The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Deschutes County, through a partnership with Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC), is offering grants to small businesses and nonprofits in Deschutes County that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications opened Friday, December 10 and close on Friday, January 7.

The Deschutes County Commission allocated $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) investments to support these grants. Grant funds are intended to help small businesses and nonprofits that were ineligible for previous grant rounds, or that have continued recovery needs. Small businesses and nonprofits who previously received COVID-19 relief funds are eligible to apply.

Applicants are required to submit documentation demonstrating a decrease in revenue, and/or an increase in expenditures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Deschutes County Commission will assess applications and allocate awards to create the largest positive impact for small businesses and nonprofits.

Small businesses and non-profits located in Deschutes County are eligible to apply. Applicants must be current on all federal, state, and local taxes. Sole proprietors are eligible and encouraged to apply. Nonprofit organizations must have federal tax-exempt status to be eligible.

To apply or view a complete overview of program guidelines and eligibility requirements, visit http://www.coic.org/grant.

Deschutes County will receive more than $38 million in ARPA funds. The County received the first half of the funds in May and expects to receive the remainder of the funds next year. To date, the Commission has obligated $31 million in ARPA investments. To learn more about the County’s ARPA investments, visit http://www.deschutes.org/arpa.