Nonprofits are critical players in communities responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency, and the related effects of major disruptions to daily life. Bookmark this page for up-to-date information for nonprofits to address all aspects of the crisis on their own organizations and volunteers, meeting the needs of their communities, and adapting day to day.
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Up-to-date as of September 22nd, 2020
NEW: National COVID-19 Resource Report – August 27th, 2020
FEMA has put together the National COVID-19 Resource Report for Nonprofit Organizations – a guide with opportunities for Nonprofit organizations to apply and receive federal grants. The Resource Report covers support opportunities for a wide range of organizations and is organized to highlight the grant description, eligibility, Grant Amount, application details, and contact information. The August 27th National Resource can be accessed here.
We take a stand against all forms of hate, racism, and xenophobia. Nonprofits have an important role to play in keeping communities free of hatred and violence, and ourselves making equitable decisions in this time of crisis. COVID-19 is a global pandemic, the likes of which we have never seen. It is therefore incumbent upon all of us to stand together as a community of neighbors, colleagues, and leaders. This time calls upon all of us – our members, friends, and partners – to be generous, safe, and kind.
Equity Resources and Perspectives in Relation to COVID-19
- American Public Health Administration (APHA) COVID-19 and Equity Page – Resources and research on socioeconomic disparities in the time of COVID-19
- Center for Disease Control: Health Equity Considerations and Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups
- The Education Trust: COVID 19 – Impact on Education Equity – Resources and Responses
- The Inclusion Solution: Striving for Health Equity and Inclusion During a Pandemic
- Nonprofit Quarterly – Getting It Right: Diversity and Equity in the Age of COVID-19
- NPR Podcast: When Xenophobia Spreads Like A Virus
- The Opportunity Agenda: Talking About Coronavirus: Centering Language around Inclusion, Empowerment, and Justice
- ProPublica: Early Data Shows African Americans Have Contracted and Died of Coronavirus at an Alarming Rate
- Maryland Nonprofits COVID-19: A Matter of Equity Series
- Maryland Nonprofits has hosted multiple webinars on important conversations surrounding equity in the time of COVID-19. Check our event calendar for information on our next equity webinars.
RESOURCES ON REOPENING & MOVING FORWARD
State Resources on Maryland's Reopening
- As our communities continue to meet benchmarks required for reopening, such as declining COVID-19-related hospitalization rates and a decrease in COVID-19 deaths, Maryland State is following the Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery plan. We recommend that you refer to the resources compiled in this blog post to stay updated on Maryland’s recovery and reopening process.
- The Nonprofit Working Group convened by the Governor’s Office met six times to discuss and generate recommendations for the phased reopening of nonprofit organizations in accordance with the Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery Plan. The group made broad recommendations that are included in this report.
Best Practices and Considerations for Nonprofit Re-Engagement
- Maryland Nonprofits and the Standards for Excellence have created a Sample COVID-19 Back-to-Work Checklist and Procedures guide that may be adjusted in ways you see fit based on your organization’s size and functionality.
- The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits‘ publication, Going Forward: Best Practices and Considerations for Nonprofit Re-engagement, is a comprehensive resource to guide your organization’s reopening decisions around operations, workplace readiness, human resources, board governance, communication, events, and more.
- This general informational resource, created by the Aspen Institute with the support of medical experts, is designed to help people of all ages assess risk in a variety of common sport and recreational activities. Priority consideration in this document is given to lower-risk forms of participation, most of which involve free play or individual training. As COVID-19 restrictions lift and organized activities return, additional insights will be added.
Federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), Labor and Employment Information
The Department of Labor has also released guidance for employers and employees. Find this guidance in Spanish.
FFCRA (Families First Coronavirus Response Act):
The US Department of Labor has published their initial guidance on the Families First Act. Undoubtedly more information will be available soon, but these documents offer clarification on some aspects of the Act.
- Guidance for Employees: who is eligible, how to calculate pay, duration of leave, and more
- Guidance for Employers: who is covered, qualifying reasons for leave, tax credits, and more
- Questions and Answers: frequently asked questions
INFORMATION ON THE PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
All Federal Government Relief
There are currently three types of federal loans available to eligible nonprofits, and while organizations can apply for all, funds awarded from multiple sources cannot be overlapped to cover the same expenses.
