City of Corpus Christi, United Way of the Coastal Bend announce recovery fund to assist nonprofits affected by COVID-19

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – The City of Corpus Christi has partnered with United Way of the Coastal Bend to help administer grants through a $500,000 Nonprofit Recovery Fund. The fund will provide grants to eligible organizations located and providing services in Corpus Christi to support their administrative costs such as working capital, utility bills, rent, mortgage, and more.

“Much of the money distributed to nonprofits during the pandemic has been earmarked for direct client services and cannot be used for the organization's own administrative needs,” said Libby Averyt, President and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Bend. “This program will help those smaller nonprofits that have seen decreased revenue and contributions so that they can remain operational for the good of our entire community.”

Grants will range in value up to $25,000 and will be awarded based on factors such as need, location, planning, eligibility and availability of funds. Agencies will submit monthly reports detailing how the funds were used and must stay operational for at least three months after receiving the grant.

“Nonprofit organizations employ thousands of people in Corpus Christi, and are really small businesses, just with a nonprofit tax status,” says Averyt. “United Way of the Coastal Bend and the nonprofit community appreciates the City Council recognizing this fact and finding a way to help keep nonprofits solvent during this economic downturn.”

Eligible nonprofits must meet the following requirements, among others:

  • Annual budget of no more than $3 million.
  • Provide health and human services, educational services, business support or job training within the Corpus Christi city limits.
  • Be a 501c3 or 501c6 organization and provide required IRS and financial documentation.
  • Be governed by a local board of directors.

How the process will work:

  • To see all eligibility requirements and start the process, agencies should visit UWCB.org and follow the registration instructions to receive an application.
  • A review committee of UWCB leaders and a city representative will assess applications on a first-come, first served basis.
  • Awards will be made until the fund is exhausted.

For more information, click here or contact Donna Hurley, Vice President of Community Impact, at donna.hurley@uwcb.org.