The Grant Application period has closed. Submitted applications are currently under review and all applicants will be notified of the award decision.

OVERVIEW

Fairfax County has established a $5 million fund to support 501(c)3 and 501(c)19 nonprofit organizations, whose primary work currently supports social safety net services to vulnerable populations within Fairfax County. Grants will be awarded to eligible organizations in one of three amounts, $25,000, $50,000 or $75,000, depending on the size of the organization and operating budget.

Nonprofits that function as a part of Fairfax County’s social safety net in the areas listed below are eligible for funding through the NSG Program:

• Financial Stability;
• Food and Nutrition;
• Literary/Educational Development/Attainment;
• Health;
• Housing;
• Positive Behaviors/Healthy Relationships; and/or
• Support/Community/Social Networks.

The awarded funds must support projects that address an identified area of organizational capacity constrained due to the impacts of COVID-19, to include, but not limited to:

• Employee Retention;
• Equipment and Materials;
• Rent Payments;
• Debt Payments; and/or
• Technology Upgrades.

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DEFINITION

A social safety net organization is one which provides services in one or more of the seven categories listed above and is focused on primarily serving people from communities who are more vulnerable to self-sufficiency problems, including people with limited income; immigrants and refugees; people with disabilities; and people who are historically subject to disparate access to opportunities. Find more details and service examples on the linked document.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications will be accepted from May 15, 2020, through 2:00 p.m. on May 22, 2020. The County will accept either electronic or hardcopy submission of the application; detailed instructions for submission are included on the application form. Applications received after the due date/time will not be considered for award.

As you fill out the application you will be asked to include:

• Organizational information
• A statement of need
• The social safety net categories that represent your organization
• Descriptions of the specific programs your organization is currently providing in Fairfax County and how they contribute to the social safety net
• The expenses the grant funding will be used for
• The percentage of your direct service staff that serve Fairfax County residents
• The number of full-time equivalent staff your organization has working in Fairfax County
• Your organization’s most current IRS 990 Form (the size of your organization will be determined from information provided on your IRS 990 Form)

You will receive an acknowledgement that your application was received.

DETERMINATION

Applications will be screened to determine the organization serves Fairfax County residents, meets the social safety net criteria as outlined above and IRS 990 Form is received. Those that qualify, will be awarded grants based on their organizational size - small (eligible for $25,000), medium ($50,000) and large ($75,000). Operational efficiencies reflected in the percentage of operating costs that are dedicated to salaries may be factored into the amount of award.

The grants will be available to nonprofit organizations who meet the following criteria:

• Recognized as a 501(c)3 and 501(c)19 nonprofit organizations, according to the Internal Revenue Code
• Serve Fairfax County residents
• Currently operate as part of Fairfax County’s social safety net
• Submit a complete application, including the most recent IRS 990 Form
• Do not accept funding from the Fairfax County Small Business and Nonprofit Relief Grant Fund program.
• Only one application per organization will be accepted; the organization must detail the number of employees the organization has serving Fairfax County residents.

Because of limited resources and overwhelming demand, Fairfax County is encouraging nonprofits to explore other forms of Federal and State assistance that may be available (Covid-19 information for businesses and employees). 

REPORTING

Successful awardees will be required to provide documentation on how grant funds were allocated and comply with all reporting and audit requirements. Awardees will be required to submit reports on spending related to, and impact of, the grants. Reporting requirements will be shared with awardees upon award.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ #1 (May 19, 2020)

QUESTIONS

If you have questions about this program, email dpmmNSGRANT@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-2861.