City of West Richland’s Mayor and City Council have designated $300,000 for the CARES Act Community Support Grant Program, providing local businesses grant assistance, with no repayment requirements.
These local business grants will be administered by the Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC), and applications for grant funding will be open from Monday, August 24 through Wednesday, September 16.
West Richland businesses and non-profits of all sizes are eligible to apply for funding to cover expenses paid or due on March 27, 2020, through October 31, 2020.
West Richland CARES Act Community Support Grant Application is Closed
Grant Application is Closed
Grant Information:
Available Grant Amount:
- Up to $15,000
Grant Application Period:
- Monday, August 24 – Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Approval Process:
- Grantees will be selected from a pool of eligible businesses using a ranking system.
- Grantees will receive notification upon selection.
- Prior to funds being delivered, grantees must sign an agreement with the City of West Richland outlining the terms of funding.
- Funds will be delivered as quickly as possible to the awarded businesses.
- If a business is not able to meet the terms of the signed agreement, meet eligibility criteria, or is unable to provide required documentation, another company will be selected from the pool of applicants.
Eligibility Requirements:
The business must:
- Be physically located in West Richland.
- Be owned by a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
- Have been in operation for one year or longer.
- Use the grant to maintain or create jobs.
- Be for profit or non-profit (501C3, 501C6 and 501C19 only).
- Submit a business license or IRS 501c Determination Letter.
- Have had to close or reduce capacity to operate based on the Governor’s orders surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Have lost revenue due to COVID-19.
Expenses:
Eligible Expenses:
These funds are only to be used for the following business operation costs incurred on or after March 27, 2020 through October 31. In addition, the expense must be necessary; connected to; and would not exist without; the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Rent and Mortgage
- Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Supplies
- Insurance
- Utility Bills
- Consulting Expenses
- Marketing Expenses
- Training
- Expenses incurred to accommodate business changes due to COVID-19
Ineligible Expenses:
- Payroll & Benefits
- Travel
- Bills for Taxes
- Federal or State Expenses
- Capital Expenses
- Land Acquisition
- Construction Cost
- Office Equipment
- Purchase/Lease of Equipment
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Alcohol
- Hosting Expenses
- Meals
- Lodging
- Transportation
- Lobbying or political influence
- Other costs not directly related to the operations of business
Frequently Asked Questions:
If I have a question regarding the application, who should I contact?
TRIDEC is administering the grants. Please email your questions regarding applications to WRCares@tridec.org and they will respond.
How many awards will be available?
It is anticipated that 85 or more applications will be received for this grant program. There are enough funds for approximately 50 to 60 grant awards.
When does the application close?
- To have an application considered for funding, it must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, September 16, 2020.
- The West Richland CARES Act Community Support Grant closes on Wednesday, September 16, 2020. This is the final deadline to apply for funding. There will be no additional funding rounds.
Are these grant funds considered taxable income?
- Yes. The receipt of a government grant by a business generally is not excluded from the business’s gross income under the Code and therefore is taxable. Source: IRS