TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — The Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency activated $1 million in tax money back in April to donate to nonprofits in the community.
Now, more than $528,000 has been given in increments of $2,500 and more than 230 nonprofits have some breathing room.
For places like the Salvation Army, it could mean the difference between somebody's next meal.
When the coronavirus pandemic hit the Big Bend area, it made the need for the services provided by the Salvation Army even greater.
That's why the group says they needed the extra help.
With the LEAN grant, the group has been able to feed about 1,000 struggling families, people that didn't use the services before the pandemic.
"There are many folks that lost their source of income, lost their way of life, and we are stepping in to try to meet those areas where we see food insecurity," said Lt. Ryan Meo with the Salvation Army.
For other places, like Community Thrift Market who shut down one of their locations after the pandemic hit, they used the cash to pay people's salaries and give back to organizations during Giving Tuesday.
"Kind of helped us do what we do," said Karen Loewen with Community Thrift Market. "Everybody got paid and we're rolling right along. Happy to get back into business."
Part of the funds for the thrift market go directly back into the community by helping support other organizations, including Animal Services.
Vietnam Vets of America says they're using the donation to make up for operating funds.
Many non-profits had to cancel annual fundraisers because of the coronavirus pandemic and this money is helping them survive.
