Orange County Government Aids Social-Service Nonprofits with Unexpected COVID-19 Expenses

Heart of Florida United Way to Distribute $2.8 Million Funds

Orange County, Fla. – Since March 2020, many Orange County-based nonprofit organizations have had to endure unanticipated expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonprofit organizations that have seen an increase in service needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible to apply for funding through Orange County’s portion of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners has approved a total of $2.8 million to be available through the County’s Social-Service Nonprofit Fund Program. Heart of Florida United Way will manage the fund disbursement.

“Through our contractual agreement, Heart of Florida United Way will manage fund disbursements,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “They are a trusted, fiscal agent and community collaborator that has longstanding relationships with many nonprofits in our community. Nonprofits in our community have provided unprecedented support to our residents in this challenging time, and we want to ensure their outreach efforts continue.”

The program launched on Sept. 28, 2020 and runs through Oct. 19, 2020, and will assist eligible nonprofits that are:

• Private, nonprofit social services/health and human services organizations
• Physically located in Orange County, including its municipalities, as of January 1, 2020
• Operational and providing services to Orange County residents as of January 1, 2020

Political organizations and those organization not providing health and human services to Orange County residents are not eligible.

Reimbursement amounts – up to $5,000 – are based on direct COVID-19 related expenses made on or after March 1, 2020; and are unexpected costs that were not already budgeted by the organization. Such eligible expenses are limited to:

• Personal protective equipment (e.g., facemasks, hand sanitizers, gloves, etc.)
• Computer equipment and software
• Cell phones and cell phone service

Organizations must submit documentation and receipts demonstrating the eligible expenses that are directly-related to COVID-19 for which they are seeking reimbursement.

For more information on eligibility criteria, required documents and how to apply, visit www.OCFLCares.org.

Applicants can also send questions to Heart of Florida United Way at OCCares@hfuw.org. Information is also available at www.ocfl.net/OrangeCares.