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COVID-19 Resources for Nonprofits

The Community Foundation Santa Cruz County is committed to responding quickly to the impact of COVID-19. During these unprecedented times, our intention is to continue to serve as a resource for our nonprofit community. If you have additional resources to add to this list, please email: sgarcia@cfscc.org

Stay Informed

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the most reliable source of information for individuals. You will find specific information here.
  • COVID-19 Information and Updates Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency Information specifically for our county. The COVID-19 call center is available at 831.454.4242. After hours questions can be refereed to United Way's 211.
  • COVID-19 tracking across the world. A teenager’s website tracking coronavirus since December has become one of the most vital resources for people seeking accurate and updated numbers on the pandemic.
  • The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act):
    • Summary of what's in the stimulus bill for nonprofits by the National Council for Nonprofits.
    • CARES Bill Fact Sheet for Nonprofits by Southern California Grantmakers
    • Charitable Giving Incentives for Donors to 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organizations. In addition to facilitating direct financial relief to affected nonprofit organizations, the CARES Act also creates charitable giving incentives for donors to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Section 2204 of the CARES Act includes a new above-the-line deduction (universal or non-itemized deduction that applies to all taxpayers) for total charitable contributions of up to $300. The incentive applies to contributions made in 2020 and would be claimed on tax forms next year. Section 2205 of the CARES Act lifts the existing cap on annual contributions for those who itemize, raising it from 60 percent of adjusted gross income to 100 percent. For corporations, the legislation raises the annual limit from 10 percent to 25 percent. Food donations from corporations would be available to 25 percent, up from the current 15 percent cap.
  • Financial Help for Individuals in California. Information and resources for California residents affected by COVID-19.

Employment Resources

The California Department of Employment Development Programs to provide financial assistance to workers who have lost employment, experienced illness, or are caring for a sick family member.

  • Employers and Employees can learn more and submit a claim here.
  • There are Employee Layoff Alternatives such as the Work Sharing Program to keep your employees. When layoffs or a closure are unavoidable, Rapid Response Services are available. Contact Belinda Barr at (831) 763-8900, Business Services Manager for more information on these services.
  • There are multiple ways to file an Unemployment and Insurance Claim:
    • Online here
    • By phone: Representatives are available at the following toll-free numbers, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon Pacific time except on state holidays.
      English 1-800-300-5616, Spanish 1-800-326-8937
    • By Mail or by Fax: File your UI claim by accessing the paper Unemployment Insurance Application (under Fill-in Forms). For faster and secure processing, fax the completed application to the number listed on the form. If you mail your application, use the address on the form and allow additional time for processing.
    • How to Apply for UI Benefits Videos English | Spanish | Cantonese | Vietnamese | Mandarin
    • Benefits to Those Quarantined or Sick
      • Paid sick leave law provides time off to many workers. You are entitled to use whatever sick leave you have accumulated
      • California law provides for paid family leave, which you may be eligible for if you are providing care for an ill or quarantined family member.
      • In the event of a particularly long illness, you may be eligible for disability benefits, provided your illness is certified by a medical professional.

California Labor & Workforce Development Agency Guidance for employers and workers on paid sick leave, unemployment insurance, and workplace health and safety guidance.

Employee Retention Payroll Tax Credit As part of the CARES Act, businesses and nonprofits that have a furloughed or reduced workforce as a result of the COVID-19 emergency can receive a refundable payroll tax credit for 50 percent of wages paid to employees. Employers receiving EIDL or other SBA loans would not be eligible for these credits.

Delayed Payment of Payroll Taxes As part of the CARES Act, this allows employers to delay payment of the employer portion payroll taxes in 2020; payable in equal halves at the end of 2021 and 2022.

Remote Working Resources

  • Staff Communication: All of the following technologies have a free version with messaging and video chat features.
    • Slack
    • Microsoft Teams - Now offering a free 6 month trial for the premium version
    • Workplace - Offering free Premium versions to nonprofits.
    • Avaya - Free for nonprofits until August 31st
  • Video Meetings, Conferences, and Live Streaming:
    • Zoom: Techsoup is offering a 50% Discount for nonprofits. Free option includes 1 on 1s, hosting for 100 participants.
    • Google Hangouts – Enterprise Hangout is free until July 1
    • GoToMeeting - Free Emergency Remote Work Kits for nonprofits for 3 months.
  • Internet:
    • Mobile Beacon: Internet Hotspot for Nonprofits
    • Cox Communications is offering a range of services and packages for the next 60 days.
    • Comcast is offering free Wi-Fi for 2 months to low-income families plus all Xfinity hot-spots are free to the public during this time.
    • AT&T is offering open hot-spots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low-income families.
    • Sprint is following the FCC agreement and will provide unlimited data to existing customers. Starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Sprint will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge.
    • T-Mobile is following the FCC agreement and providing unlimited data to existing customers. It will soon allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge.
  • Trainings and Tech Support:
    • Cruz One: Offering free volunteer local tech support for Santa Cruz County
    • Pro Bono Services from Joint Venture: The Silicon Valley Talent Partnership’s pro bono teams can provide communications, strategic planning, data analysis, and cybersecurity consulting to organizations forming their COVID-19 response.
    • LinkedIn Remote Learning Courses: Free training on how to transition your team to remote working. Including learning zoom, leading virtual meetings, and productivity tips at home.
  • Other:
    • Dropbox: Free Business and Hello Sign Enterprise subscriptions for a three month period to nonprofits and NPOs fighting COVID-19.
    • Techsoup Tips: More digital tool tips for nonprofits.

Loans & Grants

  • Paycheck Protection Program Loans (PPP)The Paycheck Protection Program is designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses and nonprofits to keep their workers on payroll by providing each small business a loan up to $10 million for payroll and certain other expenses.
    If all employees are kept on payroll for eight weeks, SBA will forgive the portion of the loans used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. Up to 100 percent of the loan is forgivable (becoming a grant).
    This is available for charitable nonprofits with 500 or fewer employees.
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Creates emergency grants for eligible nonprofits and other applicants with 500 or fewer employees enabling them to receive checks for $10,000 within three days.
    EIDL are loans of up to $2 million that carry interest rates of up to 2.75 percent for nonprofits, as well as principal and interest deferment for up to 4 years. The loans may be used to pay for expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred, including payroll and other operating expenses. If the loan amount is $200,000 or less, the SBA will waive loan guarantee and other creditworthiness requirements. The $10,000 advance does not need to be repaid, even if the nonprofit is subsequently denied an EIDL for the larger loan amount. EIDL may be used to provide paid sick leave to employees, maintain payroll, meet increased production costs due to supply chain disruptions or pay business obligations, including debts, rent and mortgage payments. Learn more and apply here.
  • FDC direct loans California's Small Business Finance Center has partnered with local financial development corporations to provide direct loans struggling with cash flow during the pandemic. Businesses and some nonprofits with 750 or fewer employees are eligible for the loans. Learn more here.
  • Facebook small business grants The social media giant has launched a $100 million grant program to help small businesses in the form of cash grants or ad credits. Applications for the support are expected to be opened up in the coming weeks.

Santa Cruz County Nonprofit Resources

Self Care Resources

COVID-19 Tips Sheet (Spanish)
COVID-19 Tips Sheet (English)
Managing Stress Related to COVID-19 by Community Bridges
Talking to Children about COVID-19 by Community Bridges

More Nonprofit Resources

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