For those who have not yet applied for available federal assistance, here are some hacks and highlights, starting with some time-sensitive guidance provided by the Biden administration on Monday, February 22, 2021:

PPP Loans - Second Draw
$150 billion of the allocated $284 billion is still available for distribution through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Deadline: March 9, 2021 (specifically for nonprofits with less than 20 employees - see below - for larger orgs, the deadline is March 31, 2021)

Who is eligible?
A.   As of December 2020:
  •  501(c)(6)s are now eligible.
  • Also eligible are nonprofits that demonstrate a 25% reduction in gross receipts for any quarter in 2020 compared to the same quarter in 2020. (NOTE: Gross receipts in 2020 do not include the first PPP loan.)
  • Accepting applications up to $2 million.
B.   Newly Released Guidelines
                    ATTENTION: Nonprofits with fewer than 20 Employees
For a two-week period, from Wednesday, February 24 through Tuesday, March 9, the Small Business Administration and PPP lenders will process loan applications ONLY from nonprofits and for-profit businesses with fewer than 20 employees. 

The exclusive small-employer PPP processing window is designed to provide more equitable relief by “targeting the PPP to the smallest businesses and those that have been left behind in previous relief efforts” to ensure that lenders give smaller employers the attention they need to work through the application process.

If you think your nonprofit may be eligible for an initial or a second draw loan now is the best time to contact a lender and find out how much relief may be available. Learn more at SBA.gov and, if you are not already working with a financial institution, consider working with PANO’s partner, Orrstown Bank. 

What has changed in PPP Loan Forgiveness?
  • EIDL Advance Reduction that occurred when borrowers sought PPP loan forgiveness was repealed.
  • Forgivable expenses were expanded to include personal protective equipment, covered supplier costs, facilities modifications, and covered worker protection expenditures.
  • The forgiveness application process for smaller loans up to $150,000 was simplified, with a one-page form attesting to compliance with the terms of the CARES Act PPP provisions.

ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS (EIDLs)
  • $20 billion still available with up to $10,000 grant funding.
  • Deadline: December 31, 2021
  • Who is eligible? Organizations located in low-income communities and in operation as of January 31, 2020 that:
  • Demonstrate a 30% economic loss by a comparison of an 8-week period between March 2, 2020, and December 17, 2021, relative to a comparable 8-week period immediately preceding March 2, 2020, or during 2019
  • Employ 300 employees or less
  • Have been directly impacted by COVID-19
  • Previously applied for an emergency EIDL grant

SHUTTERED VENUES GRANT PROGRAM
$15 billion in available funding.
  • Deadline: Until all $15 billion have been disbursed.
  • Who is eligible?:  Organizations serving solely as live venue operators, theatrical producers, performing arts organizations, museums, or talent representatives who were in operation as of February 29, 2020 that:
  • Received a PPP loan before December 27, 2020
  • Have a DUN and Bradstreet (DUNS) number
  • Demonstrate a 25% reduction in earned gross revenue for any quarter in 2020 compared to the same quarter in 2019
  • Have revenue that would have been received via admission tickets, merchandise, food/beverages, advertising sales, presentation income, and/or rental income.
  • Accepting applications up to $10 million.

“HOW TOs” and WHO CAN HELP
For details about how to apply for the PPP-First Draw, PPP-Second Draw, and/or the Shuttered Venues grants, please listen to this webinar recorded by PANO’s newest Ambassador, Your Part-Time Controller: Staying Afloat: The Latest on PPP & Other Pandemic Relief Options.

If you are looking for a financial institution committed to the nonprofit community willing to process your loan, we recommend our preferred lender Orrstown Bank. Orrstown Bank has helped thousands of businesses and nonprofits obtain PPP funding. Their portal is open and accepting applications, and their expert lending team stands ready to help!