Final Week To Apply For Flagler County CARES Grants

Bunnell, FL – Flagler County residents and business owners negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are encouraged, if they haven’t done so already, to apply for CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act federal stimulus monies by next week Friday, November 20. This is a one-time grant. If you’ve already applied and are waiting for a check, there is no need to reapply. “While our agreement with the State of Florida originally allowed expenditures through December 30 of this year, Flagler County has now been advised by the state that we must provide the documentation of all of our expenses no later than December 3,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “The deadline is November 20 to give us time to process the paperwork.” For residents, grants of up to $1,000 are available to those who are eligible to bridge financial gaps for rent, mortgage, and/or eligible utility expenses. Only one application per household is permitted. You are required to provide proof of Flagler County residency, U.S. citizenship or legal alien registration, as well as valid Florida Photo ID or drivers license and a Social Security Card.  Small businesses can access grant money to help cover business expenses, including employee wages, mortgage, rent, vendor invoices, utility bills, payroll, and other costs to offset the financial impact due to business interruption or closures as a result of COVID-19.  Small business – including home-based businesses – and 501(c)(3) applicants must follow these guidelines: Must have been registered with the Florida Division of Corporations and held a County or City BTR prior to March 1, 2020, and have a total of 100 employees or less, including owners Small business is physically located in Flagler County Were negatively impacted by COVID-19 Have the authority to apply for this grant on behalf of the business Will use the grant funds for authorized business expenses only Shall cooperate with Flagler County or appropriate officials for grant auditing purposes “There is money available for our county, and we don’t want to leave it sitting on the table,” Lord said. “It’s a process, and now we have less time than what we had originally expected. The good news is that all approved checks will be issued by the end of the year.” For more information, go to flaglercounty.org and click on CARES Grants.