United Way seeks nonprofits to apply for emergency funds

United Way of Greater Lorain County is the secretariat for the Local Board of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Food and Shelter Program.

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds are federal dollars made available through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to a news release.

The Local Board, in anticipation of Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds totaling $213,591 for Phase CARES and $149,814 for Phase 37 being awarded to supplement existing emergency food and shelter programs, is encouraging local nonprofits to apply for these funds by contacting United Way of Greater Lorain County.

The Local Board is made up of community residents who will determine how the funds awarded to Lorain County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area, the release said.

Selection of United Way of Greater Lorain County was made by a National Board that is chaired by U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from: The

Salvation Army; American Red Cross; Council of Jewish Federations; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA; and United Way Worldwide.

The Local Board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, Lorain County governmental or private voluntary organizations applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must:

• Private voluntary nonprofits or units of government

• Eligible to receive federal funds

• Have an accounting system and conduct an annual audit or accountant review

• Practice non discrimination

• Have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs

• Must have a voluntary board if they are a private voluntary organization.

Lorain County nonprofit organizations qualifying under these criteria are urged to apply.

Applications will be available May 8 and are due to United Way by mail or email to christine. matusikplas@uwloraincounty.org at 4 p.m., May

15.