Third Round of COVID Response Grants: Eligibility, Deadlines and Assistance

Chris McKim on December 9, 2020

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) announced the third phase of COVID-19 Response Program and it is now open for applications.

OCRA has awarded 112 grants to 62 communities, totaling more than $20.9 million through the COVID-19 Response Program since April to aid communities impacted by the virus.

For this round, eligible applicants include: non-entitlement and entitlement local units of government and can apply for up to $250,000. 

Eligibility 

Eligible activities include: 

  • Mental health services 
  • Childcare services
  • Public WiFi locations
  • Food pantry or bank services
  • Subsidence payment programs
  • Grants or loans to businesses to retain low-to-moderate (LMI) jobs

Phase 3 is a competitive process. Communities that received an award in either previous phase may apply again.

Deadlines 

Proposals are being accepted until the end of the day Friday, Jan. 29, 2021. Note: applicants are encouraged to submit by 4 p.m. ET as there will be no technical support available after that time. Proposals will be collected by the electronic Grants Management System. Applications are due by Friday, Feb. 26th, 2021 with funding awards being announced on Thursday, April 1st, 2021. 

In March, Governor Eric Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-05 that allowed OCRA to redirect Community Development Block Grant funds to assist with COVID-19 needs, based on guidance from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Grant Application Assistance 

Region 3-A is here to help communities in the grant application process. The northeast Indiana area is among the areas impacted most by COVID-19. We encourage our communities to take advantage of these grant opportunities, as we can provide application assistance and guidance to improve the chances of receiving funding.

COVID-19 Response Program: More Information

More information can be found at https://www.in.gov/ocra/cdbg/covid-19-response-program/ or communities may contact the respective OCRA Community Liaison.