CA Offers New COVID Relief Grants

The State of California is offering $500 million in new relief grants to help small businesses and nonprofits, including farms, impacted by COVID-19. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 per business and can be used to cover a wide range of expenses incurred as a result of the pandemic. Grants do not need to be repaid.

Who can apply?

Eligible businesses: Small businesses (sole proprietors, independent contractors, 1099 workers, and or registered “for-profit” business entities (e.g., C-corporation, S-corporation, limited liability company, partnership) that has yearly gross revenue of $2.5 million or less (but at least $1,000 in yearly gross revenue) based on the most recently filed tax return). 

Eligible nonprofits: Small nonprofits (registered 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofit entities having yearly gross revenue of $2.5 million or less (but at least $1,000 in yearly gross revenue) based on most recently filed Form 990) 

Other requirements: Businesses and nonprofits who apply must currently be operating or have a clear plan to re-open once the State of California permits re-opening of the business. They must have been operating since at least June 1, 2019. Businesses started after that date are not eligible to apply.

How much grant money can I apply for?

Grant awards range from $5,000 to $25,000, based on annual revenue as documented in your most recent tax return. 

If your revenue was $1,000-$100,000, you can apply for up to $5,000.
If your revenue was $100,001-$1,000,000, you can apply for up to $15,000.
If your revenue was $1,000,001-$2,500,000, you can apply for up to $25,000

When can I apply?

The first round of applications is open now and will close on Wednesday, January 13th at 11:59 p.m. PT. Applications are NOT taken on a first-come, first-served basis so you can apply any time before the deadline. Note: Any applicants not awarded in Round 1, but eligible, will be automatically considered for the second round. Update: Round 2 is open from Feb. 2 at 8 am to Feb 8 at 6 pm. Learn more.

How are applicants selected? 

Eligible businesses will then be scored based on COVID-19 impact factors such as: 

  • Geographic distribution based on COVID-19 health and safety restrictions 
  • Industry sectors most impacted by the pandemic 
  • Underserved small business groups (i.e., businesses majority owned and run on a daily basis by women, minorities/persons of color, veterans and businesses located in low-to-moderate income and rural communities)

What documents will I need?

  1. Application Certification (complete and sign the provided self-certification form)
  2. Tax Return (2019 or 2018, whichever is your most recent, all pages, in PDF format)
  3. Business Licence (including a copy of official filing with the California Secretary of State, Articles of Incorporation, Certificate of Organization, Fictitious Name of Registration or Government-Issued Business License)
  4. Government-Issued Photo ID (driver’s license, REAL ID, state ID, or passport)

Where can I apply?

All applications are going to Lendistry, a third-party organization who is the sole distributor of the grant funds. Lendistry is not taking applications directly. You can apply through an approved partner organization. CAFF is part of a group of approved partners who have teamed up with Kitchen Table Advisors to provide application support. You are free to apply through any approved partner; however, by using the application link below, we can provide you with support during and after your application process. 

Apply through Kitchen Table Advisors/CAFF at www.kta.mylendistry.com 

 

Where can I get help with my application?

  • See FAQs and download the application guide at www.CAReliefGrant.com
  • Attend “How to Apply for the CA Relief Grant” webinar hosted by CAFF and California Farm Link (via Zoom) on Thursday, Jan. 7 at 6 pm. Register here
  •  Call 530-756-8518 for individual assistance during business hours (M-F 8-5)