Montgomery County Nonprofits and COVID-19 Response
Upcoming Virtual Meet-Ups & Webinars
Nonprofit Meet Up
Join Nonprofit Montgomery for our virtual meetings with Montgomery County governemnt and nonprofit leaders for updates on the issues that affect nonprofits and the community and people we serve.
Details coming soon …
Scroll down to watch videos of previous Meet-Ups and Webinars, followed by a list of COVID-19 resources and updates.
Nonprofit Covid Response Meeting
Welcoming Newcomers: The County’s Comprehensive Plan to welcome children, youth and families from the border
September 29, 2021
Nonprofit Covid Response Meeting
Following the Money: ARP and Other Federal Relief Funds
August 11, 2021
Pandemic Lessons Learned Part 2
Perspectives from Black led organizations
July 21, 2021
June 9, 2021
May 19, 2021- Food Assistance Resources in the County
May 5, 2021- Lessons Learned from the Pandemic
April 21, 2021 – Workforce programs and the covid recovery & grants/funding
April 7, 2021 – DHHS Budgets and Contracts, Renter Resources, Resources for Nonprofits
March 24, 2021- Council budget updates and community grants
March 10, 2021- Childcare and supporting employees who are parents of children
February 10, 2021 – Covid-19 Nonprofit Response Meeting
January 29, 2021 – Nonprofit Leaders Dialogue with Dr. Crowel, DHHS
January 28, 2021 – CARES ACT 2.0 – PPP, EIDL, ERTC
January 13, 2021 – Virtual Meet-Up
We started convening virtual meet-ups in response to COVID-19 on March 18, 2020. Recent meet-ups are posted above. To view older meet-ups and webinars (spanning March to December 2020) see our COVID-19 response video archive.
COVID-19 Response – Updates and Resources for Nonprofits in Montgomery County
Federal, State and County Funds Available to Montgomery County Nonprofits
Governments at every level are trying to make resources available to help the nonprofits that are critical partners in supporting communities during the health, economic, and social crisis caused by the coronavirus. Nonprofit Montgomery partner Franca Brilliant summarized the federal, state, and local options as of April 2. Click here to view chart.
The chart includes information about:
- Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
- Expanded Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Emergency Grants
- Industry Stabilization Fund
- Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund
- COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund
- Montgomery County Public Health Emergency Grant Program
- Additional County Funding
Montgomery County Public Health Emergency Grant (PHEG) Program
The Montgomery County Public Health Emergency Grant (PHEG) program is designed to provide financial assistance to Montgomery County for-profit businesses (including sole proprietorships and independent contractors) and nonprofit organizations that have experienced significant financial loss caused directly or indirectly by a public health emergency. Download a one-page flyer about PHEG or learn more here.
Maryland Nonprofit Development Center Program and Fund – Nonprofit, Interest-Free, Micro Bridge Loan Account (NIMBL)
This interest-free, micro bridge loan program and fund supports the operations of nonprofit entities. The program is administered by the Maryland Nonprofit Development Center and the Maryland Department of Commerce. The program provides short-term financing support to qualifying nonprofit entities between the award date of a government contract and the actual receipt date of those awarded funds. For details on eligibility and how to apply, visit the NIMBL web page.
Maryland State Arts Council Emergency Grant
In response to the COVID-19 State of Emergency, the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) has created special grant opportunities that provide emergency funding to arts organizations and artists in Maryland as they adjust to losses sustained because of programming, operations, and events that have been modified or cancelled. Learn more here.
Telework Assistance Fund – For Montgomery County Nonprofits and Businesses
The County Council approved $250,000 to provide grants to businesses and non-profit organizations that incurred teleworking costs in order to retain employees and keep the lights on. Each eligible business and non-profit may be awarded a grant up to $2,500 for verified teleworking equipment and software. The grant will be based on actual expenditures for each business and non-profit organization. The Telework Assistance Program will be administered by the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. The application process is being developed. More information soon. Learn more here.
Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County
AHCMC has a Covid-19 Emergency Relief Matching Fund opportunity only available for current AHCMC grantees. Matching funds in this category are restricted to projects with a clear focus on critical, emergency relief for arts and humanities organizations and their staff or contractors that have been impacted by the COVID-19 novel coronavirus outbreak. Projects should focus on a specific emergency issue that directly relates to business interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to learn more.
