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Gov. Pritzker Announces $900 Million
Package of Equity-Driven Community
and Business Grant Programs
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
CONTACT: GovernorsOffice@illinois.gov
Support for Working Families and Small Businesses’ Disproportionately Impacted by COVID-19 and Civil Unrest
Chicago — Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined members of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucuses of the state legislature and small business owners to announce a package of state grant programs to support communities and businesses impacted by the pandemic and recent civil unrest.
The package includes more than $900 million across more than ten programs and four state agencies to help working families and small businesses who have been hit the hardest by COVID-19’s economic impacts, which was compounded by recent property damage and civil unrest.
“We are in a moment that requires a historic effort to mitigate this virus’s devastating effects on the health and livelihoods of the residents of this state,” said Governor Pritzker. “We must do so in a way that prioritizes those who were hurting long before we’d ever heard of COVID-19 – to be there for people who are in need, people who are falling through the cracks, people who never expected themselves to need a helping hand from anyone else – but now they do. With assistance from the federal CARES Act and in partnership with the General Assembly, including from the Black Caucus, Latino Caucus, and Asian Caucus, my administration has put together a support package of over 900 million dollars to lift up small businesses, working families and Black and Brown communities who have been hit the hardest by COVID-19’s financial impacts. I’m deeply proud to lead a state government so committed to being there for the people we serve.”
The economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted residents across Illinois but has disproportionately affected households with limited resources who are least able to weather financial hardship. Businesses across every industry sector have faced significant economic strain.
To ensure families and businesses receive ongoing support to maintain their livelihoods, the new package of grant programs operate with equity requirements, ensuring that disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs) receive their fair share of support.
EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is launching a $150 million program with $5,000 grants to provide emergency rental assistance to Illinois tenants who are unable to pay their rent. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA) is expected to reach approximately 30,000 renters who are disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. The program will launch in August 2020 and run through the end of the year. Governor Pritzker will extend the ongoing residential eviction ban through July 31 to provide a smooth transition into the assistance program.
To address housing instability due to COVID-19, renters who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic will be prioritized in the grants process. Eligible tenants must already carry an unpaid rent balance from March through present day and certify that the reason they were unable to pay rent was due to a COVID-19 related loss of income on or after March 1, 2020. The assistance will be paid directly to a property owner or landlord on behalf of the tenant and as a condition of accepting the assistance, landlords must agree not to evict the tenant for the duration of the ERA. Assistance will be available on a first-come, first-approved basis until the funds are exhausted.
EMERGENCY MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
IHDA is also launching a separate $150 million program for eligible Illinois homeowners with grants of up to $15,000 to provide support with mortgage payments. The Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (EMA) is expected to assist approximately 10,000 eligible homeowners who are unable to pay their mortgage. The program is also expected to launch in August 2020 and provide assistance through the end of the year.
Building upon efforts to mitigate housing instability, homeowners who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic will also be prioritized in the grants process. Homeowners’ income prior to the pandemic cannot exceed 120% of the area median income (AMI). Therefore, only homeowners with mortgage arrearages, or in forbearance, on or after March 2020 through present day may be eligible to apply. Eligible homeowners must be able to certify that the reason they could not pay their mortgage in full was due to a COVID-19-related loss of income on or after March 1, 2020. The assistance will be paid directly to the mortgagor’s loan servicer on behalf of the homeowner. Assistance will be available on a first-come, first-approved basis until the funds are exhausted.
NEW BUSINESS INTERRUPTION GRANTS PROGRAM
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will launch the first round of Business Interruption Grants (BIG) by providing $60 million to businesses experiencing losses or business interruption as a result of COVID-19 related closures. The BIG Program is available for up to 3,500 businesses that experienced a limited ability to operate due to COVID-19 related closures. DCEO will begin distributing funds to qualifying businesses in early July. The total program funding will amount to at least $540 million in grants for small businesses, $270 of which has been set aside for childcare providers, and is funded by the CARES Act.
In the first wave of grants, priority will be given to small businesses that have been heavily restricted or completely shut down during the pandemic and are located in DIAs. Businesses eligible for the program must have experienced extreme hardship, demonstrated by eligible costs or losses in excess of the grant amount, since March and may continue to face depressed revenues or closure. Businesses must also have been in operation for at least three months prior to March 2020. An emphasis will also be placed on those businesses that are located in areas that have experienced recent property damage due to civil unrest, exacerbating the economic impacts of COVID-19.
Specifically, the program includes support for:
• Businesses in DIAs - $20 million for businesses that are located in a subset of DIAs that have recently experienced significant property damage, providing 1,000 grants of $20,000 each
• Bars and Restaurants - $20 million for bars and restaurants unable to offer outside service, providing at least 1,000 grants of up to $20,000 each
• Barbershops and Salons - $10 million for barbershops and salons, providing 1,000 grants of $10,000 each
• Gyms and Fitness Centers - $10 million for gyms and fitness centers that have lost significant revenue due to COVID-19, providing 500 grants of $20,000 each
DCEO will make the application for BIG available on Monday, June 22.
