The COVID-19 pandemic has created a crisis for local arts, cultural, and youth-serving organizations. The public health requirements for safely operating these programs present numerous challenges to nonprofit financial models and affect the design, nature and scale of youth and arts/culture programs.
Considering these challenges and because of the vital role played by these nonprofits, the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors approved $2 million in CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds specifically for county nonprofit organizations providing arts, cultural, and/or youth services and programs.
The intention of this funding is to stabilize and secure the ongoing operation of these nonprofit services that are critical to young people and/or contribute to the vibrancy of Stanislaus County. For more information and to apply for this grant visit: www.StanislausCF.org.
“It’s more important now than ever for us to support the nonprofit youth services and creative arts programs in our community,” said Kristin Olsen, Chairwoman of the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors. “Everyone has felt huge impacts of this public health crisis, but many youth-serving and arts nonprofit organizations had to close their doors nearly six months ago and have had no way of operating since that time. We want to support as many as we can to make sure they are still around to serve our community when this is all over.”
The grant program will award $1 million in funding to nonprofit organizations providing services to youth and $1 million to nonprofits offering community centered arts and culture. Awards will be based on the level of impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the respective nonprofit organization. The grant application portal opened on Wednesday, Sept. 9 and closes on Friday, Sept. 25.
Stanislaus Community Foundation has been contracted to manage the application process on behalf of the Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office.
A volunteer Evaluation Committee composed of a cross-section of community representatives will score applications and select award recipients based on the criteria approved by the County Board of Supervisors.