1) The United States CARES Act SBA Loans: Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program that allows nonprofits with less than 500 employees to borrow up to 250% of average monthly payroll, for use over 8 weeks from loan origination on payroll, rent, mortgage and utilities. These loans are forgivable with certain terms and conditions.
This is the $350 billion program for employers including nonprofits with no more than 500 employees – SBA now has an informational webpage including a sample application form. This also referred to a the 7(a) loan program in the CARES Act.
2) SBA Low-Interest Disaster Loan
Small businesses and nonprofits can apply for low-interest working capital loans of up to $2 million from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help alleviate economic injury resulting from the on-going coronavirus pandemic.
The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that can’t be paid because of the pandemic’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for nonprofits is 2.7 percent. Businesses and nonprofits apply directly to the SBA, which will determine loan terms on a case-by-case basis based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
Find more information and apply
3) Economic Injury Disaster Loan
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reopened its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) portal restricted to agricultural businesses only. Applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. For agricultural businesses that submitted an EIDL application through the streamlined application portal prior to the legislative change, SBA will process these applications without the need for re-applying.
The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship has released a guide for small businesses navigating the CARES Act
The National Council of Nonprofits has also released information on loans available to nonprofits through the CARES Act.
Inc: Blog on the Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
FROM THE IRS: Information on the Economic Impact Payments (Dated 3/30)
- Press Release: IRS extends more tax deadlines to cover individuals, trusts, estates corporations and others
- COVID-19-Related Tax Credits for Required Paid Leave Provided by Small and Midsize Businesses FAQs
4) HEROES Act (LEGISLATION PENDING)
The National Council of Nonprofits wrote a comprehensive Review and Recap of Nonprofit Provisions in the HEROES Act. Learn more.
Summary: The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act (HEROES Act), on May 16th and is awaiting a vote from the Senate. The HEROES Act would provide significant funding for state, local, and tribal governments, including another round of checks to adults making up to $75,000, establish mortgage and rent relief and provide funding to repair financial damages to the Postal Service. It would also promote voting by mail and enhance election security, provide relief for pension plans, and, for two years, restore the ability of taxpayers to fully deduct state and local taxes.
See also this one-pager, a Section-by-Section Summary, and the Manager’s Amendment filed on May 14.
Paycheck Protection Program
INFORMATION FROM THE US DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
The Paycheck Protection Program is a forgivable loan available to nonprofits for the purpose of keeping your employees on the payroll. It is open to nonprofit organizations with 500 or fewer employees. The federal government sets the guidelines, but the application process is through individual banks, and forms and requirements may vary from bank to bank.
This webinar covers an overview of the PPP, a walkthrough of filling out the application, and covers most frequently asked questions about applying for the program.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Overview
The Paycheck Protection Program or PPP is a Federal emergency FORGIVABLE loan program for nonprofits, small businesses, self-employed and independent contractors. For nonprofits, the PPP covers payroll (including benefits), operations and debt service expenses to help employers to retain employees during the COVID-19 pandemic over an 8-week period ending June 30, 2020. Nonprofits can receive up to $10,000,000 (or 2.5 times their average monthly payroll (including benefits) through this program. You do not need to prove economic injury from COVID-19 to apply. We encourage all eligible nonprofits to apply for these funds.
Eligibility:
The PPP is open to 501(c)(3) non-profits with 500 employees (who reside in the US) or fewer. Section 501(c)(19) veterans’ organizations and Tribal business concerns are also likely eligible.
The nonprofit had to be in operation on or before February 15, 2020, with full or part time employees. Independent contractors are not included in the nonprofit application but they can apply directly to the program on their own. Click here for guidance on nondiscrimination obligations and additional eligibility requirements.
Loan amount:
Eligible nonprofits can receive up to $10,000,000 or 2.5 times the average total monthly payroll (including benefits) costs from the one-year period prior to the date of application.
Applying for PPP Loans:
Nonprofits can apply through any participating SBA lender, but should start by contacting your own bank, which may be prioritizing its own customers. Different banks are handling the application process differently and asking for different kinds of documentation. Nonprofits may want to contact more than one financial institution.
