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Starting Monday, Aug. 16, charities, faith-based organizations and small businesses can apply for grants to support COVID-19 response and relief efforts in Louisiana through the Louisiana Nonprofit and Small Business Assistance Program.

Eligible nonprofits include churches and other faith-based organizations, public charities, and groups with federal tax-exempt status, such as 501(c)(3) organizations.

Nonprofits must use grant funds to provide aid to communities impacted by COVID-19. Priority consideration will be given to nonprofits providing food, employment, and education assistance programs.

Small businesses must use grant funds to provide workforce development activities that directly address a negative economic impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency. These activities must involve workforce preparation or must improve an individual’s employment opportunities by providing:

• Academic education.
• Basic education.
• Job readiness training.
• Job search training.
• Vocational, technical, or occupational education.

Eligible small businesses must have 50 or fewer full-time or full-time equivalent employees and include corporations, limited-liability companies (LLCs), partnerships and sole proprietorships.

Grants are not awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are evaluated based on federal and state guidelines, and on intended use of the funds. While $25,000 is the maximum grant award, not all approved applicants will receive that amount. The program, created by Act 410 of the 2021 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, has a maximum fund balance of $10 million.

The Louisiana Department of Revenue will begin accepting applications on Monday, Aug. 16. Program guidelines, eligibility requirements and the online grant application are available at www.revenue.louisiana.gov.