MN SF4590

Establishes COVID-19 emergency community relief grants program to award grants through eligible nonprofit organizations, community foundations, tribal nations, and community development financial institutions to individuals experiencing financial hardship from the COVID-19 outbreak.

Eligible individuals include those not eligible for unemployment benefits, those receiving insufficient unemployment benefits, those facing difficulty accessing federal or state COVID-19 assistance, and those unable to receive any COVID-19-related federal or state assistance.

Maximum grant award is $1,500 per individual, with amounts based on household needs and other available resources.

Grant funds may be used for food, emergency household items, rent support, utility bills, and similar expenses, with rent and utility payments made directly to landlords or utility companies.

Appropriates $50,000,000 in fiscal year 2020 from the general fund to the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development for grants to the Minnesota Council on Foundations, available until June 30, 2021.