Booz Allen Foundation Innovation Fund
The Booz Allen Foundation has established a $1 million Innovation Fund to help nonprofits, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, innovators at colleges and universities, and startups and small businesses harness the power of data, technology, and diverse intellectual capital to improve COVID-19 relief efforts and make a difference. The Foundation is accepting applications from April 30 through June 5, 2020. Nonprofits can apply for grants of up to $100,000. Click here to learn more.
CARES Arts Organization Relief Grants Program – Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation
Reopened from June 11-20. Small to mid sized non-profit arts organizations in MAAF’s partner states, jurisdictions, and territories (DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, USVI, VA, and WV) may apply through a competitive process for one-time, non-matching grants of up to $20,000. Please refer to the guidelines for additional information on program eligibility. MAAF is committed to the equitable distribution of the grants across our region. Support is limited to any or all of the following: salary support for one or more positions that are critical to an organization’s artistic mission; fees for artists and/or contractual personnel to maintain or expand the period during which such persons would be engaged; and facilities costs such as rent and utilities. Deadline to apply is Monday, June 22, at 5pm EDT. Click here for guidelines and application.
COVID-19 Emergency Food Access Grant
The COVID-19 Emergency Food Access Grant is a partnership between Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Service (DHHS), the Montgomery County Food Council (MCFC), and the Healthcare Initiative Foundation (HIF). The goal of this grant program is to invest in culturally competent community level initiatives to provide food assistance to hard-to-reach communities in Montgomery County during the response to and recovery from COVID-19. Nonprofits can apply for up to $75,000, but may not be granted to the full amount.
Applications for the grants are due by noon on Friday, May 8 and funds will be distributed beginning Tuesday, May 12. Access the grant portal here.
All materials are available on the Healthcare Initiative Foundation website, including:
Greater Washington Community Foundation
The Community Foundation has established and provided initial funding for the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to support emergency preparedness and response efforts that will help mitigate the impact on disproportionately affected communities in our region. The fund is focused on addressing lost wages, relief for small business and gig economy workers, expanding access to medical services, and meeting the unique needs of people experiencing homelessness, among other needs. The Community Foundation is accepting proposals from eligible nonprofits and will be making rapid response grants from this fund on a weekly basis. Click here for information on how to submit an RFP.
Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC) – COVID Emergency Funding
The ARC Maryland
In partnership with The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, The Arc Maryland is now accepting applications for a Small Grant Opportunity: Engagement and Comfort during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Grants are open to community-based organizations that provide supports to people with developmental disabilities who are affected by the statewide Coronavirus response. Funds must be used to meet the needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families and promote engagement with peers, alleviate anxiety due to social distancing, and/or increase positive shared experiences. Learn more here.
NATIONAL:
No Kid Hungry – Emergency Grants
Supports local school districts and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to ensure kids get the nutritious food they need. This grant request is specifically for school districts and community organizations.
Essential Organizations and Businesses
This application allows an organization to request to be classified by the State of Maryland as essential, and not subject to the closure of nonessential businesses.
Workers who support food, shelter, and social services have been officially designated as Critical Infrastructure according to the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Administration (CISA) of the Department of Homeland Security. See the full notice on CISA website.
Latest DHHS guidance for Front Line Staff and Home Visits:
DHHS_Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness for Staff Doing Home Visits
DHHS_Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness for Frontline Staff
Montgomery County General COVID-19 Guidance for Businesses
This Montgomery County Government web page provides guidance for Restaurants, Personal Service Businesses (Hair Stylists, Nail Salons, etc.), Houses of Worship, and Schools and Child Care Providers.
Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation
State, Local, and Business Resources and Updates
TechSoup
Nonprofit Resources for Remote Work during the COVID-19 Outbreak
Emergency Assistance Relief Payment (EARP)
Recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic is causing an unprecedented financial hardship for many Montgomery County residents, the Emergency Assistance Relief Payment is a program that provides immediate financial assistance to households in need. While the need is great, this program seeks to fill the gaps for those who are not eligible or who will not benefit directly from the federal or state COVID-19 aid. Click here for more info.
Montgomery College and Montgomery College Foundation – Student Emergency Assistance
Assistance to Montgomery College students in need with food, technology, tuition, fees, books, supplies, and/or other needs during the pandemic. Instructions available online.
The Universities at Shady Grove (USG): Emergency Assistance Fund
Provides assistance to USG students with unexpected financial circumstances. More online here.
Community resource list is also available to students.
Thrive Market – Relief Fund
$150 grocery stipends to any family facing health or financial hardships due to COVID-19. Send a message or short video explaining the situation to covid19relief@thrivemarket.com. Stipends will be awarded to members, Gives members, and non-members alike, and will be based purely on need.
