United Way offers free financial consultation for nonprofits during COVID-19

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Businesses are not the only ones feeling the pinch during the coronavirus pandemic.

Local nonprofits are struggling to pay the bills.

But United Way CEO Eddie Taylor says the payroll protection plan, a federal funding program is helping. "We are funded from the first round of the Payroll Protection Plan, the PPP. We got a loan which will become a grant. But many hundreds of other nonprofits within 5 miles of where were standing either didn’t apply or weren’t approved."

During the Coronavirus pandemic Taylor says United Way lost tens of thousands of dollars.

He believes 25 percent of nonprofit groups will not survive the downturn unless they get financial help.

"We’re losing donors. Everybody is feeling the same pinch. As we go forward it’s going to be extraordinarily important for the small nonprofits to understand how and when to apply for this funding," said Taylor.

Good Samaritan is another nonprofit organization that is surviving with the help of the Payroll Protection lan.

"We are very thrilled to get the paycheck from the payroll protection program it’s going to help us to cover from reimbursed payroll and cost and utilities," said Hector Giron with Good Samaritan.

But for those groups struggling, Taylor is offering help.

"I’m available to consult with organizations to help and I’ll bring in a team of professionals that can help a small nonprofit get ready for this funding," said Taylor.

United Way is offering other agencies assistance to file applications if they haven’t already.