RFP – Emergency Survival Grant
June 10, 2020
 | By Jamie Schloegel, Chief Executive Officer |
Announcing the continuation of the Emergency Survival Grant program
This grant opportunity was created over the summer to help charitable organizations in La Crosse County survive the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Survival Grant will provide unrestricted funds to nonprofits to offset pandemic-related revenue losses and expenses.
This new grant program has already awarded grants to 25 local nonprofits that total $414,018!
Emergency Survival Grant proposals will be accepted at least through the January 15 and April 15 grant deadlines in 2021.
Funding decisions will be made primarily based on two factors: 1) the ability to show with financial records that your organization is significantly impacted financially by the pandemic; and, 2) the feasibility that the amount requested will help. Grants are strictly for operational costs and not to fund programs.
What we’ve learned after the first two rounds with the Emergency Survival Grant
After reviewing the first two rounds of proposals in August and November, we realized that simply showing a financial loss because of COVID did not make for a successful grant application. We ended up funding only fixed costs for nonprofits whose revenue streams have drastically slowed because of COVID, yet still have substantial fixed costs to cover. We presume the subsequent rounds will be the same.
Who is eligible to apply?
All charitable organizations that primarily serve La Crosse County are eligible to apply, with the exception of large public and/or charitable organizations (hospitals, city/village/town governments, county government, school districts, and universities) and other funders.
Q&A
Q: How much can we request?
A: We recommend requesting an amount you absolutely need. We anticipate grant awards will primarily range on average between $5,000 and $30,000
Q: How much do you have to award?
A: We haven’t set our 2021 spending allowance yet. These grants are funded from the same granting pools as our regular grant programs. We will have at least $200,000 to award each quarter for all grants.
Q: If we received a grant from the La Crosse Area Emergency Response Fund, can we still apply?
A: Yes. However, preference will be given to nonprofits who have not received large grants from the La Crosse Area Emergency Response Fund.
Q: We planned to apply for a standard or mini grant. Are you still doing those in 2021?
A: This grant opportunity is an addition to our regular grant process. We will still accept proposals to our regular grant program. However, our priority for the rest of the year is to help ensure nonprofits don’t go away. We will not be prioritizing new projects.
Q: Can we apply for a standard or mini grant and this emergency survival grant?
A: Yes, if absolutely necessary
Q: We already received a large grant this year. Are we eligible to apply?
A: Yes.
Q: We already received an Emergency Survival Grant in 2020. Can we apply again?
A: Yes, but you must submit your follow-up report first.
Final comments:
If you’re interested in applying, the first step is setting up a time to discuss your needs with Jamie Schloegel at jamie@laxcommfoundation.com. She will help make sure you’re applying to the most appropriate grant program and can offer tips for success.
The financial section of this application form is more complicated than our other grant forms. With that in mind, Finance Director Erin Belby is available to help you as needed. Please email her with any questions you have: Erin@laxcommfoundation.com
Last, if you wish to see a list of questions before you apply, please click here.