To apply for forgiveness of a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, the Borrower must complete the Loan Forgiveness Application below and submit it to the Lender servicing their loan. Borrowers may also complete this application electronically through their Lender. Download the application: SBA PPP Loan Forgiveness Application
Loan Forgiveness
For the loan to be forgiven, you must use at least 75% for payroll and no more than 25% for rent, mortgage interest or utilities, and you must use it within 8 weeks following the loan award, and you must use it before June 30, 2020. Borrowers can choose which 8 weeks they want to count towards the covered period, which can start as early as February 15, 2020.
See our Frequently Asked Questions and other resources below for more information.
Information on SBA Approved Lenders
Applications for the PPP will be processed through local banks. Contact your current bank first to see if they are able to accept your application.
Other Resources:
- Find an SBA approved lender near you.
- Lendistry is an approved SBA lender and and have a platform to apply for PPP. They do not require a prior relationship and are attempting to get back to all of their applicants within 48 hours.
- How to calculate Business Loan Types from the SBA can be found here.
PPP Application
- Before applying, find this checklist to help you complete the application.
- Application for Borrowers
- Application for Lenders
Frequently Asked Questions
- FAQ Sheet from Maryland Nonprofits
- PPP FAQs Fact Sheet from the Small Business Association and the Department of the Treasury (updated 5/13/2020)
- How Does Payroll Tax Deferral Work Under the Cares Act?
MARYLAND-SPECIFIC RESOURCES
Office of the Governor
- Find the Governor’s Executive Orders here.
- Governors’ Office on Service and Volunteerism: Includes translated COVID-19 information, donation opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and more.
Office of the Secretary of State
The Governor of the State of Maryland has proclaimed a State of Emergency and a catastrophic health emergency related to COVID-19. On March 12, 2020, an order was issued extending state licenses and registrations until 30 days after the State of Emergency and catastrophic health emergency is terminated. Find more information.
Department of Commerce
Department of Labor
- Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 and Maryland’s Unemployment Insurance Benefits Administration
- Division of Unemployment Insurance
RELATED:
- City of Annapolis has summarized federal and state Workforce Assistance resources.
- City of Annapolis has summarized federal and state Small Business Relief resources.
- National Unemployment Law Project summarizes Unemployment Insurance Provisions in the CARES Act.
- National Council of Nonprofits Blog on Self-Insured Nonprofits and Unemployment Insurance
Department of Health
- General Coronavirus Information
- Request PPE from the Department of Health
- Resources for Healthcare Facilities
- Behaviorial Health FAQ, as of March 27, 2020:
- Guidance for Congregate Housing
- Impacts of the Federal Public Health Emergency Extension Memo
Request Personal Protective Equipment
- This page contains multiple resources, including HHS Relief Funding, clinician guidance, and a PPE Request form.
- Order supplies like masks, gloves and hand sanitizer from Maryland manufacturers using the Maryland Manufacturing Network portal.
Legal Advice
If your nonprofit organization is incorporated in Maryland and would like to discuss a legal matter with an attorney, please click here to sign up for brief legal advice and the Community Law Center will schedule a time for an attorney to talk with you.
If your nonprofit organization is in need of legal representation, please download the Community Law Center Application For Services and find out more information here: www.communitylaw.org/apply-for-services.
Other Resources for Marylanders
- Grab-and-Go Meals around the state for children under 18
- Maryland Department of Aging Press Release, March 16 on Senior Call Check
- Marylanders can also call 211 to receive information related to COVID-19. You can also sign up for text alerts by texting MDReady to 898211.
- Maryland Department of Transportation: Service updates from MDOT
- Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund
- Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation: Annual Report and Personal Property Tax Return Deadline Extended to July 15
- The Maryland Department of Education: Recovery Plan contains a wealth of information that can be used as a point of reference by school leaders, students, and school communities.
WEBINARS
Upcoming Webinars from Maryland Nonprofits
Find our entire calendar of events here.
Recorded Webinars from Maryland Nonprofits
We are recording every webinar and providing the slides here. Bookmark this page so you don’t need to fill this out more than once!
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Maryland Philanthropy Network
Our partners at the Maryland Philanthropy Network have developed their own COVID-19 outbreak resources page, which includes responses from philanthropy, funding resources in our state, best practices in disaster grantmaking, and more.
Candid
Candid has created a webpage with a summary of funds being distributed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak as well as resources for your organization to find funding.
