Tribal Nation Grant Funding
The COVID-19 Emergency Grant is made available to eligible tribes to prepare for and respond to the threat of COVID-19. The Tribal Nation Grant Fund Panel has:
- Authorized reallocation of already-awarded Equal Distribution funds to pay for COVID-19 related expenditures and
- Established a COVID-19 Emergency Fund from remaining funds.
Expenditures of already-awarded Equal Distribution funds must be tracked and made in compliance with the COVID-19 grant guidelines, attached and available at http://tngf.ca.gov/publications.html. These funds may be used immediately for COVID-19 related expenditures and no further action is required by awardees.
COVID-19 Emergency Grants of up to $245,000 are now available at http://tngf.ca.gov/grant.html to eligible tribes to prepare for and respond to the threat of COVID-19, with a closing date of 11:59PM (PDT) on April 30, 2020. The performance period for the COVID-19 Emergency Grant is March 1, 2020 – September 1, 2020.
How to Apply:
Visit http://tngf.ca.gov/
- Go to the Grant tab at the top of the page
- Select “COVID-19 Emergency Grant”
- Follow the registration process
Release Date: April 3, 2020 at 3:00 P.M.
Closing Date: April 30, 2020 at 11:59 P.M.
Questions concerning the COVID-19 Emergency Grant, the application process, or programmatic issues must be submitted in writing by email to: tribalconsultation@tngf.ca.gov.
COVID-19 Funding for Tribes through the CDC
CDC has announced a new notice of funding opportunity, Supporting Tribal Public Health Capacity in Coronavirus Preparedness and Response (CDC-RFA-OT20-2004). Visit the COVID-19 Funding for Tribes web page to learn more. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide emergency funding for federally recognized tribes, tribal organizations, consortia of federally recognized tribes, or their bona fide agents that represent tribal components of the public health system to carry out COVID-19 preparedness and response activities.
Applications are due 11:59:59 pm (EDT), May 31, 2020. If you have questions about this funding opportunity, email TribalCOVIDnofo@cdc.gov.
View grant opportunities at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=325942.
COVID-19 and Funerals
While each tribe has its own traditions regarding death rituals and funerals (including family feeds, giveaways, and commemorative gatherings), it is important for leaders to determine ways for immediate family members to take part while making sure that
- Vulnerable populations are protected.
- Everyone practices frequent hand washing (hand hygiene) and social distancing (keep 6 feet of space or greater between people).
- Gatherings are limited to 10 or fewer people.
- There is currently no known risk associated with being in the same room at a funeral or visitation service with the body of someone who died of COVID-19.
For Tribal Leaders:
- Educate your community about who is at higher risk of getting very sick, such as Tribal Elders and those with diabetes and serious heart or lung conditions.
- Limit the number of people at a gathering to 10 or fewer.
- Clean and disinfect where these activities are held.
- Provide plenty of hand washing sinks with soap and water or ensure there is hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol for all.
For Attendees:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home and do not engage in burial and funeral practices if you are sick.
- Practice social distancing by putting at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and other people.
For more information, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/tribal/faq-burial-practice.html.
Broadband Accessibility
Spectrum
In an effort to ensure Americans have necessary access to online resources, qualifying households with students or teachers can get 60 days of free access with a Spectrum Internet account. These accounts are:
- Available for households with teachers or students from kindergarten to college
- Limited to new accounts who do not already have a Spectrum Internet subscription
- Installed free of charge for eligible households
In addition, Spectrum WiFi hotspots will be open for public use. Call 1-844-579-3743 to enroll or go to https://www.spectrum.com/
AT&T
AT&T has expanded its Access from AT&T Programs. This program provides internet access at $10 a month for limited income households. They are also offering new customers 2 months of free service and have increased eligibility to households participating in the National School Lunch Program and Head Start. Call 1-866-861-6075 to enroll or go to https://www.att.com/shop/internet/access/index.html#!/.
What Tribal Members Need to know about COVID-19
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Fever, cough, and shortness of breath
How does COVIS-19 spread?
Person to person by coughing, sneezing, or personal contact like touching or shaking hands.
Who is most at risk?
Elders and adults over 60 year of ages
People with heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
How can I protect myself and my family?
Stay at home. “Social distancing” is recommended.
If someone gets sick, what can they do?
If someone thinks they have been around someone with COVID-19 and they get a fever and symptoms such as cough or trouble breathing, they should call their healthcare provider or local Indian Health Service unit for medical advice.
Is there a vaccine or treatment?
There is no vaccine.The best way to reduce the risk of getting sick with COVID-19 is to practice social distancing and healthy habits like washing hands regularly.
Assembly District 40 is Here for You
If you need any assistance with any state agency during this time please feel free to reach out to my office. Issues that we can help with include Renters/Homeowners Assistance Programs, Property Tax Issues, Consumer Complaints, Veterans' Affairs, Unemployment and Disability Insurance, Department of Motor Vehicles and State Franchise Tax Board.