County Supes approve $1.5 million for “economic resiliency” grants

I received this email from the Rood Center to pass along:

Today, the County of Nevada Board of Supervisors approved $1.5 Million to support a new “Economic & Community Resiliency” grants program designed to offset COVID-19 related economic hardships and disruptions to local businesses and nonprofits. The grant will be funded with State of California Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF).

The County seeks grant applications from eligible entities that are critical to maintaining the county’s economic and cultural infrastructure. Sometimes referred to as “anchor institutions,” these entities are characterized as playing a vital and enduring role in the local economy. County staff consulted with members of the Nevada County Relief Fund and the Sierra Business Council to draft the application criteria, guidelines, and the award process.

“These grants provide a rare opportunity in this crisis to sustain impactful entities and encourage collaborative and innovative business solutions,” said Steve Frisch, president of the Sierra Business Council.

As noted in the “Request for Applications,” proposals must adhere to CARES Act requirements and should demonstrate:

1. The fiscal impacts of business interruption caused by required closures due to the COVID-19 public health emergency;
2. A history of, and the potential for, a large and ongoing economic impact and/or measurable multiplier effects such as tax revenue (sales tax, Transient Occupancy Tax), jobs created or retained, etc.;
3. A track record of leveraging additional partnerships and resources and/or will leverage additional funding that in part will contribute to COVID-19 recovery;
4. The capacity to manage, oversee, implement and report on the use of the funds;
5. Significant community benefit in the past or in response to COVID-19; and
6. Include how applicants will measure and report outcomes.

“The input from the Nevada County Relief Fund has been invaluable to this process. For the past four months, they have worked closely with some of the hardest hit small businesses and nonprofits and have developed a keen understanding of what is most needed as a result,” said County CEO Alison Lehman, noting the Relief Fund has raised $462,000 and disbursed over $410,000 to date.

The “Economic & Community Resiliency” grants will range from $50,000 to $500,000, with at least 2-4 grants allocated in the $300,000 to $500,000 range. Applications are due by 5:00PM on August 20, 2020 from eligible applicants, including businesses, nonprofits, and local jurisdictions. A review panel comprised of County staff and community leaders will review and score the applications. The panel’s recommendations will be brought before the Board of Supervisors on September 22, 2020 for approval.

The “Request for Application” (RFA) may be found at: https://www.mynevadacounty.com/734/Purchasing.

A pre-application conference will be held on August 6, 2020 at 2:00 PM via virtual meeting on TEAMS at the link or phone number provided.

Join Microsoft Teams Meeting

+1 530-414-9282

Conference ID: 602 571 408#

Any inquiries regarding this RFA can be directed to Desiree Belding of the Purchasing Division, at desiree.belding@co.nevada.ca.us.