Maryland:
Main COVID-19 page: coronavirus.maryland.gov
State Information for Businesses (including some employment information)
Montgomery County:
Main COVID-19 page: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19
Closures and Service Modifications
Information for for Community and Faith Organizations (CDC)
Information for Businesses / Employers (CDC)
DHHS instructions for applying for services remotely:
DHHS Customizable Door Signs
DHHS has created customizable front-door signage to help clients, staff, and other visitors decide whether or not it is appropriate to come into an office. There’s room at the bottom for a message that can be tailored to your location (what phone number to call, website to visit, etc., as alternatives to coming in the office). The sign is an editable Word document that has been translated into the following languages. Please feel free to download, customize, print and post.
English | Spanish | Traditional Chinese | French | Korean | Russian | Vietnamese
PPE Available for County Businesses
As a result of the partnership established by the Montgomery County Office of Procurement with a local business, County businesses now have access to personal protective equipment at a competitive prices. This online store is available for all Montgomery County Small Businesses looking to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Businesses will need to provide an EIN Number with a Montgomery County MD Address.
Purchase here: https://mocoppe.com/
If other businesses are interested in being a part of this collaboration, they should reach out through the contact information on the website with their capabilities.
Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services
Maryland Department of Health
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Frequently Asked Questions About Testing
COVID-19 supports such as testing will not count against someone from a public charge perspective:
To address the possibility that some aliens impacted by COVID-19 may be hesitant to seek necessary medical treatment or preventive services, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that screening, testing, treatment, or vaccines (should a vaccine become available) for children and adults related to COVID-19 will not negatively affect any alien as part of a future Public Charge analysis, even if such treatment is provided or paid for by a public benefit such as federally-funded Medicaid. This does not mean unlawfully present aliens should apply for Medicaid in MHC, but it might be helpful for consumers to know that should they need COVID-19 related services and Medicaid dollars pay for those services, it will not count against them.
Health Clinic is open for Uninsured Low Income County Patients
Mansfield Kaseman Health Clinic is open for uninsured low income Montgomery County patients and Maryland Medicaid patients (with MCOs: MD Physician Care and University of MD Health Partners). New patients are welcome – must call to schedule an appointment; no walk-ins currently accepted.
Patients with potential COVID-19 symptoms must call for a telephone triage before receiving an appointment. Spanish/English speakers available at (301) 917-6800 for appointments or more information. Face-to-face and telehealth visits available.
Special Emergency Enrollment in ACA Plans through April 15
As part of the state’s overall response to the coronavirus, and in an effort to prioritize health and safety, Maryland Health Connection opened a new special enrollment period for uninsured Marylanders, ending April 15. Coverage will begin April 1, 2020, regardless of when a health plan is selected during that time period.
To enroll, visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov or download the free “Enroll MHC” mobile app. When enrolling, request or select “Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment Period.” Free consumer assistance is available by calling 855-642-8572 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Deaf and hard of hearing use Relay. Help is available in more than 200 languages.
Mercy Health Clinic
Mercy Health Clinic is able to see NEW patients who are likely to be eligible for the Montgomery Cares program, with a priority on patients who have an urgent health need. MHC is also continuing to see current patients as well. MHC is conducting most patient visits via telemedicine. Please contact call 240.773.0300 during business hours for details. More info at: MercyHealthClinic.org. Follow MHC on Facebook and Twitter (@MercyHealthC) for updates in English and Spanish.
Pan-Asian Voluntary Health Clinic / Chinese Culture and Community Service Center
COVID-19 Bilingual English-Chinese Information Line: 301-798-6001
Information available to callers includes local resources for medical services and precautions to take while under home isolation. If necessary, calls can be referred to a volunteer physician. Information about COVID-19 and medical services is also available in Chinese on this web page.
Food Access Call Center for Montgomery County
Montgomery County residents can call 311 and ask for the Food Access call center. Callers will receive a return phone call from a trained resource specialist who can determine their individual food needs and help locate food assistance. Calls are returned within 24 hours and callers can be assisted in the language of their choice. No personal identifying information is needed to get help. Callers will receive information about free meal and grocery delivery, SNAP (Food Stamps), local food providers, and other resources in Montgomery County as the community copes with the ongoing health crisis.
In addition, this video provides an overview about food resources in the County and a second video directs residents to contacts who can provide assistance in Spanish, Amharic, French, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.