Financial Assistance for DACA Recipients
Instrumentl Aggregate List of COVID-19 Grants
Instrumentl is leveraging their grant discovery tools to aggregate all COVID-19 related grants for 501c3 nonprofits. Search for national, international, and Maryland-specific relief funds.
Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund (PHSSEF) Grant
City of Annapolis Business Resources
City of Annapolis has summarized the following state and national business resources for:
1. Workforce Assistance
2. Small Business Relief
ADVOCACY ACTIONS AND FEDERAL GUIDANCE
Maryland Nonprofits Letter to Elected Officials
- Together, Maryland Nonprofits, the Maryland Philanthropy Network, and the United Way of Central Maryland have drafted a letter to state leaders on thing they can do to support the nonprofit community during this time. You can read that letter here.
- This Letter signed by members of Maryland’s nonprofit community advocates for more relief resources for nonprofits.
National Council of Nonprofits
- The National Council of Nonprofits released an analysis of the Families First Act on March 19 and described the effect it will have on nonprofits. You can read it here.
- On March 31, NCN held a webinar on federal relief bills – you can find the links below:
- Recording of webinar: “Federal Coronavirus Relief Bills: What Do They Mean for Nonprofits?
- Slide deck from webinar: “Federal Coronavirus Relief Bills: What Do They Mean for Nonprofits?”
- This is a letter from nonprofits nationwide asking Congress to include us in any stimulus package they release related to this crisis.
Healthcare for the Homeless
This Healthcare for the Homeless discusses needed policy responses for a high-risk group in monthly policy briefs:
The Internal Revenue Service
On March 31, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service launched the Employee Retention Credit, designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll. The refundable tax credit is 50% of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19. Learn more.
HEALTH RESOURCES
World Health Organization
- Free Learning Resource: an interactive, web-based, knowledge-transfer platform offering online courses to improve the response to health emergencies.
- Advice for the Public regarding COVID-19
- Situation Dashboard: A map describing the current status world-wide
Centers for Disease Control
- Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to COVID-19: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this interim guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available.
- Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
- Information for Travel: Information for travelers and travel related industries as it relates to COVID-19
- Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication
- Facts About COVID-19
- Interim Guidance for Responding to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) among People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness
Mental Health Resources
- SAMHSA: Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak
- BHS: Anxiety, What You Need to Know
- COVID-19: Guide for Employees(for employees who may be experiencing a disruption to employment)
- COVID-19: Guide for Supervisors(for supervisors who need support while dealing with disruptions to employment of their team members)
- COVID-19: Managing Anxiety While Working Remotely
• COVID-19: Working at Home with Kids - How to Cope with Discrimination
Other Health Resources
- American Society of Refrigerating Engineers: Position Document on Airborne Infectious Diseases
- US Traveler’s Association: Emergency Preparedness and Response: COVID-19
- US Department of Labor: Safety and Health Topics, COVID-19
- No Handshake Zone Sign: Out of an abundance of caution, at any essential meetings, we are enforcing a no handshake zone to prevent the spread of disease. Please feel free to use it as well.
- Guidance for NYS Office of Children and Family Services Programs: Information on how the NYS Office of Children and Family Services is adjusting their practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Information as it relates specifically to children
- Johns Hopkins: Coronavirus Resource Center
- American Institute for Research: Frequently Asked Questions in plain language
BUSINESS FUNCTION RESOURCES
General Business Functions
- TechImpact: Prepare Your Nonprofit for Smooth Sailing Through COVID-19, Recorded Webinar
- Event Manager Blog: Coronavirus: What You Need to Know About Cancelling an Event and Liability Risks
- US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Society for Human Resource Management: Communicating with Employees During a Crisis
- Risk Alternatives Blog: What Your Nonprofit Can Do Now to Reduce Risks Relating to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
- Washington Nonprofits: Recorded webinar, What am I supposed to do about my fundraising event?
- National Association of Social Workers: Resources for specifically for Social Workers
- Coronavirus and the HCH Community Webinar on March 20: Status Updates, Available Guidance, Local Preparations, and Outstanding Issues
- Venable LLP: A general resource page with information on things like force majeure, webinar recordings, and more.