DISTRESSED CAPITAL PROGRAM
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s new economic recovery program will provide $25 million to support Illinois businesses that have sustained property damage as a result of civil unrest during the recent protests and demonstrations on or after May 25, 2020.
The Distressed Capital Program will reimburse the costs to repair structural damages, including repairs to storefronts and entrances, improving electrical systems, and restoring exterior work.
The program will prioritize small businesses, women and minority-owned businesses, underinsured or uninsured businesses, businesses that have a high community impact – such as grocery stores – and businesses in communities that have experienced historic disinvestment.
The Rebuild Distressed Communities NOFO will solicit applications from regional and local organizations that will perform outreach, coordinate local qualified vendors, and provide funds to cover the cost of repairs and building improvements for businesses in their region. The Distressed Capital Program also includes provisions to ensure BEP-certified contractors, including minority- and women-owned businesses, are the first in line to do the repair work.
DCEO will invite applications for the Distressed Capital Program with a NOFO made available on Monday, June 22.
POVERTY ALLEVIATION STRATEGIES
The Department of Human Services (IDHS) will provide $32.5 million in an effort to immediately mitigate poverty in Illinois and respond to the needs of hard-hit communities by COVID-19 and by the civil unrest. The program will support more than 73,000 people across the state by building upon contracts and services to target communities disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The actions will begin in June and extend through the summer.
Specifically, the IDHS strategies will provide:
• Unemployed Adults - Stipends of up to $4 million to help rebuild businesses
• Summer Youth Providers – More than $6 million to empower and engage youth and help rebuild communities
• Foods Banks - $2 million to expand the capacity to feed hungry families in the hardest hit areas
• Illinois Black and Brown Farmers - $1 million to increase the availability of fresh food and produce
• Mental Health Services - $2 million to help meet the increased demand for crisis services and better serve diverse communities
• Community-Based Organizations - $5 million to provide small grants for healing circles, restorative justice circles, and other healing activities
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) - One-time $500 payment to help ensure food security, totaling $11.5 million
Additionally, the Department on Aging will expand the Emergency Senior Services Funds by providing up to $5 million to support senior residents in need of meals, groceries, medicine, and medical care. The funding will assist seniors who may not have been able to access necessary supplies due to damages to physical locations in their communities. The department will utilize the statewide case coordinator units (CCUs) throughout the Aging network to take referrals from all Aging providers for services.
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Governor Pritzker’s Restore Illinois Plan
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As we move towards Phase 4: Revitalization, potentially near the end of this month, it is important to review the guidelines put forth by the state of Illinois. Phase 4 outlines: Gatherings of 50 people or fewer will be allowed, restaurants and bars will reopen, travel resumes, and child care and schools will reopen under the guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Face coverings and social distancing will be the norm.
Find the Restore Illinois Plan here. The Phase 4 Dashboard can be found here. The Dashboard includes additional information about which businesses will be open, and what criteria are necessary to move to future phases. The Phase 4 Business Reopening Guide should be available in the very near future.
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Paycheck Protection Program
Flexibility Act Enacted
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With impressive speed, Congress passed and the President signed the bipartisan Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (H.R. 7010) this month. The law, which received only one dissenting vote in the two chambers, extends the PPP until December 31, 2020, expands the covered period for loan use from eight weeks to 24 weeks, and provides several safe harbors and exceptions for rehiring employees. The law replaces the Small Business Administration’s rule that at least 75 percent of the funds from PPP loans must go to payroll expenses with one that allows up to 40 percent of funds to be used for non-payroll expenses. Loans entered after June 4 now have a maturity date of five years, rather than the two-year period adopted by SBA and Treasury; earlier borrowers and lenders are permitted to renegotiate the duration of their loans. The Flexibility Act also pushes off the start date for making principle and interest payments. Now, payments start on the later of 10 months after the close of the covered period (if no loan forgiveness application has yet been submitted to the lender) or when the lender receives payment of the forgiven amount from Treasury. On June 10, SBA issued revised regulations that modify previous rules and clarify the real-world impact of the new legislation. (From the National Council on Nonprofits)
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PPP Loan Forgiveness & The PPP Flexibility Act
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If you have applied for and received a PPP Loan, you want to ensure that you can secure the maximum loan forgiveness. The International Finance Fund shared new information this past week on Live Clinics: "Managing Your Paycheck Protection Program Loan and Forgiveness 202."
