OMAHA, Neb.-The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM, a state association that represents the interests of more than 13,000 Nebraska nonprofits, has asked Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts to declare additional funding for nonprofits as part of the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF, created under the federal CARES Act passed by Congress. Nonprofit organizations work directly with people of varying needs and see firsthand the impacts the pandemic has on people’s lives.
NAM distributed a letter to Ricketts June 15 to call for transparency and accountability in how the state distributes the federal money to help identify the greatest areas of need and ensure the public has confidence in how it is distributed.
“The CARES Act and the Coronavirus Relief Fund provide important opportunities to help meet the needs of Nebraska workers, families, and businesses impacted by the pandemic. Nebraska nonprofits employ 1 of every 11 working Nebraskans. Like other businesses, many nonprofits are struggling financially due to COVID. Like the Paycheck Protection Program, struggling nonprofits should be eligible for the $392 million in grants that have been provided to businesses,” said NAM CEO Anne Hindery. “In addition, it is critical for individuals and organizations to have an opportunity to provide input on the distribution of CRF dollars. Several states underwent a public comment period for their CRF.”
Hindery added, “We believe that many of the grants outlined in the CARES program will be insufficient, such as funding for mental health and housing. In addition, no money is included for direct assistance to individuals and families, likely creating unnecessary barriers and delays when people need relief now.”
Ricketts recently outlined how Nebraska will spend $7.7 billion in COVID-19 funding, which includes more than $1 billion in the CRF, which the state can distribute for purposes related to COVID-19. Ricketts’ plan for the CRF includes $392 million for business grants to help pay for operating expenses and $85 million for the Community CARES program to help support nonprofits. Under the plan, businesses will receive 460% more funding compared to organizations offering direct relief.
“Nonprofits can do their part by creating and sending action alerts to their constituents and calling on government leaders to allow nonprofits to be eligible for business grants, provide additional funding for services to individuals, prioritize funding for communities of color and make the CRF process open and transparent,” Hindery said.
For more information on NAM, please visit www.nonprofitam.org.