Deadline near for OKC nonprofit grants

Reviews begin Aug. 13 of applications for federally funded COVID-19 relief for nonprofits that serve low- to moderate-income Oklahoma City residents.

The Oklahoma City Council approved $1 million on May 12 for grants of up to $24,000 to qualifying nonprofit organizations.

Organizations must show that they have lost revenue or encountered increased requests for services as a result of the pandemic.

Grant awards are drawn from federal CARES Act funds and administered by the city Planning Department. Go to okc. gov/ c ovid nonprofit to learn more.

The council approved $300,000 the same day for grants to arts nonprofits, to be administered by Allied Arts.

Another $1 million was allocated to COVID- 19 related rental, mortgage and utility assistance for households, to be managed by the Community Action Agency. Find the application form at caaofokc.org.

Household assistance is reserved to low- and moderate-income recipients and capped at $1,200 per month and a total award of $3,600.

Payments are made directly to landlords, lenders and utilities on behalf of recipients.

The grants adminis - te red by the Planning Department are for nonprofits that:

•Need funding to recover revenue lost due to canceled programs or fundraising events, or for similar reasons.

• Need money to continue or expand programs and services to meet pandemic-related needs.

Funding is reserved for established nonprofits with fewer than 100 employees and annual operating expenses of less than $10 million.

Organizations must demonstrate urgency and/or benefit to low- or moderate-income areas or residents to qualify.

The council also allocated about $1.5 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds for additional grants for individuals for rental, utility and legal assistance, for eviction prevention. Additionally, $ 130,000 went to a housing program for persons with AIDS.