Thurston Strong is pleased to announce a new round of grant assistance for small businesses, nonprofit organizations and food system entities impacted by the COVID pandemic. Pandemic challenges persist and many independent enterprises and service organizations have been disproportionately impacted. This round of funding provides an extended bridge to sustain our entrepreneurial and employment tapestry, while adding capacity for entities who continue to answer the call for emergency assistance.
Business and Nonprofit grants are funded by Thurston County through a portion of the County’s federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation. Business and Food System grants are administered by the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC); Nonprofit grants by the Community Foundation (CF).
Please review each section carefully to determine which grant option might fit your situation.
Prospective Applicants
Please keep in mind that ARPA rules require grant applicants to demonstrate COVID-specific financial harm – i.e., applicants will need to provide documentation of economic injury such as lost revenues or increased costs due to COVID. Grants will only be issued to qualifying entities that can confirm COVID related revenue losses or expenditures. We understand this can be confusing and have reactivated our support center. Please call 1-888-821-6652 for any questions or technical assistance.
Microbusiness Grants
Approximately $5 million available for small and minority-owned businesses. All Thurston County based businesses are eligible for grants up to $10,000 based on demonstrated COVID-related impact. Grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted. Disproportionately impacted industries are encouraged to apply early, including: accommodations and food service; entertainment and recreation/tourism; personal services; small scale manufacturing; and select professional services.
This grant is administered by the Thurston Economic Development Council. For more information and/or to apply, please visit https://www.thurstonstrong.org/guidelines-thurston-strong-small-business-grant/.
Nonprofit Grants
Approximately $810,000 available. All Thurston County based 501c3 nonprofits are eligible for grants up to $20,000 based on demonstrated COVID-related impact. Grants are available on a first-come, first-served based until funding is exhausted. Nonprofits actively involved in ongoing COVID-response and recover efforts are encouraged to apply early. This grant is administered by The Community Foundation. For more information about Thurston Strong grants and/or to apply, please visit https://www.thurstonstrong.org/thurston-strong-nonprofit-grant-guidelines/.
Food Systems Grants
Approximately $1 million total available on a first-come, first-served basis. All Thurston County based food system partners are eligible. This includes farms, cooperatives, farmers markets and any entity involved in food processing and/or value ad production that uses Thurston County based ag inputs. Individual business grants available up to $10,000 based on demonstrated COVID-related impact. Farmers’ Markets and Food Cooperatives are eligible for higher funding depending on size of operation.
This grant is administered by the Thurston Economic Development Council in cooperation with the Thurston WSU Ag Extension Office. For more information and/or to apply, please visit https://www.thurstonstrong.org/thurston-strong-ag-business-grant-guidelines/.