Important PPP Loans Update – April 6
We are hearing from congregations that many are finding that they are not able to submit applications with their bank. Therefore, we are recommending the following:
The first step for those that are considering applying for these funds is to contact your local bank with whom you have a deposit account(s). Inquire with your bank if they are a current authorized SBA lender and if they are currently accepting applications for the PPP funds under the Cares Act. If your bank is not an SBA lender, this funding may not be an option for you in the short-term as banks are only lending to current customers right now. Likewise, even if your bank is an SBA lender, some of these banks are not currently receiving applications for PPP funds right now.
DCEF is currently not an approved SBA lender so we can only assist in preparing the application, but we are not able to submit it on your behalf, the church/ministry must submit it to their local lender.
Original Blog Post – April 5
The U.S. federal government has allocated more than USD $350 billion to assist small businesses, including non-profits such as congregations and other denominational organizations, in keeping employees on the payroll and covering critical expenses through this trying financial time. The CARES Act created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), providing loans through the Small Business Administration with provisions for loan forgiveness of up to 100%, depending upon how the loan funds are spent.
Disciples Church Extension Fund is collaborating with an organization we use for some of our employee benefits, Cost Stewardship, Inc., to provide assistance to Disciples congregations and organizations wanting to apply for these loans. Each Disciples congregation or organization is required to apply directly with a bank, preferably one that has their deposit accounts. The assistance will be very helpful in gathering all of the correct information and fully completing the application form. This service is provided at no cost to Disciples congregations, Regions, General Ministries and recognized ministries. DCEF does not benefit financially in any way from this service.
If your congregation or Disciples organization needs assistance in applying for the PPP loan, here are the steps you need to take:
- Download the Data Collection Spreadsheet seen below and begin to compile your payroll data including benefits on the spreadsheet.
- Email the file to CaresAct@DisciplesCEF.org and include your name and phone number, your church’s name, city and state.
- You will be contacted by a member of the Cost Stewardship, Inc. team to walk you through the process and get your application completed.
The application process is now open; however, many banks have delayed accepting applications pending time to prepare their systems. Because there is a limited supply of funds, if a congregation or ministry determines they want to apply, we encourage them to begin the application process on a timely basis. If you have any questions, please email us at CaresAct@DisciplesCEF.org. We are here to assist you.
Information provided by DCEF regarding PPP is of a general nature and is not intended to be tax or legal advice or opinions related to specific matters, facts, situations, or issues. Additional facts or information or future developments may affect the subjects addressed in this communication, especially regarding PPP. Consult with your tax advisor or your legal advisor about your particular circumstances.
Links for Application Process
Financial Data Required for PPP Loans
Informational Links
Information about PPP Loans from the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation
An excellent guide and checklist for PPP Loans from the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation
SBA Federal Relief Loan Comparison
Application (For information only; Application not needed if ministries are using our assistance)
I wish to thank Church Extension for this detailed synopsis of the PPP. Offering North Carolina congregations a resource to navigate the professional language used in applying for loans will help them move expeditiously and alleviate possible anxiety around the critical nature of the loan and the swift action required in applying. You continue to be God’s stewards of time, talent, and treasure.
Thank you for your kind words Valerie. We are grateful for your leadership at this time!
Yet another example of the servant leadership lived out by our general and regional ministries for our congregations and their staff. Thank you Disciples Church Extension Fund!
Thanks Jim! We’re trying to do what we can.
This service offered by the Disciples Church Extension Fund certainly takes the stress out of navigating government red tape. Thank you!
You’re very much welcome Judy!
Thank you for this help!!!! Question: we have prepared the application, but the bank is closed (according to an automated message when we call), and not returning our emails or calls. We will keep trying, but what happens in this case?
We’re sorry to hear about your trouble with the bank Mary Jo. If you’re still experiencing difficulty, please email us at CaresAct@Disciplescef.org.
Is this just for churches in USA, or Canada also?
This is just for churches in the U.S., but Canadian churches can apply for a grant from the National Benevolent Association. You can find additional information here: https://www.nbacares.org/covid-19-grants. We hope this helps!