Tax-exempt military organizations can now qualify for COVID-19 grant

Posted On: June 30, 2020

Volusia County has expanded its COVID-19 financial relief program for non-profit agencies to allow tax-exempt military organizations to qualify.

The County Council launched the relief program in May, allocating $2.5 million for grants to assist non-profit agencies in Volusia County that have suffered financial impacts as a result of the pandemic. Initially, the grants – up to $5,000 – were for 501(c)(3) non-profit or not-for-profit organizations. On Tuesday the council opened up the grant program to 501(c)(19) organizations as well – qualified veterans’ organizations and their related auxiliaries. It’s all part of Relaunch Volusia, the county’s plan to help the community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The money for the grants is coming from the coronavirus relief funds the county has received from the federal government as part of the CARES Act. In addition to the $2.5 million for grants to local non-profit agencies, the County Council has also allocated another $37 million for rent and mortgage assistance, food aid, grants for small businesses and home-based businesses, personal protective equipment for businesses and help for local cities with expenses they’re incurring related to the coronavirus.

“We’re supporting all of our agencies, all of our cities, our non-profits, our veterans’ organizations,” said council member Deb Denys. “Volusia County has stepped up, and we’re very thankful that we have those CARES dollars to fill that gap.”

Non-profits with up to 25 fulltime employees or the part-time equivalent that meet the eligibility criteria can qualify for a one-time grant of $3,000, while eligible non-profits with 26 or more fulltime employees or the part-time equivalent can qualify for a one-time grant of $5,000. For 501(c)(19) military organizations to qualify, they must operate out of a physical, brick-and-mortar facility located in Volusia County. The county grant program can’t be used to cover costs that have or will be reimbursed by insurance or some other governmental program.

The county has contracted with the United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties to administer the non-profit grant program and process applications, which are filled out online. The grant funds are being awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. More information about the eligibility criteria and how to apply can be obtained at unitedwayvfc.org/, or by calling 386-253-0563.

Also Tuesday, the County Council approved a request to allocate $573,125 of its federal coronavirus relief funds to the Volusia County Clerk of the Circuit Court to help the office offset expenses and projected deficits attributable to COVID-19.