SHALIMAR, Fla., Oct. 26, 2020—Okaloosa County is offering $5.6 million in CARES Grant Community Assistance.

The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners, all nine municipalities and all four Chambers of Commerce in the county have joined together to offer CARES grants through six different grant programs.  

This is likely the largest grant program ever offered in Okaloosa County through its local governments, according to an Okaloosa County BCC news release.

The six programs are designed to assist those who were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, realizing that impacts vary greatly by business, location and individuals. 

The programs seek to help address specific COVID-19 impacts with categories for businesses, non-profits and individuals. 

Potential grants range in size from $2,000 to $25,000 each, depending on the program. For details on each grant program and how to apply visit OkaloosaCountyCares.com.

Deadline for three of the programs was originally set for today; however, a new deadline for those programs has been extended two weeks, until Nov. 9.

“We are excited to offer this assistance and want to extend these opportunities to make sure everyone that needs assistance can apply,” said Okaloosa County BCC Chairman Trey Goodwin. “We remain focused on how we can better support our residents, businesses, workers and the community-at-large.”

Support is being provided to assist with grant applications through webinars and one-on-one Zoom video conferencing appointments.

Additionally, prospective applicants can email questions to okaloosacountycares@theintegritygroup.net and/or call the help hotline at 850-598-7956.

Visit OkaloosaCountyCares.com for more Okaloosa CARES grant information, including the latest updates.

Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners news release