In this session, FMA will share detailed guidance on what organizations can and cannot spend PPP funds on, and what will be eligible for forgiveness, how the forgiveness process will work, and how organizations can estimate their forgiveness amount. In addition, FMA will share highlights and implications of the PPP Flexibility Act, which recently went into effect, including sharing tips for nonprofits on the choices they need to navigate as they aim to maximize forgiveness in the weeks and months ahead. Space is limited, register for their June 25 clinic below:
- Register for June 25 at 1 PM CST - Intended for organizations with budget sizes of less than $2 million
These clinics are made possible with funding from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and in partnership with the following funders: Grand Victoria Foundation, Healthy Communities Foundation, Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation, JPMorgan Chase Foundation, Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Pierce Family Foundation, and Polk Bros. Foundation.
FMA's PPP Toolbox includes regularly updated guidance, FAQs, a loan forgiveness estimator, revenue scenario planning tools, cash flow projection templates and tutorials, webinars, and more.
We hope these resources are helpful. If you have any questions or need further assistance with PPP or related matters, please feel free to contact FMA at fmacares@fmaonline.net or IFF’s dedicated PPP staff at p3@iff.org.
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Childcare Restoration Grants
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Intent to apply, closes June 19, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.
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City of Rockford Funding Opportunities
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The City of Rockford’s CDBG Micro-enterprise Business Loan program will be accepting a 3rd round of applications for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The next round will open today, Monday, June 15, and will close at the end of business day on Friday, June 19. They’re expanding the criteria to any micro-enterprise business as defined by HUD (a business with 1 to 5 employees), operating in the City of Rockford (Residency is not required for the 3rd round), meet the low-moderate income threshold, have been in business prior to March 15, and have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. To Apply please click here
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PPE and Tools for Reopening
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The City of Rockford has a variety of resources for reopening including resources for residents, guidelines for businesses, and resources to find PPE. Visit their website here.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The HHS Partnership Center is supporting HHS and FEMA’s efforts to make face coverings widely available in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. The face coverings, produced and delivered in partnership with USPS and the National Council of Textile Organizations, are being made available to community-based organizations at no cost (and while supplies last). Please feel free to share this important information with additional partners (community-based organizations, non-profit organizations, faith-based organizations).
Please share as appropriate. Please review the enclosed information sheet and click here for information on the face coverings and how to order.
A few things to note:
· Face coverings are 100% Cotton Jersey, bind around face and ears, and are treated with a 0.5% OWG Agion AMB-10 Antimicrobial (contains silver and copper, which will help to prevent the growth of viruses and germs. Washable up to 15 times). Adult One-size fits all.
· They do not replace the N95 face mask used in healthcare settings and should not be used when caring for those with COVID-19. **They are intended to expand the community’s capacity to limit the spread of COVID-19.
· The face coverings come in cartons of 500 masks per carton. (Minimum order is one carton) Larger orders may be expedited more quickly.
· They are not to be sold and are to be used within US States/Territories/Tribal Nations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Six Things You Need to Know about Cloth Face Coverings
· The face coverings come in cartons of 500 masks per carton. (Minimum order is one carton) Larger orders may be expedited more quickly.
· They are not to be sold and are to be used within US States/Territories/Tribal Nations.
· Delivery locations must be USPS deliverable addresses.
· Allow 10-15 days to process your order. Shipments will vary in arrival time. Please be patient.
Please also review the CDC’s Information About Your Cloth Face Covering as a user guide
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NPQ Webinar-Beyond the Board Statement: How Can Boards Join the Movement for Racial Justice?
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Part One: Monday, June 22, 2020 from 2:00PM - 3:30PM EST
Part Two: Monday, June 29, 2020 from 2:00PM - 3:30PM EST
With each day come more statements from organizations articulating their stances and, in some cases, their specific commitments to be part of change in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd. Some nonprofit and philanthropic boards are actively discussing whether to make a statement at all and if so, what it should contain. What is the nonprofit board of directors' responsibility and opportunity for leadership around racial justice? Beyond the board statement, what can boards do to ensure that the organizations they govern are living their values?
Join nationally recognized governance, strategy, and equity consultants Vernetta Walker and Robin Stacia for an in-depth set of conversations about how boards of directors can and should join the movement for racial justice.
These sessions will be highly interactive with the majority of time spent in moderated discussion. Topics will include:
- What is the value of board statements to the community?
- How should boards of directors be responding right now? What questions should they be engaging?
- How can boards show up authentically if they are early in their understanding of and/or commitment to racial justice?
- What kinds of risks and backlash to joining the movement are boards worried about? Why?
- What if the staff have a more developed racial justice stance than the board?
- What is the role of the CEO in facilitating the board's racial justice work?
This is a deep and essential set of conversations happening over two sessions. Join us for one or both of them. They are free of charge. We will record them and share them with our communities.
