As project administrator on behalf of Barton County, Golden Belt Community Foundation announced that applications for the SPARK (Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas) Micro-Grant Program funded by Barton County’s allocation of federal funds through the CARES Act are now open. 

Approximately $131,701.30 has been allotted to support Barton County 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations with COVID-19 related expenditures on a reimbursement basis. The program allows applicants to apply for relief for expenses occurring from March 1, 2020 to application date. Non-profit organizations must have been in operation as of July 1, 2019 and still be in operation at the time of application, demonstrate negative impacts from COVID19, and have fewer than 50 employees.  

This is a reimbursement grant for existing COVID-19 related expenses. Applications will be reviewed by a committee. Grant applicants can apply through the application portal now through October 5 at goldenbeltcf.org/grants.  

The CARES Act provides that payments from the Coronavirus Relief Fund may only be used to cover costs that are necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19) and that were not reimbursed by any other federal, state, or local funding source.  

Expenses should fall within one of the following categories: Medical Expenses; Public Health and Public Health Compliance Expenses; Payroll Expenses; Action to Facilitate Health Measures; Economic Support Expenses; Other Reasonably Necessary Expenses.  

Additional information, including examples of qualifying expenditures, are available at goldenbeltcf.org. Any organization with questions on how to apply or with questions about particular expenses may contact Teresa Powelson, program officer, at teresa@goldenbeltcf.org or call 620-792-3000.