GREEN COVE SPRINGS – More than a dozen nonprofits will receive a share of nearly half a million dollars.

Clay County has awarded $492,035 as part of its CARES Act funding to 16 different nonprofits and food pantries in the area affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will be used to help each nonprofit recover in areas negatively harmed by the virus’ economic effects for rent, electric bill payment or other essentials.

“It’s important to note that this is not a one-time shot,” Clay County CARES Act lead Troy Nagle said. “This is an investment.”

The CARES Act is a federal act that represents coronavirus aid, relief and economic security. This money will be used all across the state of Florida to help nonprofits, food pantries and local businesses in need. This could come in the form of building maintenance or sanitization protection construction, additional remote-work capabilities, food supplies, health equipment, cleaning supplies and employee costs.

The nonprofits in Clay County that will receive a share of the money are BASCA, Challenge Enterprises, Clay Behavioral, Clay County Educational Foundation, Evangel Temple, Green Cove Springs Food Pantry, Hunger Fight, Lake Area Ministries, Middleburg Methodist Food Bridge, Mission of the Dirt Road, Operation Barnabus, Pace Center for Girls, Quigley House, Way Free, Women’s Empowerment and both county YMCAs.

Nagle said 21 nonprofits applied and 16 were recommended to receive funding. Three of the five that did not receive funding weren’t eligible and the other two applications were incomplete.

“Based on the board’s direction, we had $750,000 allocated for nonprofits and food banks,” Nagle said. “[We’ll get] this funding out and then we can open applications again.”

County commissioner Mike Cella said he has no problem opening applications again and rewarding other nonprofits, assuming the need is still there.

There’s still $275,965 available in CARES Act funding for nonprofits in Clay County and applications have opened once more for those wishing to grab a piece of the pie.

“I can’t stress enough how the CARES Act funding helps out the economy,” County manager Howard Wanamaker said. “I don’t want the public to forget that. [Nagle] is working as fast as he can to ensure these monies are expended by the end of the year and it really is a boost to our economy so we can ride out the negative effects [on the economy as a result of the coronavirus].”

In other business, the BCC approved $850,000 to go toward a new incubator business program. This program will work in tandem with the Clay County Chamber of Commerce and will serve to help businesses grow in the area. Nagle said business leaders will provide pro-bono services to locals in need of things like financial assistance and legal education.