At Florida Community Loan Fund, we know this is a tough time for nonprofit organizations and small businesses in Florida. Although we may be working remotely, please know that our staff is just an email or phone call away. You can visit our Staff Directory for contact information.
Below is a list of resources that may offer assistance as we navigate this new territory together. This page will be updated as new information becomes available, so check back often.
Click here to download a PDF of this resource list.
(List below and PDF download updated 29 April 2021)
Region-Specific Resources
- Escambia County Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program. Grants to assist for-profit businesses located in Escambia County with their immediate cash flow needs as a result of a demonstrated economic injury due to COVID-19. The max grant award is $2,500 per applicant or business. The opening date to apply is Monday, April 20 at 8 a.m. CST with a deadline of Monday, April 27 at 5 p.m. CST. The application will be available online starting Monday, April 13, but applications will not be accepted until Monday, April 20 at 8 a.m. Please note that complete applications will be reviewed in the order they are received. https://www.myescambia.com/covid-19-information-for-escambia-county/small-business-covid-19-recovery-grant-program
- Orange Cares: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security. Orange County Government has created four funding categories and one replenishment category to ensure that the funds are able to meet the immediate and personal need of residents, business owners, nonprofits, municipal and community partners. http://www.ocfl.net/EconomicDevelopment/OrangeCARES.aspx#.Xt45F0VKiUk
- United Way of Central Florida United Community Relief Fund. With children out of school, businesses temporarily closing, community events being canceled, and workers being laid off, there has never been a time where community support and financial resources have been more critically needed. The new fund will support local nonprofit organizations serving those most vulnerable to the economic and health-related impacts triggered by a community crisis. https://uwcf.org/united-community-relief-fund/
- Orange County Government Rental Assistance. Orange County, Florida Government will offer rental assistance to low-income households starting March 1, 2021. https://www.ocfl.net/EmergencySafety/Coronavirus/EmergencyRentalAssistance.aspx
- Central Florida Resources from the Orlando Business Journal. The Orlando Business Journal has compiled a list of resources available to Central Florida businesses. https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2020/03/25/coronavirus-a-local-resource-guide-for-orlando.html
- Hillsborough County R3 Program. The Hillsborough County Rapid Response Recovery Assistance Program (R3) directs CARES Act funds to programs that assist residents and businesses. https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/public-safety/rapid-response-recovery-assistance-program-r3/rapid-response-recovery-assistance-program-r3-funding
- Community Foundation of Tampa Bay COVID-19 Nonprofit Needs Request Form. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our nonprofit community has been immediate and continues to grow. The Nonprofit Needs Request Form is one new way that the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay is working to help nonprofits in our community. This is not a competitive grant process. It is an innovative way to share specific needs with us, our fundholders (who granted over $20 million to nonprofits last fiscal year) as well as other philanthropists in the Tampa Bay community. After completing the simplified Nonprofit Needs Request Form, your needs will be included within a database of requests from our community. If your nonprofit’s request is matched with a donation, we will notify you and transmit funds to address the request as quickly as possible. https://cftampabay.org/nonprofitneed/
- Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund. A unique partnership has been launched to help the critical organizations that provide assistance to the most vulnerable of our local residents being affected by the COVID-19 public health crisis. The Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund is a new strategic collaboration of the Pinellas Community Foundation, Allegany Franciscan Ministries, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and United Way Suncoast with nearly $1 million of funding assistance available to nonprofit 501(c) organizations and governmental agencies. https://pinellascf.org/TBRF/
- Penny for Pinellas Affordable Housing Program. The new Penny for Pinellas Affordable Housing Program will use revenue from the voter approved 1-percent sales tax with public and private investment to preserve and develop more affordable housing. The County is looking for a variety of applicants, including developers who specialize in affordable housing and those who traditionally build market-rate developments as well as municipal and nonprofit partners. Apply for funds by August 31, 2020. https://www.homesforpinellas.org/
- Tampa Area Resources from the Tampa Bay Business Journal. The Tampa Bay Business Journal has compiled a list of resources available to Tampa area businesses. https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2020/03/24/here-are-resources-to-aid-tampa-bay-businesses.html
- Sarasota County Economic Development Corporation COVID-19 Resource for Business. The Sarasota County EDC has a page with links to various resources. https://www.edcsarasotacounty.com/business-assistance/covid-19/
