Money Runs Out Less Than Two Weeks After Washtenaw United Way Announces Small Biz Emergency Grants
With $1.29 million in funding, $1 million of which was donated by the Song Foundation, the Washtenaw United Way’s Washtenaw Small Business Emergency Relief Fund ran dry just two weeks after the modest grants were announced. The United Way’s website says that applications are closed and that the organization received $4.7 million in grant applications from Washtenaw County businesses looking for funding.
The Washtenaw County United Way is a non-profit organization. According to the group’s 990 federal tax return, in 2017 Washtenaw United Way took in $5.9 million in contributions and grants and had a fund balance of over $6.3 million.
In March when the emergency fund was launched, Washtenaw County Administrator Gregory Dill said, “Just as Washtenaw County has been working hard to ensure residents have the latest public health information and access to essential services, we are committed to helping the small business community. We are proud to have seeded this fund with $100,000 and work with our partners in a truly collaborative way to support small business during this unprecedented time.”
The grant program provided funding for county business impacted by Covid-19. Funds could be used to cover day-to-day operating expenses of the business, including payroll or losses due to COVID-19. The funding levels were modest, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the number of employees working at the business. Home-based businesses with less than $81,000 in household income could apply for grants of up to $1,000. Businesses with up to 10 employees could qualify for grants up to $2,500 and businesses with up to 50 employees could qualify for grants up to $5,000.
Aside from the $1 million donated from the Song Foundation, $290,000 was donated by Washtenaw County, the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, Bank of Ann Arbor, New Economy Initiative, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Chemical Bank and Pittsfield Charter Township.
According to the Washtenaw United Way’s Washtenaw Small Business Emergency Relief Fund webpage, applications are no longer being accepted for the grants. Grant applications are being screened and money awarded is expected to be distributed at the end of April, according to Washtenaw United Way officials.
The Washtenaw Small Business Emergency Relief Fund was specifically aimed at small businesses with low-income owners located in neighborhoods at high risk for displacement. The Fund is still accepting donations. To donate, visit the group’s GoFundMe page.