COVID-19 ASSISTANCE
Employee/nonprofit/small business resources
A comprehensive list of state and local grants, loans, and government/non-profit resources for small businesses.
Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley: Emergency Impact Fund
Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, and Tyler, WV; and Belmont and Jefferson, OH
The Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley’s Emergency Impact Fund is accepting applications from organizations that have been directly impacted by the coronavirus in an unexpected loss of revenue or unexpected increase in expenses. Priority will be extended to organizations providing basic human needs.
Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio: COVID-19 Community Impact Funds
Trumbull County, OH, and Lawrence and Mercer counties, PA
The COVID-19 Community Impact Funds support organizations that serve either Lawrence or Mercer counties, PA or Trumbull County, OH. Funding priorities include hunger, shelter/housing, mental health, access to health services, and assistance to programs that do not have access to government funding.
Foundation for Appalachian Ohio: Appalachian Ohio Emergency Response Fund
The Appalachian Ohio Emergency Response Fund makes grant awards to help nonprofit organizations in Appalachian Ohio whose resources are, and will continue to be, strained because of the COVID-19 crisis and need to expand and modify how they deliver services. Interests include, but are not limited to, health, social services, seniors, and children. Nonprofit organizations may share their needs by sending an email to the Foundation at listening@ffao.org.
Greater Toledo Community Foundation: COVID-19 Response Fund
The COVID-19 Response Fund supports area nonprofits in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan delivering critical services during this unprecedented time. Priority areas include immediate economic needs of economically vulnerable populations, the elderly and other high-risk populations, residents who are food insecure, and residents who have no medical insurance or who are underinsured.
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation and United Way of Greater Cincinnati: COVID-19 Regional Response Fund
For the greater Cincinnati Region, which includes the following counties: Hamilton, Butler, Warren, Clermont and Brown counties in Ohio; Kenton, Campbell, Boone, and Grant counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn and Ohio counties in Indiana
The COVID-19 Regional Response Fund, a joint effort by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation and United Way of Greater Cincinnati, is designed to be responsive and flexible to address community needs of the most vulnerable during this pandemic. Current priorities include requests involving basic necessities and safety of families most impacted by COVID-19, such as food insecurity, housing/shelter, childcare, care of the elderly, and support for medical response.
U.S. Chamber small business grant: A grant up to $5,000 for businesses 3-20 employees in vulnerable zip codes. The grant program can help meet short-term business needs. The qualifications and application can be found here: savesmallbusiness.com.
Facebook small business grants:
Duke University created a coronavirus-related funding tracker.
GrantWatch.com tracks grants available to nonprofits and small businesses.
President Donald Trump said he will direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to postpone all debt collections and extend deadlines for benefits applications where possible in an effort to lessen the financial impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic on veterans and their families. Trump said he has instructed VA Secretary Robert Wilkie to use “any authority at his disposal” to deal with the benefits and collections issues. VA officials did not provide any immediate comment on the White House decision.
Economic impact payments: What you need to know: Stimulus checks will be coming in the mail soon. Military Benefits Info has a good article detailing who will get the checks: Also the IRS has a page dedicated to the program: Turbotax tool for those who do not normally file taxes with the IRS
U.S PIRG consumer guide - As the beginning of a new month comes around, many Americans are wondering how they’re going to pay their monthly bills. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in job losses, reduction in hours or pay across the board. This guide has tips for how consumers can negotiate with their banks to lower interest rates, waive overdraft fees, and agree on payment plans to provide more financial peace of mind in the months to come.
The Ohio Honor Project and The Honor Ride is available to help during this time. Please feel free to reach out to us at theohiohonorproject@gmail.com. We have medical groups whom have volunteered to assist during this time and that would love to help in anyway that we can. Again, if any help is needed please reach out to us.
American Income Life Insurance: If any AMVETS member purchased insurance from American Income Life and have been laid off, AIL will waive their premiums for up to three months. Once they return to work they DO NOT have to pay it back. Downloadable Layoff Waiver.
