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CARES Act funding available for local emergency food organizations
CARES act funding
Local public or private voluntary organizations serving Stanislaus County with an existing and fully operational program are eligible to apply for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding (Photo contributed).

Local organizations that provide emergency food and/or shelter can now apply for federal funding under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act — however, they need to act fast.

The Stanislaus County Emergency Food and Shelter Program Local Board will open the competitive application process for CARES Act funding awarded to eligible jurisdictions by the National EFSP Board through the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency. Under the program Stanislaus County will receive $437,044 and funding consideration will be given to eligible applicants from local public or private voluntary organizations serving Stanislaus County with an existing and fully operational program. No start up programs or administrative funding is allowed under this grant.

A virtual technical workshop for applicants will be held at 9:30 a.m. May 13. RSVP is required by May 11 to participate. Attendance at the workshop is mandatory for organizations to apply for the funding. Deadline to submit a completed EFSP application is 4 p.m. May 20. For more information or to RSVP for the mandatory workshop by May 11, contact Rebecca Ciszek, EFSP Board Administrator at: rlciszek@comcast.net.

EFSP is a nationwide program chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and funded through the Department of Homeland Security. The Stanislaus EFSP Board follows National Board guidelines that require representation from American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Congregation Beth Shalom, The Ministerial Association, Salvation Army and United Way. Additional representation includes local government, homeless services, community-based organizations and citizens. The Local Board is also responsible for monitoring funded programs, including any additional funds made available under a current program phase.

In accordance with National EFSP guidelines, the local EFSP Board will review eligible organizational applicants and consider funding recommendations to expand their existing emergency food and shelter programs. To be eligible under terms of the National EFSP Board, local applying agencies must meet the basic requirements of: 1) be a private voluntary non-profit or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have a program in current operation (no-start-ups) with demonstrated capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter services, 6) if awarded, operate program with funds received retroactively for services provided, and 7) if a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying organizations are urged to apply.

For more information on the EFSP National Program visit www.efsp.unitedway.org.