New CARES Programs Launch To Help Nonprofits, Child Care Facilities

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Help is on the way for those in need of critical community services as Pinellas County launches two new programs supporting nonprofits and child care facilities impacted by COVID-19.

More than $34 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act federal stimulus funds will be available for qualifying nonprofit and child care organizations starting Friday, Aug. 7.

The county is partnering with the Pinellas Community Foundation and the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County to distribute the funds to local organizations.

"These partnerships aim to use CARES Act dollars to support the important work already being done by these organizations to help address our community's most pressing needs," said Pinellas County Commission chairwoman Pat Gerard.

This fund supports nonprofit organizations to cover increased demand for supplies and programs from the impacts of the coronavirus. The program will focus on nonprofit agencies that provide community services in the areas of food, homelessness, behavioral health and legal aid for housing. Grant approvals will be overseen by local committees including representatives from Pinellas County, PCF Board of Governors and other local partners.

Eligible nonprofits can here starting Friday, Aug. 7.

The Pinellas CARES Nonprofit Partnership Fund follows a similar program established in March by partners including PCF, Allegany Franciscan Ministries, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and United Way Suncoast. To date, the Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund has distributed nearly $1.3 million in private funding to the community.

Pinellas CARES Child Care Provider Grant

Additionally, through a partnership between Pinellas County and the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County, $4.6 million will be available to help child care organizations whose business was negatively impacted by the coronavirus. The Pinellas CARES Child Care Provider Grant will provide one-time grants of up to $10,000 to cover expenses such as employee wages, vendor bills, rent, and health and safety investments.

Applicants must be licensed, located in Pinellas County and open serving children at the time of application. ELC will contact all eligible providers directly via email with application instructions. Eligible providers that do not receive an email or need assistance applying can contact the ELC at 727-400-4436 or ceckrem@elcpinellas.org. Applications will be accepted starting Friday, Aug. 7.