(CARES) Act FAQ from GCFA
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Letter from the New England CCFA
Resources and links are being updated
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes relief measures that apply to local churches. Among the Act’s provisions is the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
The CARES Act sets aside funds to offer loans to small businesses, including churches and non-profits. The loans are 100% forgivable (if you meet all requirements).
We are encouraging all of our churches to apply. Below are some resources we've gathered to help you with the application process.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and has extended the application deadline to May 31, 2021.
Conference Treasurer John Cardillo is encouraging our churches to apply for PPP loans (first or second draw as appropriate), and is happy to answer any questions from churches about the PPP process.
Churches seeking approval of any PPP loan must contact the District Superintendent to schedule a special charge or church conference for that purpose.
Wespath and the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) have partnered to develop an FAQ to assist local churches, annual conferences and other Church-related organizations in considering whether to apply for a “Second Draw” PPP loan.
You can read the FAQ here
The PDF of a PowerPoint below offers an overview of how this works for churches with some info specific to our Conference (click the image):
Churches with membership accounts at Interfaith Federal Credit Union (formerly United Methodist FCU) can apply for PPP lending. The IFCU blog provides updates on information regarding the PPP lending program. Any questions can be directed to SBAinfo@interfaithfcu.org or by contacting IFCU headquarters at 800-245-0433 weekdays between Noon and 8pm Eastern Time. If your church is not yet a member of Interfaith FCU your New England Branch can provide a membership application, simply email sandra@interfaithfcu.org
Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020.
FEMA is working with stakeholder groups to get their input on ways to best provide this assistance, and to enlist their help with outreach to families and communities. FEMA will begin accepting applications for Funeral Assistance on Monday, April 12, 2021 through its dedicated call center.
Additional guidance is being finalized and will be released to potential applicants and community partners as soon as possible. In the meantime, people who have COVID-19 funeral expenses are encouraged to keep and gather documentation.
A message from FEMA about potential fraud: “We have received reports of scammers reaching out to people offering to register them for funeral assistance. FEMA has not sent any such notifications and we do not contact people prior to them registering for assistance.”
Funeral expense assistance FAQ
Folleto de gastos funerarios (funeral expenses flyer in Spanish)