California launched a grant program for small businesses and nonprofits. If your nonprofit organization has been struggling under the strain of COVID-19 and its impact on programs, we encourage you to see if you qualify for these grants.
The California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program provides 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.
Applications opened on December 30, 2020. The application deadline closes January 13, 2021 at 11:59 PM PST.
Grant amounts will range from $5,000 to $25,000. The grant amount for which a business is eligible is based on its gross annual revenue, as documented on its most recent tax return.
Eligible Business Gross Annual Revenue
- $5,000 grant for nonprofits with an annual gross revenue of at least $1,000 up to $100,000
- $15,000 grant for nonprofits with an annual gross revenue greater than $100,000 up to $1,000,000
- $25,000 grant for nonprofits with an annual gross revenue greater than $1,000,000 up to $2,500,000
Documents Required
Please note, this is copied from the Grant FAQ page.
Businesses will need to provide the following items at different stages of the application process. For step-by-step instructions of all information needed for the application, please refer to the Application Instructions.
- Complete a grant application (made available through an online portal);
- Upload selected financial and organizational documents; and
- Self-certify the accuracy of information by signing a certification.
The following information is required from all applicants in Stage 1:
- A copy of the signed certification form referenced above.
- Most recent tax return filed, or for nonprofit entities, IRS Form 990 filed (2019 or 2018) – provided in an electronic form for online upload, such as PDF/JPEG or other approved upload format.
- An acceptable form of government-issued photo ID, provided in an electronic form for online upload, such as PDF/JPEG or other approved upload format.
Once selected for funding, applicants will be required to provide additional documentation as set forth below and re-certify to the accuracy of the information provided.
The following information is required from all applicants in Stage 2:
- Copy of official filing with the California Secretary of State (which must be active), if applicable or local municipality for your business such as one of the following, which must be provided in electronic format for upload, such as PDF/JPEG or other approved upload format:
- Articles of Incorporation
- Certificate of Organization
- Fictitious Name of Registration
- Government-issued Business License
- For eligible nonprofit entity applicants, a copy of the entity’s most recent IRS tax exemption letter.
- Verification of bank account via electronic registration or other approved review process.
Additional Resources from CalNonprofits
The team at CalNonprofits has been working to create resources for nonprofits.
They held webinars on December 29 and January 11 to walk nonprofits organizations through the process.
- Download the slides from the 12/29 webinar
- Watch a recording of the 1/11 webinar on YouTube
- Download a pdf of FAQ from CalNonprofits website
Image Credit: Disabled And Here. Click to view this image. Click to view their project page.
Justin (he, him) is a Principal and Co-Founder of Social Change Consulting. He has over fifteen years of nonprofit experience, with expertise in online fundraising, digital communications, and data management. Justin helps organizations connect their communication strategy to their income development needs. When he’s not on the clock, Justin is exploring Berlin, running, listening to too many podcasts, and drinking too much coffee.