Student Veteran Housing Bill Enacted - President Trump signed into law (P.L.116-128) legislation (S.3503), sponsored by Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jerry Moran (Kan.). This bill will make sure student veterans impacted by the COVID-19-related school closings would not get their monthly housing stipends reduced. Since many classes are switching to online instruction, the VA determined those students should receive the "online only" housing rate, which is significantly less money each month. SVAC Chairman Sen. Moran quickly stepped in to make sure students using distance learning due to the outbreak would not be affected. The bipartisan, bicameral bill quickly passed the House and Senate before being signed into law by the President.
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates to zero on 3/15/2020 in response to COVID-19. This move is in an effort to encourage support of businesses who will suffer financial injury during quarantine times. Find details here.
Access Entrepreneurship and Business Assistance Centers - Resources for starting or maintaining a small business in Ohio:
Columbus Foundation’s Emergency Response Program - The Columbus Foundation’s Emergency Response Program has been activated to help Franklin County nonprofit organizations that are responding to the spread of COVID-19 and experiencing financial challenges by doing so. Please follow the links below to learn about eligibility guidelines and to apply for help as a Franklin County nonprofit organization.
RestaurantStrong Employee Grants for restaurant employees: www.restaurantstrong.org.
Bartender Emergency Relief Fund - To assist bartenders out of work due to COVID-19.
Restaurant Workers Community Foundation - Crisis Relief Fund to assist restaurants/bars/kitchens with low interest loans and to assist restaurant or kitchen workers out of work due to COVID-19.
Southern Smoke Foundation - Houston chef Chris Shepherd’s Southern Smoke Foundation is accepting applications for funds from restaurants/bars and restaurant employees.
One Fair Wage - The OFW has launched the OFW Emergency Fund. It will provide immediate cash assistance to restaurant employees, delivery workers, and other tipped workers in the food industry.
Unite Here Education and Support Fund - Unite Here, a labor union representing groups in the U.S. and Canada, has funds to help its 300,000 members with things like rent, groceries, health insurance, and lost wages.
ROC Disaster Relief Fund - The nonprofit Restaurant Opportunities Centers (ROC) United has set a target of $500,000 for its emergency relief fund, which seeks to help documented and undocumented restaurant workers who lose their jobs during the pandemic.
KIVA - Provides funding opportunities for entrepreneurs where conventional lenders won’t.
Dayton Power & Light Company - Will suspend disconnections for nonpayment until further notice or at least 30 days for nonpayment by business and residential customers. 800-433-8500.
Duke Energy -Has immediately suspended disconnections for non-payment. This applies to all home and business accounts in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana as well as other states.
Unemployment claims - Ohio’s Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is instructing Ohio employers planning layoffs or shutdowns as a result the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to share the following mass lay-off number with their employees to speed the processing of unemployment benefits: 2000180.
United Way’s 211 hotline. Open 24/7. Or online at
Grace Period for Health Insurance Premiums - All health insurers are required to provide the option of deferring premium payments, interest free, for up to 60 calendar days from each original premium due date. This means that employers can defer their premium payments up to two months, giving them some relief on costs, while keeping their employees insured.
Ohio’s Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) - To help businesses facing difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ohio BWC is announcing the deferment of insurance premium installment payments for March, April and May until June 1, 2020. For more information, visit bwc.ohio.gov.
Banks across the state - Are taking steps to offer loan payment deferrals, fee waivers or refunds and extend credit lines to both businesses and individuals. Many banks are also suspending foreclosures where possible. Recent federal guidelines give financial institutions more tools to help Ohioans and the banking industry has welcomed these changes. Banks are also showing customers how to protect themselves from coronavirus-related scams and encouraging Ohioans to use digital banking features like mobile apps, online banking or banking by phone. If you need help, please reach out to your bank for assistance. Learn more at ohiobankersleague.com/customers
Resources for individuals and families
The American Red Cross has an app called HeroCare which allows access to vital emergency and non-emergency resources for military members, veterans and military families.
Modest Needs seeks to provide short-term financial assistance to individuals and families in temporary crisis.
Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes has a program for emergency funds.
Salute, Inc. has a program for financial assistance.
