COVID-19 Response Grant Program

Program Status: Closed (2020 program, over 2,500 grants awarded)

Geographic Scope: United States, all 50 states

Eligible Applicants: All U.S. local election offices responsible for administering election activities (county or municipal level)

Background: Launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide critical resources to election offices to safely serve voters in 2020. Over 1,100 applications received by September 2020, growing to over 2,100 by October 2020, with over 2,500 total grants awarded.

Funding Priorities

While the program was an open call to all election offices, previous iterations included explicit prioritization for rural jurisdictions. Prioritized jurisdictions included:

• Jurisdictions required to provide language assistance under Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act with higher percentages of historically disenfranchised residents
• Jurisdictions in states that recently changed absentee voting laws or rules in response to COVID-19

Eligible Uses

Funds must fall under one of four broad categories:

1. Ensure Safe, Efficient Election Day Administration
   • Maintain open polling places for in-person voting
   • Procure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and disinfectants
   • Support and expand drive-thru voting (signage, tents, traffic control, walkie-talkies, safety measures)
2. Expand Voter Education & Outreach Efforts
   • Publish reminders for voter registration verification and updates
   • Educate voters on safe voting policies and procedures
3. Launch Poll Worker Recruitment, Training & Safety Efforts
   • Recruit and hire sufficient poll workers and inspectors
   • Utilize hazard pay where required
   • Compensate for increased site cleaning and sanitization
   • Provide updated training for current and new poll workers
4. Support Early In-Person Voting and Vote by Mail
   • Expand or maintain in-person early voting sites
   • Deploy additional staff and/or technology improvements for absentee ballot processing

Contact Information

Media Inquiries:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (872) 204-5714

Application Process

Deadline: Extended to October 15, 2020 (historical)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a verified legitimate local election office
• Responsible for administering election activities covered by the grant program
• All eligible election departments that are verified as legitimate will be approved for a grant

Application Method: Open call application process

Approval Status: Every eligible and verified election office receives funding

Application URL: https://www.techandciviclife.org/grants