Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant Program
Applications are no longer being accepted.
Program Summary:
To aid Solano County’s nonprofit organizations in mitigating the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the County of Solano, in partnership with the Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Solano County, has established the Solano Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant Program. The program will provide grants to nonprofit organizations that provide reemployment and training-related services in Solano County. The purpose of grant funds is to support nonprofits in bringing their operations up to speed to respond to new post-COVID business model requirements.
With a $200,000 investment, the WDB anticipates the ability to provide grants to approximately 20 nonprofits. The average grant is expected to be between $5,000 and $10,000; however, applications may be submitted in an amount up to $30,000. Grant awards may not exceed 15% of an applicant’s annual operating budget.
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The application period will remain open until funds have been fully utilized. For best consideration, however, applications should be submitted by February 26, 2024 by 12:00pm.
DUE TO THE OVERWHELMING RESPONSE TO THIS GRANT FUND OPPORTUNITY, APPLICATIONS ARE STILL IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REVIEWED.
Eligibility:
Awards will be given based on eligibility and the quality of the responses. Nonprofit organizations must be able to submit verification of their IRS nonprofit classification.
Applicants must be categorized as one of the following IRS nonprofit classifications to be eligible:
* 501(c)(3): Charitable, Religious, or Educational Organization
* 501(c)(4): Community Social Welfare Organization
* 501(c)(5): Labor, Agriculture and Horticultural Organizations
* 501(c)(6): Business Leagues
* 501(c)(19): Veterans Organizations
* 501(d): Religious and Apostolic Associations
* 501(k): Publicly Available Child Care Organizations
Additionally, nonprofits must be able to meet the following eligibility guidelines:
* Be based in Solano County or provide significant programming in Solano County
* In operation on or before January 31, 2021
* Are currently open and operating
* Meet basic ARPA eligibility guidelines (please see below)
All nonprofits must meet one of the basic ARPA eligibility guidelines to receive funding. Applicants will be asked to self-attest whether one or more of the following ARPA categories apply to the nonprofit:
* The nonprofit can demonstrate economic harm due to the pandemic
* The nonprofit was required to be closed more than 3 consecutive months per CA Public Health guidelines during the pandemic
* The nonprofit received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds as a result of COVID-19 and the resulting economic impacts
* The nonprofit is located in ARPA Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs) within Vallejo and Fairfield (click here for map)
* The nonprofit is reliant on fees received for services, such as attendance fees
* The nonprofit had less than ten employees prior to March 2020
* The nonprofit is led by an individual of a minority group
Grant Details:
The application window for the Solano Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant will open on February 1, 2024.
Grant awards may be used to upgrade technological and administrative infrastructure, allowing organizations to modernize and adapt to the evolving post-COVID landscape for the benefit of service recipients.
To receive funding, applicants must submit a description of how they would utilize grant funding. Successful applicants will provide detailed plans and cost estimates for how the funding would be used.
Examples of permissible improvements include, but are not limited to:
* Upgrading computer hardware and/or software;
* Purchase of performance, accounting, or compliance tracking tools;
* Upgrading check-in or virtual engagement software;
* Workflow management tools; or
* Administrative supplies and equipment.
Note that funds may not be used for employee wages or benefits, nor for rent or utilities.
Grants will be awarded based on eligibility and review of an applicant’s grant plan for funding. Depending on the number of grants received and amount of funds requested, a randomized lottery may be used to determine the order applications are reviewed.
Due to use of federal funding, awardees must attest to Certifications and Assurances and complete the contract process before funds may be dispersed. All grant recipients will also be required to submit a final report on how the grant funds were used and how funding improved service delivery capabilities. Improvements to service delivery could include reduced wait times, decreased paper forms, better participant flow, improved data tracking for outcomes and reporting, etc. Entities receiving an award may be subject to local or state monitoring.
This program has been made possible through Solano County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.