- Lee CARES. Lee County Government is investing in Human & Business Services to provide immediate assistance for individuals, families and businesses. Funds are available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act federal stimulus package. http://www.leeflcares.com/
- Lee County Economic Development Office, Small Business, Nonprofit and Employee Resources. This infographic compiled by the Lee County (Florida) Economic Development Office helps guide you to which resources may be helpful as an individual, nonprofit, or small business. https://infogram.com/small-business-not-for-profit-and-employee-resources-1h7g6kdn181j4oy?live
- Palm Beach County COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Grant. United Way and many other funders in Palm Beach County have joined together to establish a coordinated Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief and Recovery application process. This funding process will provide assistance to nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach County and Martin County whose staff, services and clients have been impacted by this disaster. Funding priorities include emergency food, shelter, access to healthcare and other basic needs. Info: https://unitedwaypbc.org/nonprofit-resources/#Disaster%20Relief%20and%20Recovery%20 Grants Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDCxmTZHHelBdO7DtmIdYRHHrBBPxESedFiC_0RIpbaxOHwg/viewform
- Allegany Franciscan Ministries, COVID-19 Funding for Palm Beach, Martin & St. Lucie Counties. Allegany Franciscan Ministries has joined together with other funders in the Palm Beach region to establish a coordinated Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief and Recovery application process. This funding process will provide assistance to nonprofit organizations across Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie Counties whose staff, services, and clients have been impacted by a disaster. https://afmfl.org/index.php/2020/03/20/coronavirus-covid-19-relief-and-recovery-funding/
- RISE Miami-Dade. The RISE Miami-Dade Fund was created to help small businesses in Miami-Dade County that were impacted by COVID-19. Loans under the program will be for a maximum of $30,000. https://risemiamidade.com/
- Axis South Florida, Resources for Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Axis South Florida has compiled a comprehensive list of resources to help Miami-Dade and Broward residents weather the coronavirus crisis and emerge from it with stability and strength. Information for individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.axishelps.org/
- Partners for Self Employment (PSE) COVID-19 Small Business Loan Program (Miami-Dade). Partners for Self Employment has a forgivable loan program for small businesses in Miami. Loans will be up to $25,000 with a 0% interest rate and no origination fees. Eligible borrowers will have no more than 25 employees. The company must retain employees in their permanent jobs. https://www.pseinc.org/application/
- City of Miami Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA) 2021. For qualified individuals and households. Applications opened March 29, 2021. https://www.miamigov.com/Residents/Housing/ERA-Program
- South Florida Resources from the South Florida Business Journal. The South Florida Business Journal has compiled a list of resources available to South Florida businesses. https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/03/27/a-resource-guide-for-south-florida-businesses.html
Federal and State Funding Resources: Loans and/or Grants
- Federal SBA Coronavirus Relief Options. The SBA offers multiple funding options for those facing an unprecedented economic disruption due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options
- Federal SBA Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG). Application portal opened April 27, 2021. Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/shuttered-venue-operators-grant
- Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARE Act. The U.S. House and Senate Small Business Committees circulated a document entitled "The Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act." https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3A5c079d15-ad71-47f9-9cbd-ab7540622238
- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness. The Paycheck Protection Program closes May 31, 2021. The SBA has Frequently Asked Questions about PPP Loan Forgiveness on its website https://www.sba.gov/document/support-frequently-asked-questions-ppp-loan-forgiveness
- Florida DEO Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund. The Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund focuses on creating and enhancing the diversification and resiliency of Florida’s economy. Its purpose is to address the current gap in available, affordable capital for businesses by providing longer term loans with higher funding levels at market interest rates. https://deosera.force.com/RebuildFloridaBusinessLoanFund/s/loan-programs?program=florida-resiliency-loan
- FEMA: COVID-10 Public Assistance Application. FEMA is simplifying the Public Assistance application process. FEMA is developing a simplified online form applicants can complete, and on which they may explain work activities, answer basic questions, provide limited supporting documentation, and provide a cost estimate. Recipients are states, tribes, or territories that receive and administer Public Assistance awards. Applicants are state, local, tribal and territorial governments, or eligible private nonprofits, submitting a request for assistance under a recipient’s federal award. https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2020/03/23/coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-public-assistance-simplified-application
