Governor Ricketts Announces New Pandemic Relief Programs

Governor Pete Ricketts announced a new package of pandemic relief grants available to Nebraska businesses, charities, livestock producers, public healthcare providers, hospitality industries, and others. The relief package includes: (1) grants first made available this summer renewed for a second round of application; (2) new targeted programs to support businesses disproportionately affected by the pandemic; and (3) direct-solicitation and/or direct-payment programs to entities and industries with potentially few eligible organizations.

Applications for all grants will open at 10 a.m. on October 21, 2020, and will close on November 13, 2020. Funding for each grant will be made by December 30, 2020.

Applicants who received awards under first-round applications may, or may not, be eligible to receive second-round grants. It is important for potential eligible recipients to review the details of each category of grants.  Also, eligibility may depend on an applicant’s NAICS Code.  Eligibility requirements differ with each grant and are summarized below.

I. Grants Renewed for Second Round Application

Stabilization Grant for Charitable Organizations and Licensed Providers

• Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) charitable organizations or State of Nebraska-licensed health facilities or service providers.
• Most organizations that received funding in Round 1 are not eligible for a Round 2 grant. However, Assisted Living Facilities and Long-Term Care Facilities are eligible for Round 2 funding regardless of whether they applied for Round 1 funding.
• Most entities will receive $12,000. Organizations in areas heavily impacted by COVID-19 will receive $27,000. Disproportionately impacted areas will be determined by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Grantees will be notified of their award amount at the time of award notification.
• Eligible licensed Assisted Living Facilities and Long-Term Care Facilities will be awarded funds based on bed capacity.

Healthy Places Grant for Centers of Worship

• Approved centers of worship will receive $1,500 to ensure access to personal protective equipment and disinfecting supplies.
• Centers of worship that received a grant in Round 1 are not eligible for Round 2 funding.

Small Business Stabilization Program

• Businesses that received  Round 1 funding are not eligible for a second grant. However, certain businesses that received Round 1 awards may still be eligible for grants targeting specific industries.
• Each approved applicant will receive $12,000 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Livestock Producers Stabilization Program

• Producers who previously received awards under Round 1 of this program or the Small Business Stabilization Program are not eligible for a second grant.
• Each approved applicant will receive $12,000 on a first-come, first-served basis.

II. New Targeted Grants

Hotels and Convention Centers Stabilization Program

• Nebraska hotels and convention centers that previously received a grant under the Small Business Stabilization program are still eligible for this program. Applicants will receive tiered funding based on the total square feet of meeting space.

Event Centers and Sports Arenas Stabilization Program

• All eligible applicants will receive funding. Funding will be tiered based on the total square feet of indoor meeting space or fixed seating and the number of contracted events.

Restaurants and Bars Stabilization Program

• Applicants who previously participated in Round 1 funding will receive $12,000 on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible applicants who did NOT participate in Round 1 will receive $24,000 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Licensed Personal Service Business Stabilization Program

• Businesses who previously received awards under Round 1 of the Small Business Stabilization Program are not eligible for a second grant. Eligible entities include Body Art businesses, Nail Technology Salons, Cosmetology & Esthetic Salons, Massage Therapists, and Barbers who are licensed with the Nebraska Dept. of Health and Human Services as of October 1, 2020.
• Each approved applicant will receive $12,000 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Movie Theatre Stabilization Program

• Each approved applicant will receive $10,000 per currently operational screen on a first-come, first-served basis.

III. Direct-Payment and/or Direct-Solicitation Grants

Child Care Stabilization Grant

• DHHS-licensed child care subsidy providers will each receive $1,200 in direct payments.

Housing and Shelter Stabilization Grant

• Organizations across the state who provide eviction-prevention and other housing security assistance will receive $3.3 million in direct payments.

Food Bank Stabilization Grant

• $11 million will be distributed to Food Bank for the Heartland and Food Bank of Lincoln.

Hospital Capacity Grant

• $40 Million is allocated to address hospital staffing shortages.

Ethanol Producers Stabilization Program

• $15 million will be distributed to ethanol producers based on the nameplate capacity of each producer.

Zoo Stimulus Program

• $6.05 million will be awarded directly to Zoos in Nebraska.

Governor Ricketts’ press release and related information is available here. Information relating to the various programs and grants is available here.

A printable version of this information can be found by clicking HERE.

Authors: Mark Brasee & Neil Hassler