CARES Act

On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the CARES Act providing over $2 Trillion in Economic Relief.

Six months later, the funds are continuing to trickle down to individuals and businesses. With 46 different funding streams, understanding how to access money to improve response to COVID has not been easy. Some of our clients have been successful. Deschutes County made modifications to their courtrooms, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians is renovating a clinic to add capacity, and NeighborImpact is making changes to their food warehouse to respond to the anticipated need.

We talked with Westby Associates, a leading non-profit consulting firm in the NW, and Business Oregon, to start connecting the dots when it comes to capital improvement projects. As this is a web of funding, this is ever-changing!

The Two Trillion Dollar Big Picture

This graph gives an excellent overview of how the $2 Trillion was allocated.

State & Local Governments

Oregon received $1.6M with the following allocations. See all State and Local Government Allocations here.

Oregon Cares Act

  • The state of Oregon, $1.39B – funding is still being dispersed.
    • $415 million was distributed directly to local governments and indigenous tribes outside of Multnomah and Washington Counties.
    • The Emergency Board is allocating funds.
    • Business Oregon has facilitated thousands of CARES dollars to recipients across Oregon. Funds for emergency response as well as Community Development Block Grants and public infrastructure projects. Talk with a regional development officer to inquire about potential opportunities.  
  • Multnomah County, $28M – funds included in the County budget.
  • City of Portland, $114M – funds are being distributed to organizations.
    Portland CARES
  • Washington County, $104m – funds are distributing through different grants and assistance programs through the end of the year.
    Washington County CARES

Public Services

These funds are distributed directly from the federal government to the appropriate organizations. Here are just a few that include a

  • Hospitals received $100B through the Provider Relief Fund. Additional funding has been added to the Provider Relief Fund, and recently closed their second phase of funding mid-September. Funds can be used to build or construct temporary structures to expand capacity for COVID-19 patient care or provide health care services to non-COVID-19 patients in a separate area from where COVID-19 patients are being treated. Another phase may be added.
  • Community Health Centers received $1.3B, which could include complete minor alteration and renovation (A/R) activities to adapt and improve physical infrastructure to maximize isolation precautions, facilitate the use of telehealth, and reconfigure space as needed. New construction projects not included.

Pinnacle continues to network with our community partners to explore funding options and pass along what we learn. If you have questions or ideas, let us know!