Semper Fi & America’s Fund has established a special COVID-19 response team to assist in a variety of ways, including gas cards, gift cards and more.
USA Cares has several programs for veterans, including financial assistance.
H.E.R.O.E.S. Care offers financial assistance.
Operation Home front offers a critical financial assistance program.
The Code of Support Foundation has a search engine for identifying a spectrum of resources available to veterans.
Operation Once In A Lifetime has a Coronavirus Emergency Fund.
Over 100 internet companies have pledged not to terminate services to any residential or small business customers who cannot pay their bills, waive any late fees and open its WiFi hotspots to any American who needs them. In a promise to “keep American connected,” the Federal Communications Commission’s site offers a full list of companies and associations that are participating.
COVID-19 and mental health: Here at AMVETS Department of Ohio, we have seen firsthand the impact the COVID-19 crisis has on those affected by substance use/misuse. Not only does this crisis complicate access to addiction treatment, including counseling and medication, it also limits personal relationships and access to loved ones. RALI Ohio is spreading the word about the ways you can help. Click the link below to learn more and join us as we continue to practice safe social distancing. RALI Ohio:
American Income Life - Will not charge premiums for members that have been laid for the next 3 months. Once they start back to work they will not have to repay the premiums.
Banks across the state are taking steps to offer loan payment deferrals, fee waivers or refunds and extend credit lines to both businesses and individuals. Many banks are also suspending foreclosures where possible. Recent federal guidelines give financial institutions more tools to help Ohioans and the banking industry has welcomed these changesBanks are also showing customers how to protect themselves from coronavirus-related scams and encouraging Ohioans to use digital banking features like mobile apps, online banking or banking by phone. If you need help, please reach out to your bank for assistance. Learn more at ohiobankersleague.com/customers and ohiocreditunions.org.
Pay benefits for reduced work hours - SharedWork Ohio allows workers to remain employed and employers to retain trained staff during times of reduced business activity. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services provides eligible individuals an unemployment insurance benefit proportionate to their reduced hours. To learn more:
Food, cash and medical assistance - The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services provides food, cash and medical assistance to individuals and families in need. To review eligibility requirements and apply for assistance, please visit:
School meals - Decisions on how free breakfast and lunches are distributed to students is being made by each district. Contact your local district. You may find additional information here:
Keep Ohio Connected (internet service availability) - Learn what Internet Service providers are doing to keep Ohioans connected, including keeping service turned on during the pandemic and waiving late fees:
Learn new tech skills - TechCred helps Ohioans learn new skills and helps employers build a stronger workforce with the skills needed in a tech-infused economy. Many of these trainings can be completed online. For more information:
Existing DSA Programs - Access existing programs to find local non-profit resources available for those in need, to help maintain your small business, and reduce energy costs to your home.
Find a Community Action Agency - Locally controlled private nonprofit organizations whose purpose is to reduce poverty and to help low-income people become self-sufficient:
Learn about Energy Assistance Programs - Learn how to manage your home energy costs:
Injured worker temporary telehealth policy - Learn how the BWC is initiating temporary policy changes that will allow flexibility in the provision of care to injured workers:
Medicaid provisions for uninsured - Learn about how to qualify for Medicaid coverage:
Maintaining Healthcare Coverage for Your Family - Health insurers must allow employers to continue covering employees, even if the employee would otherwise become ineligible because of a decrease in hours worked per week. We know employees may be working a significantly reduced schedule right now, through no fault of their own, and we want to make sure they continue to have access to their health insurance if it’s feasible for the employer at this time.
Assistance for Lost Insurance Coverage - Those who do lose insurance coverage, are eligible for a special enrollment period to gain new coverage. Premium subsidies may be available for those who qualify by purchasing plans on the federal exchange.
In demand jobs during the pandemic - Find available jobs now: Ohio Means Veteran Jobs or Monster.com/companies hiring.
USDA Nutrition Relief:
Grace Period for Health Insurance Premiums - All health insurers are required to provide the option of deferring premium payments, interest free, for up to 60 calendar days from each original premium due date. This means that employers can defer their premium payments up to two months, giving them some relief on costs, while keeping their employees insured.