CARES Act funds available for nonprofits

Orange County nonprofits that provide health and human services can apply for up to $5,000 in federal CARES Act funding to recoup expenses from the COVID-19 pandemic, county officials announced Monday.

The county has $2.8 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act for the effort. Political organizations and those providing other types of aid are not eligible.

“Nonprofits in our community have provided unprecedented support to our residents in this challenging time, and we want to ensure their outreach efforts continue,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said in announcing the program.

Applicants must apply at OCFLCares.org by Oct. 19.

Eligible nonprofits must be private, located in Orange County and serving Orange County residents as of Jan. 1. The money can be used for personal protective equipment, including masks and cleaning supplies; computer equipment and software pur

chased to help staff and clients comply with social distancing guidelines; and cell phones and cell service to help the organization carry out its mission while preventing the spread of COVID infection.

Applications will be processed on a firstcome, first-served basis, although officials may make exceptions to ensure equal distribution of the grants across the county’s six districts.

The program is being administered by the Heart of Florida United Way.

“Nonprofits are seeing staggering needs for assistance, while at the same time experiencing a decrease in revenue in many instances,” said Jeff Hayward, the local United Way’s president and CEO. “[The funding] couldn’t have come at a better time.”

For more information, go to ocfl.net/OrangeCARES or email OCCares@hfuw.org.