This page provides San Diego nonprofit organizations with information about the San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund, as well as helpful resources to support your organization while navigating this public health and economic crisis. To view this content in Spanish or other languages, please use the translation tool located at the bottom of this page.
A Fund for Nonprofits & Our Community
The San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund is deploying resources on a rolling basis to nonprofit organizations that are supporting low-income workers, families and vulnerable communities most affected by the coronavirus crisis.
Thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised $64 million to support San Diegans in need and and granted $54 million, including 244 grants to 200 nonprofit partners providing our region’s most vulnerable communities with computers; internet access; childcare; food security; financial assistance; medical support; workforce training and other emergent needs.
Funds will be released on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout the coronavirus outbreak and its recovery phases.
Ongoing Grant Agreements
Community foundations are established to take care of our community in times of crisis, and we recognize the importance of nonprofit partnerships in helping to fulfill that purpose. In addition to the San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund, The San Diego Foundation has signed the Council on Foundations Pledge to give nonprofits more flexibility to use funding where it’s needed most. If you have questions about what this means for your organization, (particularly if you are a current grant recipient of The San Diego Foundation or have a fund at The San Diego Foundation) please contact communityimpact@sdfoundation.org.
COVID-19 Pandemic Relief – State & Federal
On December 27, 2020, a fourth federal stimulus bill was approved in response to the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to $500 million in state grants available to nonprofits, the stimulus package includes more than $900 billion in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, providing assistance to nonprofits, businesses, families, performance venues and cultural institutions.
The San Diego & Imperial Small Business Development Center (SBDC), San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher and The San Diego Foundation have partnered to help business owners and nonprofit leaders access state and federal funding.
$500 Million Available in State Grants
The California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program is providing micro grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to eligible small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19 and the related health and safety restrictions.
Key Dates
- Round 1 application period closed January 13, 2021 at 11:59 PM PST
- Round 1 approval notifications are being sent on a rolling basis January 15 – January 22, 2021
- Nonprofits that did not apply in Round 1 can apply for Round 2 consideration February 2 – February 8, 2021
- Round 2 approval notifications will be sent on a rolling basis February 11 – February 18, 2021
Any applicants not awarded in Round 1, but eligible, will be automatically considered for Round 2. You do not need to reapply. Visit CaReliefgrant.com to learn more about the program and review application guidelines, requirements and eligibility criteria.
Application Support
SBDC is committed to assisting applicants with this grant opportunity. It will help nonprofits and businesses prepare for the application and ensure you have all the needed documentation to be successful in the process.
PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) for Nonprofits Webinar
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for first-time borrowers January 11. Nonprofits that already received a PPP loan and can demonstrate at least a 25% loss in revenue during 2020 as compared to 2019 can now apply for a second PPP loan (PPP2), as well.
San Diego & Imperial Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will host a live webinar with a Q&A session to review how PPP and PPP2 loans work and how nonprofits can apply.
Monday, January 25, 2021
10:00 a.m.
Zoom
Registrants will receive a Zoom link prior to the event. For questions, please contact Desiree Dolores at ddolores@swccd.edu.
Federal Stimulus Package
The Federal Government also approved a new stimulus package that includes new and renewed assistance for small business owners and nonprofits, including:
- Additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), allowing businesses and nonprofits that did not receive a loan to apply and receive a loan equal to 2.5 times their monthly payroll
- Options for businesses and nonprofits that have had at least a 25% drop in revenue to apply for a second PPP loan. Certain industries hardest hit, such as restaurants and hospitality, can receive up to 3.5 times their monthly payroll
- $15 billion for grants for live venues that have been shuttered, including theaters, museums and other cultural institutions
- An extension of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, including a renewal for the up to $10,000 grant program for businesses and nonprofits that did not previously receive the funding
- Availability of PPP loans for nonprofit 501(c)(6) organizations in addition to 501(c)(3) organizations
SBDC has helped nonprofits obtain disaster assistance through its trainings and one-on-one advising, including help securing both PPP loans and EIDL loans from the federal government.
Additional Resources
San Diego County Relief and Funding Support
- The San Diego County COVID-19 Small Business and Nonprofit Loan Program (SBNLP) is offering interest-free loans to San Diego nonprofit organizations. Inquire at www.sandiegosbnlp.org.
- The City of San Diego has established a COVID-19 small business relief fund to provide organizations with either grants of $10,000 or low-interest loans of $10,000 to $20,000. As of December 2020, all SBRF program funds have been expended.
- San Diego County has established a COVID-19 small business stimulus grant program that is open for nonprofits and small businesses.
Federal Relief & Stimulus Information for Nonprofits
- National Council of Nonprofits updates its site daily with legal analysis and important information related to federal relief packages and how federal support will impact nonprofits and employers. The site includes a helpful chart about the types of loans available to nonprofits.
- Southern California Grantmakers outlines the nonprofit assistance available in the CARES Act, including what you need to know about loan programs, paycheck protection, the employee retention payroll tax credit and a new charitable giving incentive.
- Nonprofits are eligible for the California Small Business Disaster Relief Loan Program.
Staffing and Human Resources
- If you are considering work stoppages, layoffs or furloughs, San Diego Workforce Partnership has resources and staff available to assist you before making any final decisions.
- California has layoff alternatives available for employers interested in exploring more staffing options.
- To learn more about employment or to help former staff apply for unemployment, visit the California Employment Development Department.
- To view more resources for employers and workers regarding paid sick leave, unemployment insurance, and workplace health and safety guidance, visit the California Workforce Development Agency.
Fundraising Toolkit
- Use these helpful tips on how to fundraise during a recession.
- Find out from experts on how to continue fundraising for non-pandemic causes.
- Learn how to master your digital strategy and communicate during COVID-19.
- Here are 10 tips on how to host an online auction while everyone is at home.
- If your fundraising event is cancelled, read about these seven steps to move any fundraiser to a virtual event.
- If you’re emailing donors during COVID-19, here are tips on how to best communicate with your network.
Public Health Guidelines
- San Diego County lists all the local requirements and restrictions related to COVID-19. Here you will find daily updates about the coronavirus in the region, as well as nonprofit-specific information for organizations in San Diego.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides the latest news, coronavirus updates and public health requirements. It also has a page dedicated to businesses and employers to keep your staff safe.
General Resources
- For more resources, strategies and support, the California Association of Nonprofits, Association of Fundraising Professionals and Bloomerang have put together COVID-19 Resource Guides to help nonprofits during these difficult times.
- The State of California put together offers, resources and tools that provide support to small businesses.