Manna Food Center
UPDATE – Manna is temporarily waiving income requirements to provide food to any Montgomery County resident impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
Montgomery County Food Council
The Food Council is hosting a weekly call convening our local food security community to provide updates on food assistance resources currently available and connect providers on best practices, resources, and community needs.
These calls will be held each Monday from 1-2pm and will continue through May and likely beyond. All are welcome to participate. See this Food Council announcement for more details.
Montgomery County Public Schools
Emergency Closure Meals Service for Students
Thrive Market COVID-19 Relief Fund
This fund will provide $150 grocery stipends to any family facing health or financial hardships due to COVID-19. Stipends will be awarded to members, Gives members, and non-members alike, and will be based purely on need. Learn more here.
CaringMatters
CaringMatters serves children, adults and families facing life-threatening illness and experiencing the death of a loved one.
CaringMatters Covid-19 Supports and Resources
Child Trends
Resources for supporting children’s emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic
EveryMind
Mental Health and Coping with Anxiety and Stress Resources
JCADA
JCADA supports victims of power-based violence to become empowered and live safely. During the COVID-19 quarantine, JCADA is continuing to see clients for legal, advocacy and clinical services, including safety planning with victims of power based violence who are quarantined with their abuser.
Call 877-88-JCADA for free clinical and legal help and advocacy.
Key resources for victims and survivors – including videos on safety planning, how to get a protective order, and teen dating violence – are available here.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – Montgomery County
NAMI MC’s support groups are moving to Zoom. They will be open to the community starting Mach 30. Currently, NAMI MC is collecting emails of interested participants for two different support groups: Family Support Groups and Connection Recovery Support Groups.
- Those interested in registering for the Family Support Group (Families, friends, caregivers of individuals living with mental illness) on Zoom should fill out this Google Form.
- Those who are interested in registering for our Connection Recovery Group (Individuals who have experienced mental health condition symptoms) on Zoom should fill out this Google Form
- For questions, call 301-949-5852, email programs@namimc.org, or visit NAMI MC online
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)
Emergency Closure Meals Service for Students
FAQs about school closures, etc.
Child Trends
Resources for supporting children’s emotional well-being
DHHS COVID-19 Resource List for Montgomery County Older Adults
This five-page resource list includes information on COVID-19 testing and care, important phone numbers for those without internet access, and a variety of online resources. Click here to download this resource list.
Chinese Culture and Community Service Center & Pan Asian Volunteer Health Clinic
COVID-19 English-Chinese Information Line: 301-798-6001
Information available to callers includes local resources for medical services and precautions to take while under home isolation. As needed, calls can be referred to a volunteer physician. Information is also available online:
Information in Chinese about local resources related to COVID-19
Information in Chinese about COVID-19 medical services
Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center
Gilchrist’s main phone number, 240-777-4940, remains open Mon.- Fri., 9am – 5pm to provide info and referrals to community members. Gilchrist also has an online list of COVID-19 Information and Resources.
Vietnamese American Services
COVID-19 English-Vietnamese Hotline: 301-646-5852
Provides information on social services and nursing advice related to COVID-19
Montgomery County Volunteer Center
Volunteer Response to COVID-19 / Coronavirus
Post any requests for volunteer or funding specifically related to the response to COVID-19 as opportunities on the Volunteer Center website: www.montgomeryserves.org
Montgomery County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD)
If your organization is looking for ways to take a leadership role in responding to the current emergency, visit the COAD page.
Office of Consumer Protection
Consumer Resources and the Coronavirus
Montgomery County’s Office of Consumer Protection has collected some useful resources for many consumer questions and issues related to COVID-19. This list includes information, alerts, and tips for consumers regarding issues like coronavirus scams, health club closings, suspension of water services, and much more.
Maryland Nonprofits
This list includes Maryland-specific guidance, webinars, advocacy actions & policy alerts, health resources, business function resources, financial resources, and examples of how other nonprofits in Maryland are adapting.
Maryland Philanthropy Network
This list includes information related to best practices in disaster grantmaking, philanthropic responses, and funding opportunities for grantmakers.
This is a scary and challenging time for nonprofits and the communities we serve.
Nonprofit professionals are helpers by nature, and many nonprofit workers will be on the front lines of helping during this crisis. In addition, every subsector in the nonprofit sector – and all nonprofits, large and small – will be deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the steps being taken to mitigate its impact.
We are working to provide information and answers to support nonprofits serving Montgomery County as we all grapple with the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19.
If you know of resources we might add to this page or share via social media, or if you have questions or concerns we should be aware of, please email connect@nonprofitmoco.org.