Social service agencies may apply to distribute RISE funds

On April 9, Council approved a resolution allocating $15 million to help residents suffering financial hardship due to Covid-19. The money, called the RISE (Relief in a State of Emergency) fund, will be distributed, starting this month, through social services agencies registered as vendors with the city. Social services providers may apply at AustinTexas.gov/RISE and submit their applications through PartnerGrants. According to the announcement from the city, Austin Public Health “anticipates awarding multiple agreements with a minimum request of $250,000 and maximum request up to $2 million. Smaller amounts may be considered for smaller nonprofit organizations with a deep community connection.” In order to be eligible for RISE funds, community members must be directly impacted by Covid-19, ineligible for CARES Act funding and with an income under 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Stephanie Hayden, director of APH, said, “The strength of our community is measured by the quality of our partnerships. We will get through this together.”