COVID-19 Relief Expanded For Decatur Nonprofits, Small Businesses

DECATUR, GA — Just over 20 nonprofits and small businesses in Decatur who did not receive COVID-19 relief last year will now receive the money they need.

The Decatur City Commission unanimously approved nearly $420,000 in additional money for its COVID-19 small business and nonprofit grant programs Monday, which saw an excess of demand last year.

The city awarded 57 Decatur small businesses with more than $1 million in COVID-19 relief last fall, as well as $300,000 in relief to 22 nonprofits, according to city documents. There were more valid applications than available money, so the city conducted a blind lottery in each case to choose who received grant money.

Because demand exceeded the supply of available money, the city had to deny relief requests for eight eligible nonprofits and 13 eligible small businesses. Now, those 21 organizations will receive the funding they asked for.

“They were notified last fall when they didn’t get funding,” Hugh Saxon, deputy city manager, said during the Monday Decatur City Commission meeting. “So I’m sure they will be happy to learn about this.”

The city approved an additional $225,000 for the small business grant program, and nearly $194,000 for the nonprofit grant program. Nonprofit grants will be awarded by March 31, while small businesses will receive the funds by the end of April.

Nonprofits will have until May 31 to expend the money received.

A list of small businesses was not provided, but the recommended awards for Decatur nonprofits are as follows:

• All Walks of Life
  • $22,170.37 for technology and program support
• Arulcat
  • $21,500 for education, program support and supplies
• Georgia Interfaith Power and Light
  • $25,000 for staff, office expenses and program support workshops
• Several Dancers Core
  • $25,000 for staff support, rent and supplies
• Decatur Education Foundation
  • $25,000 for staff and program support
• Decatur Arts Alliance
  • $25,000 for staff, program support and supplies
• Wylde Center
  • $25,000 for staff and program support
• Decatur Presbyterian Church
  • $25,000 for staff and program support

All program funding is backed by $2.9 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act money awarded to the city of Decatur by DeKalb County.