COVID-19 Community CARES – Apply For Grants

NEBRASKA- On May 27, 2020, Governor Pete Ricketts announced the Community CARES grant program to help Nebraska’s charitable organizations and care providers respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants are being funded by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. They are designed to aid Nebraska charitable organizations and licensed providers by providing working capital; provide community programming for COVID-19 response and recovery; and provide key supplies for child care and religious centers.

DHHS is committed to prioritizing available funds for underserved communities, including areas of high poverty, communities of color, and populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Please read the program descriptions below for detailed information on Community CARES grants and how to apply. An organization may apply for multiple grants if they meet eligibility criteria.

Stabilization Grant for Charitable Organizations and Providers

Charitable organizations and care providers across the state have been struggling in the wake of COVID-19. The Community CARES Stabilization Grant offers organizations working capital of at least $12,000 to help them cover operating expenses related to COVID-19 impacts. This will enable charities and eligible providers to continue serving Nebraska’s children, families, and communities. A total of $40 million is allocated for this opportunity.
Application Deadline: Extended until July 10, 2020 – 12 p.m. Central Time
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Healthy Places Grant for Child Care Providers and Centers of Worship

Nebraska’s child care providers and centers of worship must provide clean, safe facilities for the children and families they serve. In accordance with public health guidance, this includes ensuring access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfecting supplies to limit the spread of COVID-19. These resources will help facilities continue operating safely or enable others to reopen under public health guidelines. Award amounts, explicitly to be used for COVID-19 PPE and cleaning supplies: $250 for child care homes, $500 for child care centers, $500 for places of worship. A total of $2 million is allocated for this opportunity.
Application Deadline: July 12, 2020
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Nebraska P-EBT Program (Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer)

This program application is sponsored by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. It gave The United States Department of Agriculture Secretary the authority to approve state agency plans for temporary emergency standards of eligibility and levels of benefits under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.
The program provides benefits to families with children who received free and reduced school meals during the 2019-2020 school year. The program helps cover food costs for days schools were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Application Deadline: July 19, 2020