City Announces Launch of Save Our Non-Profits Grant Program

The City of Fresno today announced the launch of the Save our Non-Profits Grant Program.  The program is designed to assist Fresno non-profit organizations that are physically located in the City of Fresno, and have been greatly impacted and unable to raise enough money to support their operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  These organizations include emergency services for displaced families, veterans, seniors, children and youth, as well as domestic violence victims and the unemployed.  Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, November 20.

In October, Fresno City Council allocated $500,000 in grant funding for eligible City of Fresno non-profits.  Organizations can receive amounts of $5,000 – $20,000 depending on annual operating budget of the non-profit and can be used to cover things such as payroll and benefit costs, rent/mortgage payments, utility fees (except for utilities provided by the City of Fresno), property capital improvements related to social distancing or other public health requirements, operational, equipment or property modifications to adapt to longer-term changes in customer behavior.

Economic Development Director, Lupe Perez, stated, “While our small businesses have been impacted by COVID-19, we recognize the pandemic has also been difficult for the non-profit sector.  It is our hope that the Save Our Non-Profits Grant Program will help support these organizations as they navigate through the hardships in these unprecedented times.  We want to make sure they have the economic stability to continue the good work they provide to the community.”

Grant funds may only be used to directly support services provided primarily to City of Fresno residents; they may not be used to provide grants or funding for other organizations, medical or scientific research, scholarships or tuition.  Eligible non-profits must have a minimum annual reported revenue of at least $5,000, have been in operation in the City of Fresno for at least a year prior to March 4, 2020.

The Save Our Non-Profits Grant Program is in addition to, and separate from, the funding dedicated to the Fresno Arts and Culture Emergency Relief Grant Program to help museums, performing arts programs, and local artists, which is administered by the Fresno Arts Council.  Applicants must apply separately for these two grant opportunities.

For a complete list of eligibility requirements – including the types of non-profits that are eligible – or to apply, please visit https://www.fresno.gov/mayor/economic-development/save-our-non-profit-grants/