- USDA COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide. The USDA COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide is a resource for rural leaders looking for federal funding and partnership opportunities. It includes a section on resources for nonprofit organizations. https://rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/USDA_COVID-19_Fed_Rural_Resource_Guide.pdf
Resources from State and National Associations, Nonprofit Associations, Charitable Organizations
- CDFA Resource Center COVID-19. The Council of Development Finance Agencies has put together a resource page that includes a state-by-state response map. Click on your state to see a list of available resources. https://www.cdfa.net/cdfa/cdfaweb.nsf/resourcecenters/COVID-19.html
- Florida Housing Coalition COVID-19 Housing-Related Resources. The Florida Housing Coalition hosts weekly webinars on Thursdays at 1:30pm to share experiences from housing providers across the state. This website also includes links to other resources. https://www.flhousing.org/covid-19-housing-related-resources/
- Florida Coalition to End Homelessness COVID-19 Disaster Plans. The Florida Coalition to End Homelessness has a resource page with links to various resources. http://fchonline.org/disasterplans/
- FRA, Florida Redevelopment Assn, Responses to COVID-19 Issues. The Florida Redevelopment Association has a resource page with links to various business associations, local and government resources and updates. https://redevelopment.net/covid19/
- Florida SBDC COVID-19 Business Disaster Recovery Assistance. The Florida SBDC, Small Business Development Center, has a list of resources, including a link to local SBDC offices. http://floridasbdc.org/disaster/loan-assistance/
- Florida Behavioral Health Association. The Florida Behavioral Health Association has important updates for those of you who are behavioral health providers. https://www.floridabha.org/covid-19/
- NCRC, National Community Reinvestment Coalition, COVID-19 Resources. The coronavirus has quickly spread into a global pandemic. Governments have taken drastic measures to encourage social distancing. Along with anxieties about contracting and spreading disease, millions of people who were already struggling or living paycheck-to-paycheck face new uncertainties about their financial security. Many organizations and governments have responded with resources and services to help individuals, small businesses and institutions cope with these challenges. Here is some information about how and where to obtain these resources. https://ncrc.org/covid/
- NLIHC, National Low-Income Housing Coalition, Coronavirus and Housing/Homelessness. The NLIHC has a page that lists webinars along with other links and a list of state-by-state resources and news. https://nlihc.org/coronavirus-and-housing-homelessness
- NACEDA, Natl Alliance of Community Economic Dev Assns, COVID-19 Resources for Community Developers. The NACEDA has a page with resources for community developers, including national, state, regional, and general communications. https://naceda.memberclicks.net/covid-19-resources
- National Council of Nonprofits, Loans Available in CARES Act. The National Council of Nonprofits has put together a chart showing what loans are available to nonprofits as part of the CARES Act. https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/sites/default/files/documents/cares-act-loan-options-for-nonprofits.pdf
- Southern Opportunity and Resilience Fund, SOAR. SOAR provides flexible, affordable capital and free business support to small businesses and nonprofits in the South and Southeast to help them navigate and rebuild from the COVID-19 economic crisis. Less than 50 full time employees, may apply for up to $100,000. Created by a group of nonprofit lending institutions / CDFIs. https://www.connect2capital.com/p/soar-fund/
- TD Charitable Foundation Housing for Everyone. The annual TD Charitable Housing for Everyone competition is officially open until 4pm on October 30th, 2020. Applicant organizations must be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) or state/local government entities. The theme for this year is direct relief and supportive services for renters affected by COVID-19; which will seek to fund programs that provide access to safe, clean, physically accessible affordable rental housing units and needed wraparound services for families, individuals, the elderly, new Americans, Veterans, the disabled, women and youth. To access the online application and to learn more about this year's theme and guidelines, please visit the program's webpage https://www.tdbank.com/corporate-responsibility/the-ready-commitment/funding-opportunities/
Information for Employees and/or Individuals
- Reemployment Assistance through FloridaJobs.org. DEO says anyone who has been negatively affected by COVID-19 could be eligible to receive reemployment assistance. A new website was launched on April 8, 2020: https://fldeo-flwork-prod1.pegacloud.net/prweb/app/default/tHGV_g6FQZMSYakWUervaQ%28%28*/!STANDARD
And for more information on the program, including eligibility, visit https://www.floridajobsresources.com/ - Food Stamps, Cash Assistance, Medicaid Florida. DCF ACCESS offices are closed so applicants must apply on-line. To apply for food assistance (SNAP), cash assistance (TANF) or Medicaid, individuals should go to https://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/.
