Submitted by Community Foundation of South Puget Sound
The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound is excited to announce a new grant program supporting nonprofits in Thurston County. The Community Foundation will administer up to $1.5 million for nonprofit organizations that have been impacted by COVID-19. This crucial CARES Act funding from Thurston County is being made available through our collaboration with Thurston Strong, an economic recovery initiative led by our partners at the Thurston Economic Development Council.
Throughout the pandemic, Thurston Strong has provided resources and financial support to improve the resilience of local businesses and nonprofits. This new Nonprofit Grant Fund expands that vital effort as well as the Community Foundation’s work to address immediate basic needs through our COVID-19 Response Fund in partnership with the United Ways of Thurston, Lewis, and Mason Counties.
This new opportunity comes at a critical time. Over the past several months, local nonprofits have seen steep declines in revenue during a time of rapidly escalating need. These organizations work hard every day to meet urgent needs; care for the most vulnerable; build vibrant, healthy, and equitable communities across our region; and contribute to our collective well-being. This grant program will not reverse every loss, but we fervently hope it will boost the resilience of these essential organizations. We will need them around as we weather this crisis, as we rebuild, and as we find new ways to thrive.
Nonprofits serving Thurston County that have been affected by COVID-19 are encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed in the order received, through October 31 or until funds are depleted. Streamlined applications take ten minutes or less to complete.
In addition to the Nonprofit Grant Fund, three other relief funds are now available through Thurston Strong. The Childcare Stabilization Fund will provide temporary support for child care providers straining to fill the gap for children to grow and learn safely as more families return to work and in-person school is on hold. The Restaurant and Retail Rescue Fund will provide bridge grants to independently-owned retail and restaurant operators fighting to remain open or to re-open under difficult and evolving conditions. The Agriculture Business Grant Fund will support farmers, farmers markets, value-add food manufacturers, and co-ops as they weather market, labor, and supply chain disruptions.
We welcome the community’s help to spread this news widely so these funds reach those who urgently need them. More details, including eligibility and links to apply can be found at the Thurston Strong website.
