Ernst & Young, a DC-based lobbying firm, and Sheppard Mullin, a national full-service law firm, to build this resource that will help nonprofit organizations understand how the CARES Act will apply to them and how to proceed with filing for assistance. The site includes their latest information on eligibility criteria, timelines, and application information. Things are evolving and changing every day, so please check back regularly.
One of Independent Sectors’ tips for small nonprofits (under 500 employees) is: When in doubt, file. If you are not sure if your organization qualifies for a forgivable loan program, file for relief and let the SBA decide. There is no penalty for submitting an application, and the SBA is expected to take a broad approach to eligibility. Click here for the link to apply.
Be sure you always know the source of information and use only trusted, reliable sites like Independent Sector, Candid and Florida Nonprofits. Using Google to find information is very risky, as research teams have noted that domains related to coronavirus are 50% more likely to be malicious, as cybercriminals take advantage of the critical need for information.
Although Independent Sector is a membership organization, they have made many of their resources, including webinars and regular updates, available to all nonprofits during this stressful time.