- Florida Department of Education Resources for Families. In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, schools throughout Florida and the United States are on extended breaks in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. The Florida Department of Education has compiled a list of free resources, offered by state and federal agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations to help school districts, colleges, educators and families ensure continuity of learning during this time. http://www.fldoe.org/em-response/resources-families.stml
- Federal Housing Finance Agency, Coronavirus Assistance Information. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) and the Federal Home Loan Banks are taking steps to help people who have been impacted by the coronavirus. If your ability to pay your mortgage is impacted, and your loan is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you may be eligible to delay making your monthly mortgage payments for a temporary period. https://www.fhfa.gov/Homeownersbuyer/MortgageAssistance/Pages/Coronavirus-Assistance-Information.aspx
- U.S. Dept of Labor, Families First Coronavirus Response. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave
General Nonprofit Resources: Management • Technology • Working From Home • Mental Health • & Other Miscellaneous Tips
- National Housing Conference's COVID-19 resource webpage has tips on taking care of yourself so you can then help support others. https://covid19.nhc.org/oxygen-mask-rule/
- Nonprofit Resources List #NPCOVID19. This is a google doc (you may need to have a Google or Gmail account to access it) curated by several nonprofit professionals. A work in progress, it is updated frequently with resource links on topics such as public health information, fundraising tips, self-care, working from home, and more. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k5pC-R1V4SK4bRPN7cqh9WpIxubXP5tt8qpF5hinMoQ/preview
- TechSoup, Resources for COVID-19. The TechSoup COVID Recovery Fund provides eligible NGOs with up to US$2,000 in microgrants to reimburse costs on specific technology solutions available through TechSoup. https://page.techsoup.org/en/covid-19-ngo-recovery-fund-2021
- Wired Impact, Resources for Responding to COVID-19. This blog post from Wired Impact includes links to topics varying from the CDC’s latest news to fundraising for nonprofits to tech tools. https://wiredimpact.com/blog/coronavirus-nonprofits-resources-for-covid-19/
- AFP COVID-19 Resource Guide. The Association of Fundraising Professionals has put together a resource page including lots of tips for nonprofits on fundraising, digital events, working from home, and other topics. https://afpglobal.org/covid19resourceguide
The following have closed their funding opportunity or ended relief programs as of the most recent update of this page:
Northwest Florida Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant • Seminole CARES Small Business Grant • Osceola County CARES Act Emergency Economic Relief Grant Program • City of St. Cloud COVID-19 Economic Recovery Grant. • Brevard CARES Resources • International Economic Development Council, COVID-19 Webinars. • United Way of Miami Pandemic Response Fund. • City of St. Petersburg Fighting Chance Fund. • Santa Rosa County Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant • City of Tampa Relief Now, Rise Together • Pasco Emergency Business Grant • City of Fort Myers Housing Division Emergency Assistance • IRS, Receiving 2020 Economic Impact Payments • Pinellas County COVID-19 Funding • Pinellas CARES Small Business Funding • City of Sarasota Small Business and Safety Assistance Grant • Seminole County Small Business Releif Grant • Pinellas CARES Local Business Grants • CareerSource South Florida COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund • Florida Housing Finance Corporation Coronavirus Relief Fund