Some nonprofit and community organizations in Pinellas County effected by increased costs due to the impact of the COVID-19 virus can now apply for relief grants from the county government.
Pinellas County Commissioners approved a resolution Thursday to use nearly $2.5 million in federal funds to help these organizations.
Applicants must show a direct link between the COVID-19 crisis and their increase in services.
County Administrator Barry Burton said that this may sound like a lot of money but there are a lot of organizations that may qualify.
Organizations that serve low to moderate income residents can apply for funds to support public health and testing, feeding operations, emergency sheltering, housing and other services.
Priority will be given to projects that address COVID-19-related needs such as food purchase and distribution, and healthcare testing and medical response.
The deadline for filing is 5 p.m. Friday, May 22. To file go to the county’s website at: www.pinellascounty.org/community/nofa/executive.htm.
These funds are in addition to the $170 million that the county has for aid to small businesses and individuals in need due to the pandemic.
Available funds include $1,481,969 in the Community Development Block Grant Program – Coronavirus Response (CDBG-CV) and $739,117 in Emergency Solution Grant – Coronavirus Response (ESG-CV) funds.
Criteria that will be considered in the application review include: conceptual soundness of the project; financial feasibility of the project; applicant’s demonstrated ability to implement and administer the project; applicant’s ability to meet and maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and/or local regulations; community development value (cost versus community impact); and a demonstrable link between the COVID-19 crisis and increase in services.
Some of the types of service that may be eligible include those that:
Carry out job training to expand the pool of health care workers and technicians that are available to treat disease within the community.
•Provide testing, diagnosis or other services at a fixed or mobile location.
•Increase the capacity and availability of targeted health services for infectious disease response within existing health facilities.
•Provide equipment, supplies, and materials necessary to carry-out a public service.
•Deliver meals on wheels to quarantined individuals or individuals that need to maintain social distancing due to medical vulnerabilities.
