A second round of Manatee CARES Act funding assistance with expanded eligibility will make grants available for even more local nonprofit agencies and community organizations that are providing assistance and services to the public during the pandemic. Applications for the second round open Tuesday, Aug. 18 and will remain open until 500 applications are received. In an effort to allow even more local agencies to apply, Manatee County officials have updated eligibility requirements. Under the expanded eligibility, the following types of agencies can now apply for funding:

— 501(c)(6) nonprofits
— Home-based 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofits
— Nonprofits with an office located in a County adjacent to Manatee County (as long as the agency serves Manatee County residents)
Virtual Information Session

County leaders will go over the new funding application requirements and walk through the application process during a virtual information session Tuesday at 10am. Manatee County Commissioners in June approved the plan to provide financial assistance of $17.5 million that is being disbursed to those hit hardest by the coronavirus. The funding is the first phase of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act federal funding arriving through the State of Florida. Manatee County's plan distributes funding into four categories: Public Health/Safety (30 percent), Economic Recovery (30 percent), Community Health and Wellbeing (30 percent), and Government and Community Facilities (10 percent).

Click for information on how to attend the meeting.