Kirstin Davis, 509.625.7773
Friday, August 14, 2020 at 10:32 a.m.
The City of Spokane accepted and reviewed CARES Act Funding applications from agencies and organizations to administer components of an economic support funding program to address COVID-19 impacts in Spokane. The Spokane City Council set out several categories for distribution of COVID-19 economic support funding in Resolution 2020-0041. A review committee has unanimously recommended six organizations totaling $2,902,815. Those recommendations will be considered by City Council on Monday, August 17th at their regular meeting.
“Getting the funding out into the community can be the most time consuming. I am thrilled our team was able to make this process as succinct as possible,” says Mayor Nadine Woodward.
The City estimates it will have between $3 million and up to $6 million to allocate and has opened a second round of funding to include direct assistance to non-profits. Interested agencies can find application information on the City’s CARES Act Funding page. Applications are due August 23rd to be considered in the second round.
“This application process has helped us better understand the needs and we will continue to assess those needs and respond with available funds,” says Council President Breean Beggs.
Recommended organizations and funding focus:
Catholic Charities – Rent Assistance
Community Minded Enterprises – Childcare Support
Family Promise of Spokane – Rent Assistance
Geocko, Inc. dba LiveStories – Small Business Grant Program
Spokane Arts Commission – Arts & Culture Sector Grants
Spokane Workforce Council – Rent Assistance
Spokane City Council approved Resolution 2020-0041 in late June. The resolution directs the City to seek reimbursement from the Coronavirus Relief Funds for allowable City operational expenses that are not reimbursable by other federal funding programs such as Federal Emergency Management Assistance. The City will apply for reimbursement for the benefit of community members, non-profit organizations and businesses as soon as reasonably possible to mitigate the damage of prolonged economic distress in the community.