REGISTER FOR BOTH SESSIONS HERE
Please Note: The recordings of both webinars will be available on the NPQ website 2-3 business days after each live event
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MPOWR Envision Summer Digital Series
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Executive Exchange on Innovation
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*This session will be held via Zoom. Meeting details will be e-mailed to you once you have registered.*
NICNE’s Executive Exchange on Innovation helps area leaders network and share information, learn new ideas and approaches to solve complex issues, and foster a culture of sustained innovation in their organization. Join NICNE and other nonprofit leaders to learn about what it takes to build and strengthen an innovative organization—to achieve breakthroughs, consider new approaches and ideas, and move a concept from idea to implementation. Aparna Saligrama, PhD, will facilitate the discussions. Dr. Saligrama recently joined the NICNE team contributing a wealth of knowledge and experience about using design thinking and social innovation.
Each 60-minute exchange will begin with a brief overview or exercise related to a critical component of building a culture of sustained innovation. The session will end with an open exchange to engage, network, and collaborate with other local leaders and innovators. The first six sessions will focus on the six elements of building innovative capacity within your organization as described in the Bridgespan Group article, “Is Your Nonprofit Built for Sustained Innovation.”
June's session will focus on building the capacity for Idea Pathways.
July 31 - Ready Resources
Learn more about Aparna Saligrama, Ph.D. and register using the linked button below.
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Leadership Exchange on Volunteerism
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Let's come together via Zoom! Join the Leadership Exchange on Volunteerism as we talk about best practices and personal experiences with recruitment, engagement, retention and recognition of youth volunteers.
This meeting is free and open to any person interested in learning more about best practices for volunteer recruitment, volunteer retention, and volunteer management. Join us monthly to build your knowledge and skills in these areas, and strengthen partnerships with other agencies or businesses that rely on building and keeping a strong volunteer base!
The Leadership Exchange on Volunteerism is convened by NICNE and facilitated by Keri Asevedo, Executive Director for Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity.
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NEW DATES - Certificate in Nonprofit Management:
Financial Management
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Certificate in Nonprofit Management Program Course 5: Financial Management**
Dates: Thursdays, August 6, 20, 27, 2020. *Note: three non-consecutive dates
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Brian Huels, DBA, M.Acc., M.S.T., CPA, CFE
This course will be taught by Dr. Brian Huels and expert guest speakers. Participants will learn fundamental financial and budgeting concepts; elements of financial statements including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow; and the accounting cycle. Understand the independent audit process, the significance of Form 990, financial management decision-making, and financial control processes.
Instructor: Brian Huels -- Brian is an Assistant Professor at University of Wisconsin—Whitewater where he has taught a variety of accounting courses since August of 2017. In addition to teaching, Brian remains active in the field of accounting, working with both for-profit and nonprofit clients. He has over 18 years of experience in the field of accounting, 17 years as a CPA and three years as an assistant professor at Rockford University. He earned his Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA, emphasis in Accounting) in 2017. He holds masters degrees in both Accountancy (M.Acc.) and the Science of Taxation (M.S.T.), and holds the credentials CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner). He resides in Rockford with his wife Megan and their two daughters, Ellie and Avery.
**This is the fifth of five courses in the Certificate in Nonprofit Management Program. Courses do not need to be taken in order. Upon successful completion of all five courses (90% overall attendance) participants will receive a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from The Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence at Northern Illinois University. Full program details can be found by visiting our website.
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Calling All Change Agents!
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In collaboration with NICNE, NIU EIGERlab's FastPitch is including a Social Innovation track! Individuals, organizations or businesses interested designing and developing solutions to pressing social and environmental issues are invited to participate. Social innovation is about solving social problems and bringing together similar and seemingly disparate partners. Ideas include solutions that help solve or reduce climate change, poverty, address food insecurity or health outcomes for low income elders. We welcome all ideas and will reward the best ideas with cash prizes. For more information, call NICNE at 815.753.8733.
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NIU EIGERlab's FastPitch is your chance to prove the potential of your business or social innovation idea... meet people who can help you succeed... and maybe win a cash!
You have three minutes to pitch your idea before a panel of judges from the business, nonprofit and investment community. Open with a hook that grabs attention. Deliver your pitch with energy and passion. Be creative... and hit it out of the park!
All competitors receive invaluable feedback, a fun experience and valuable exposure to investors, business leaders, potential mentors and the media.
Visit the EIGERlab website at www.eigerlab.org for complete competition details and requirements. Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, September 16, 2020.
Get prepared! Come to FastPitch presentation training on Tuesday, September 22 and Thursday, September 24, 5:30 p.m. at NIU in Rockford to practice your pitch and recieve feedback.
Questions? Call 815-965-3522.
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**Any reference to a specific product, process, or service does not constitute or imply an endorsement by NICNE/Northern Illinois University. The views and opinions expressed in any linked resource do not necessarily state or reflect those of NICNE/Northern Illinois University.
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