McKee Announces Nonprofits Can Apply for $4.5M in Federal COVID-19 Response Grants

McKee Announces Nonprofits Can Apply for $4.5M in Federal COVID-19 Response Grants

Governor Dan McKee announced Monday that nonprofits on the frontlines of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for $4.5 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funding.

The administration of the funds will be handled by the Rhode Island Foundation, but it is not providing any funds.

“Nonprofits have had an immeasurable impact on our communities during this pandemic, and we must make sure they get the support they deserve,” said Governor McKee. “These grants provide an opportunity for our local nonprofit organizations to invest in their services and programs so that they can continue to help Rhode Islanders in need. I am so grateful for our community partners who step up to the plate, and I encourage all who are eligible to apply. I want to thank Neil Steinberg and the Rhode Island Foundation for administering these grants and making the best use of valuable federal funding.”

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Grants will range from $25,000 to $100,000 and can be used towards services or direct assistance that respond to the COVID-19 pandemic impact on vulnerable individuals or communities. Work includes housing, homelessness prevention, behavioral health services, access to health care, job training, food insecurity and child care. The deadline to apply is Dec. 6.

One roadblock for the program is that the RI Foundation is requiring that organizations requesting funds must have a so-called DUNS number and submit a copy of their most recent Form 990, 990EZ or 990N; and their 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter if not already on file at the Foundation. This requirement has been heavily criticized by businesses and non-profits in the past.

For information on obtaining a DUNS number, visit https://www.dnb.com/duns-number.html.

The Rhode Island Nonprofit Support Fund II was established jointly by Governor McKee, through the Rhode Island Pandemic Recovery Office; and the Foundation. The initial phase distributed $2.5 million in December 2020.

Only Rhode Island-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible. Nonprofit hospitals, educational institutions and foundations are not eligible.

Program funds can be used for services or direct assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on individuals and communities. Eligible uses of funds are limited to payment or reimbursement of direct costs incurred from March 20, 2020, through December 30, 2021.