Local Emergency Assistance for Non-Profits (LEAN) Grant Program

The Local Emergency Assistance for Non-profits (LEAN) grant program is a $1 million grant program, initiated by the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency Board of Directors, to assist local non-profits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This program provides a helping hand to eligible, local non-profit organizations in order to support the continuity of their operations.

Eligible non-profits for the LEAN grant program are human services, cultural arts and historical organizations. The award level for each eligible non-profit application will be $2,500. The application deadline is Friday, May 15, 2020, or until all funds ($1,000,000) have been expended, whichever comes first.

Please ensure you have attached all required supporting documentation to your application submission. If you need assistance or have any questions, please contact the OEV staff at (850)219-1060 or by e-mail at info@OEVforBusiness.org.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Eligible non-profits for the LEAN grant program are human services, cultural arts and historical organizations. In order to qualify for grant assistance from LEAN Program, the applicant must satisfy all of the following requirements. Please read through the Selection Criteria and Eligibility Requirements for the Tallahassee-Leon County LEAN PROGRAM prior to completing the on-line application.

• Be a non-profit trust, corporation (churches, associations and foundations do not qualify) based in Leon County, and registered with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations (Division) or hold a tax-exempt status with the United States Internal Revenue Service (Form 990) or show proof that you have filed a corporate tax return. Either of the three methods above must be met to qualify as an eligible local non-profit. Churches and religious institutions under a current contract with a government entity to provide human services within Leon County are eligible for purposes of supporting the continued provision of such human services in Leon County.    
• Demonstrate a minimum reduction of at least 25% in revenue as a result of COVID-19.
• Have an active Utility Account with the City of Tallahassee Utilities, Talquin Electric Cooperative, or Progress Energy Florida (or be able to demonstrate that utilities are included in lease) in good or current status, meaning not disconnected or pending disconnection, as of the date of COVID-19 Emergency Declaration, March 18, 2020. A utility portion that has good/current status means no disconnect or disconnect pending.
• One application per registered entity with the Division, not per location.
• Pledge in good-faith to remain in business for at least 45 days following the receipt of Tallahassee-Leon County LEAN program funding. 

SELECTION CRITERIA FOR LEAN PROGRAM

Grant recipients will be selected solely on the basis of the eligibility requirements above and available funding. Each grant applicant will be pre-screened for compliance with the eligibility requirements on an objective and nondiscriminatory basis by OEV staff or other persons designated by the OEV Director. Final approval of the applications will be made by the OEV Director or her designee. Grants will be awarded on an objective and nondiscriminatory basis upon reviewing the application and ascertaining any additional facts and circumstances as necessary. Grants will be made in the form of lump sum distributions to the recipient in the amount of $2,500. Each grant recipient will be required to provide OEV with documentation that the grant was used in a manner consistent with the terms of the grant. Any information submitted may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s Public Records Law unless an exemption applies.

To apply for the Local Emergency Assistance for Non-profits (LEAN) grant program, click here.