<p>Starting April 3, 2020, churches can apply for the "Paycheck Protection Program", which is part of the government's coronavirus stimulus package.</p>
<p><strong>If your <span style="text-decoration: underline;">donations have fallen off in recent weeks</span>, and you are struggling to pay your staff either now or in the near future, you really need to look into this program TODAY, because a portion of the loan won't have to be paid back if you continue to pay your staff.</strong></p>
<p>In short...based on the latest info as-of April 2, 2020...</p>
<ul>
<ul>
<li>The program is designed to help small businesses (and churches) keep their employees without reducing pay.</li>
<li>Any church affected by coronavirus can apply starting April 3rd.</li>
<li>Apply through your bank, or "any federally insured depository institution"</li>
<li>SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.</li>
<li>For portions of the loans not forgiven, the interest rate will be 1/%, with 6 months before having to start making payments.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<p>Here are some links so you can read up on this important program for churches and small businesses:</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/top-priorities/cares-act/assist…. Treasury Paycheck Protection Program - overview and details</a></strong></p>
<p>Here is a good article from Forbes comparing PPP with the other stimulus programs for small businesses and churches...</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brockblake/2020/04/01/paycheck-protection-… article on Paycheck Protection Loans</a></strong></p>
<p>Another good <a href="https://www.zenefits.com/workest/paycheck-protection-program-vs-disaste… article</strong></a>.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Please do NOT contact us at ChurchFinder about this program.</strong> We are providing this information in hopes that it is helpful, but it may not be right for all churches. <strong>Please consult with your CPA and banker (and of course ask the Lord!!!) regarding whether this is right for your church.</strong></p>
<p>We hope this information is helpful for your church! We are praying for you during this challenging time!</p>
<p></p>
<h2>ChurchFinder COVID-19 Update</h2>
<p></p>
<p><a href="https://www.churchfinder.com" target="_blank" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.churchfinder.com">ChurchFinder</a> has seen a huge <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>increase</strong></em></span> in traffic in recent weeks as more people are looking for churches to attend on-line. To better meet this need, we are preparing to launch a <strong>full directory of Online Churches! </strong> All of our Pro and Premium partner churches will receive an email next week on how they can promote their Online Campus for Easter Sunday.<br /><br />Now more than every it is critical that churches have the best possible on-line presence, and are connecting on-line with people in need. Thank you for partnering with us to reach people in your city and nationwide!</p>