- Think HR: COVID-19 HR Guidance and Best Practices
- Nonprofit Risk Management Center Blog: Strategies to resume Practices and thrive under phase “zero” operations
- NFIB: Congressional and Legal Update for Small Businesses, Slides from March 20, 2020
- Jitasa: Attend a webinar on SBA disaster loans or talk to an expert pro-bono
- UST: COVID-19 Employer Toolkit, Designed Exclusively for Nonprofits
- Chronicle of Philanthropy: How to Adapt Your Nonprofit’s Sick-Leave Policy During COVID-19
- Future Harvest: Resources for Farmers
- National Employment Law Project: Unemployment Insurance Provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
- Understand the Facts Surrounding COVID-19 Laws & Workplace Protocol: Understanding the Facts Surrounding COVID-19 Laws & Workplace Protocol
Remote Work
- XFinity Hot Spots
- TechSoup: Nonprofit Resources for Remote Work
- Move Minneapolis: Work from Home Webinar
- Free Conferencing Tools:
- Google and Microsoft are offering their conferencing tools free-of-charge for a limited time.
- GoToMeeting is also offering their remote work tools free for three months.
- Webinar from Slack on working remotely
- Zoom: Has a free option
- Learn to use Zoom in 5 minutes
- Society for Human Resource Management Blog: If You Never Worked from Home Before, Here are 10 Suggestions #Coronavirus
- NTEN: 9 best practices for engagement in virtual meetings
- Fast Company: Working from home? 7 smart tips to help you get more done
Standards for Excellence
The Standards for Excellence Institute has made their Administrative Policies Educational Packet, Guide to Remote Work, and Crisis and Disaster Planning Resources free during this time.
Guidance for Board of Directors
- One-pager from Maryland Nonprofits on remote gatherings.
- Maryland Nonprofits Model Board Resolution.
- BoardSource: What Nonprofit Board Members Should Be Doing Right Now to Address the COVID-19 Situation.
- This document provides an overview of Maryland law related to voting rights for nonprofit board members and nonprofit general members (such as in a membership organization or association). The document outlines proxy voting rights, and addresses why it is not appropriate or consistent with Maryland law to allow proxy voting by members of the board of directors (assigning your vote to someone else) and how proxy voting in membership organizations by members (not board members) is permitted.
Loyola Crisis Navigators
The COVID-19 pandemic is a time of stress and extreme market conditions for small businesses, nonprofits, and startups. The Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship’s Loyola Crisis Navigators is a volunteer team we’ve brought together to advise you in these uncertain times. Learn more.
HOW ARE OTHER NONPROFITS ADAPTING?
In these unprecedented times, many nonprofits are adapting their programs and services in creative ways. If you know of an organization doing great work during this crisis, please let us know.
Business Volunteers Maryland
Business Volunteers Maryland has compiled a website to submit needs and find opportunities to help.
Girl Scouts of Central Maryland
The Girl Scouts of Central Maryland have set up Virtual Badge Workshops, with science experiments and art projects for every day of the week while children are home from school.
House of Ruth Maryland
House of Ruth Maryland remains committed to providing services to victims of intimate partner violence.
House of Ruth Maryland’s 24-hour hotline and emergency shelter will remain open. Protective and Peace Order protections are also still available through Court Commissioners. For immediate assistance, contact 410-889-7884 and you can find information on additional services available at www.hruth.org/covid.
KSS Solutions
Visit this page to find ways to give and get help in Baltimore.
Maryland Citizens for the Arts
Maryland Citizens for the Arts has created a page to 1) share ways people can help artists/art organizations during this time and 2) collect resources for artists and art organizations.
Open Works
With medical professionals nationwide in need of personal protection equipment, Open Works identified a way to help when they saw a design online for face shields that can be made using 3D printers. Read more from the Baltimore Sun.
St. Francis Neighborhood Center
In addition to food resources, St. Francis Neighborhood Center in Baltimore is providing students out of school with laptops so they can complete their work during this extended closure period.
Volunteering Untapped
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread, more businesses, schools, and individuals are encouraged to avoid crowded places. The effects of this are hardest felt by some of Baltimore City’s most vulnerable residents. Volunteering Untapped has created a page for organizations to ask for help and for people to find organizations to volunteer at. It also includes resources for the Baltimore COVID-19 Food Security Fund and the American Red Cross.
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