The St. Cloud  City Council has adopted a resolution to amend existing guidelines and remove a number of  CARES Act funding restrictions from the COVID-19 Small Business & Non-profit Grant Programs. What does that mean? Applicants who were previously ineligible to apply for funding if they were recipients of the Payment Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan or benefactors from the SBA Debt Relief Program provided under the CARES Act, are now considered eligible to apply.

Applications are currently being accepted until funds are no longer available.

COVID-19 Non-profit Grant Assistance Program

The program was created to assist non-profits in their mission to offer residents the ability to attain, restore or preserve their highest potential of functional abilities, independence, and quality of life. This program is designed to assist non-profits lessen the financial burden of operational costs. This grant program will allocate $50,000 in public funding to offset the loss of income related to revenue and other economic impacts for nonprofits aiding in the assistance of services directly related to COVID-19. Each non-profit is eligible for up to $5,000.

To qualify, non-profits must be located in the geographic boundary of the City of St. Cloud or serve 51% of St. Cloud population, services must benefit residents of St. Cloud, must be a community need directly impacted by the spread of COVID-19, and produce realistic outcomes. Other criteria may apply. For more information, visit the city’s website here.

Click here for the application.

COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program

This program was created to assist business owners seeking to offset operational costs due to the financial impact associated with COVID-19. The City of St. Cloud would like to help promote business continuity and longevity by offering financial assistance in working capital including but not limited to payroll, rent, supplies, equipment, transit/delivery, etc. This grant program will allocate $200,000 in public funding with each business eligible for up to $10,000 in assistance.

To qualify, businesses must be located in the geographic boundary of the City of St. Cloud with no outstanding debts to the city. Businesses will be prioritized by industry including restaurants, bars, nightclubs, gyms, theaters, banquet halls, and hair/nail/spa salons. For more information, visit the city’s website here.
Click here for the application.