Nonprofits have until today to apply for disaster loans

Today is the last day for nonprofit organizations affected by tornadoes last spring to apply for federal disaster loans.

Eligible private nonprofit organizations in Indiana have until March 1 to apply for federal economic injury disaster loans for losses caused by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred on March 31 and April 1, 2023. This includes organizations affected by the Whiteland tornado.

Examples of eligible organizations include food kitchens, homeless shelters, libraries, community centers, schools and colleges. Organizations in Benton, Brown, Clinton, Johnson, Monroe, Morgan, Sullivan and White counties are eligible to apply, according to a news release from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which administers the loans.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans can help eligible organizations meet their working capital needs, such as ongoing operating expenses. The assistance is available regardless of whether the organization suffered any physical property damage, the news release says.

Loan amounts can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 2.375% for private nonprofit organizations, with terms up to 30 years. The SBA determines eligibility based on the size of the applicant, type of activity and financial resources, the news release says.

Applicants can apply online via SBA’s secure website at sba.gov/disaster. Private nonprofit organizations (non-critical governmental services) should apply under SBA disaster #IN-00081.

Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or by sending an email to [email protected].