Patton Encourages Organizations to Apply for Nonprofit Reimbursing Relief Grants

State Rep. Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) announces the upcoming deadline for the Nonprofit Reimbursing Relief Grants is this Saturday, Dec. 5. Patton is encouraging organizations to apply for the program through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS).

Back in October, Patton announced the release of millions of dollars for further COVID-19 relief. Part of that funding included the allocation of $25 million to help support non-profit unemployment, which has been enacted through the ODJFS Nonprofit Reimbursing Relief Grants.

“We must continue to support these organizations and workers from sectors of our communities that have been severely impacted as a result of this unforeseen pandemic,” said Patton. “While we see hope and optimism on the horizon, we can’t forget about those people that have faced such financial turmoil throughout this past year.”

According to ODJFS, the grants will assist organizations that are helping Ohioans that have unemployment debt from the pandemic and for other operational expenses. The grants awarded can be applied to remaining unemployment charge balances and can act as a refund of charges incurred due to COVID-19. To be eligible, organizations must:

• Be 501(c)(3) agencies;
• Provide direct services to low-income or at-risk Ohioans in industries outside healthcare, education, recreation and/or cultural activities;
• Have reduced or stopped services due to the COVID-19 pandemic;
• Be reimbursing employers as defined by Ohio unemployment law;
• Have not already received or established their eligibility to receive additional Coronavirus Relief Fund assistance from the state or other federal CARES Act grants and used that funding to pay 100% of the cost of unemployment benefits; and
• Disclose the amounts and use of any Coronavirus Relief Fund assistance received from local governments and any Paycheck Protection Program loans received.

For organizations to apply, please fill out the online form at https://jfs.ohio.gov/nonprofitgrants/.