Who can apply?
The BCDI COVID-19 Community Response Grants are cash grants intended for businesses, organizations, non-profits, and individuals working in direct coordination with organizations or non-profits. Funds must be used to support efforts that increase access to food, improve health and wellness, restore community connections, and/or otherwise meet the basic needs of the Bowdoinham community.
Can I apply even if I received funding in the first or second round of grants?
Preference will be given to those who have not already received funding. However, even those who have already received funding through the COVID-19 Community Response Grant Program are eligible and encouraged to apply.
I just lost my job because of the pandemic. Can I apply to cover my own basic needs?
Not at this time. In support of the BCDI mission, we’re providing grants to help support small business and entrepreneurship to help bolster the Bowdoinham community. Here are some resources that can help individuals at this time:
Bowdoinham Food Pantry is open Wednesdays from 4-6PM. No income verification is required. To receive stay in your car, someone from the food pantry will come to you: https://bowdoinhamfoodpantry.org/
Call 2-1-1 to find resources or ask questions about COVID-19.
Maine Helps: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/covid-19/maine-helps
Merrymeeting Food Council: http://www.merrymeetingfoodcouncil.org/support-resources and http://www.merrymeetingfoodcouncil.org/food-access
Salvation Army COVID-19 Services. The social service office is available for rental/housing assistance, utilities assistance, and heating assistance. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9-1PM. FMI: 443-3611
Unemployment Information: https://maineequaljustice.org/people/covid-19-resources/
United Way Urgent Needs Fund: https://www.uwmcm.org/unf2020.html
Artist Relief Fund (Starting April 01): https://mainearts.maine.gov/Postings/Blogs/Detail/Maine-Artist-Relief-Fund-Information
If I don’t receive a grant, are there any other resources you can direct me to?
To learn more about resources for small businesses:
Coastal Enterprises Institute: https://www.ceimaine.org/covid-19-resources-for-businesses/
To learn about the SBA Economic Injury Loans and fill out an application, go to: https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
Do I have to repay this grant?
No, this is a grant that does not need to be repaid. It is intended to enable you to help others in our community. BCDI is not making any representations regarding the potential tax consequences of these grants.
Do I have to be a member of BCDI to apply?
No, you don’t have to be a member of BCDI to apply (although we’d be delighted to have you).
Does my work need to be restricted to Bowdoinham?
You do not need to be a Bowdoinham business, non-profit, or organization to apply. The work you are proposing, however, should provide a substantial benefit to Bowdoinham residents, even though residents of other towns in the region might also benefit.
Still have questions?
Email us: bcdi.maine@gmail.com