COVID-19 Resources

Spokes is dedicated to collecting helpful COVID-19 related resources to share with nonprofits during this time.

The Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County’s Disaster Fund Grant
The Disaster Fund Grand guidelines have been expanded to include support of organizations who serve a smaller number of clients with basic needs and are having a meaningful impact. To see if your nonprofit is eligible and to apply, visit their site.

PG&E’s CARE Program Helping Customers Who Have Been Financially Impacted by COVID-19
PG&E offers eligible individuals and organizations a monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and electricity through their CARE Program. This can be a helpful resource when faced with the current challenges of COVID-19. Apply online to see if your nonprofit is eligible for a discount.

Return to Work Resources
Spokes hosted a webinar by Louise Matheny, Human Resource Business Consultant for Morris & Garritano focused on what to consider when planning to return back to work. Louise compiled a packet of resources available for nonprofits. If you are interested in these resources, please email ceo@spokesfornonprofits.com. Other COVID-19 updates are listed on Morris & Garritano’s website.

IT Support
Spokes’ Board President, Jeff Franklin, along with other COI Solutions staff have been hosting free webinars for their clients and the community focused on IT challenges brought on by COVID-19. These are available to our members so visit their site to see webinar options.

COVID-19 Grants
NonProfit PRO has partnered with GrantStation to share available grant funding opportunities for nonprofits in four categories: COVID-19, national, regional and federal and will update these funding opportunities on a weekly basis.
For more information about what grant options are available for your nonprofit, click here. 

Reopening Stages
San Luis Obispo County is following the four reopening stages of the State of California. Find out more on ReadySLO.org.

The SBA is accepting applications for the PPP loan again
As of April 27, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is accepting applications for the second round of the $310 billion Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Find out more on the SBA site.

Info on SLO COVID-19
COVID-19 cases are in San Luis Obispo County. Keep up with the situation and get helpful resources for nonprofits related to COVID-19 from ReadySLO.org. https://www.emergencyslo.org/en/index.aspx

Disaster Support Fund Grant Application Click HERE
The SLO Community Foundation is announcing the Disaster Support Fund grant is now accepting applications through their online application,https://www.cfsloco.org/nonprofits/. Grants will be for general operating support and are expected to range between $5,000 to $20,000 and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis or until funding is depleted. Only 501c3 nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. Grants are available to address the immediate needs of our region’s most vulnerable residents who have been impacted by the Coronavirus. We will support local nonprofit organizations whose mission is to serve our most vulnerable populations with basic needs (food, shelter, transportation, etc.) and have a broad reach in serving our community. Contact Cassandra at the Community Foundation via email if you have any questions about the grant application via email at Cassandra@cfsloco.org.

Volunteer Help from Harvard MBA’s
Harvard Business students are providing help to nonprofit organizations. MBA’s Fight COVID-19 is building a coalition of MBA students across the country who can offer their skills to organizations that are struggling. The students have skills in budgeting, data crunching, outreach to stakeholders, strategic planning, research, project management, and expertise in various business sectors. Take a look at the variety of projects they assist and post a project if you need help at : https://www.mbasfightcovid19.com/

Promote Your Event with Spokes Member –KCBX
Spokes member, KCBX wants to help nonprofits promote their events. Because of all the canceled events due to COVID-19, their event calendar has space to announce your services, volunteer needs, Online events/classes/concerts/poetry or photography contests, etc. To post an event, go to  https://www.kcbx.org/community-calendar.

Face Masks Available for the Community  facemasksforsloco.org
Face Masks for SLO County mask production, distribution network, and website has launched their project to provide masks for anyone in SLO County in need including the homeless. The group made 50 masks for the El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) and within hours of activating the website, more than 100 requests had been received from Grover Beach to Paso Robles. Volunteers who can sew are also needed to help keep up with the demand for the masks or to cut the fabric for those who will sew. Fabric and elastic can be provided. Face Masks for SLO County is a fiscally sponsored nonprofit with Ecologistics, Inc, a nonprofit based in Los Osos To request a mask, donate new cotton fabric, volunteer to sew, or to make a donation, visit  www.facemasksforsloco.org.

California Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
If you or someone you know is a sole proprietor or Independent Contractor, applications for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) will be available starting April 28th.  Applicants will be issued checks within 24-48 hours. This is a new benefit under the CARES act. For more information on  the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance: https://edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance.htm