PIF Funding Announcement & Legislative Update

Dear Allies,

In today’s newsletter, we have information about a new funding opportunity from the PIF Campaign. We’re also sharing a brief analysis about what’s included – and what’s missing – from the CARES Act. 

GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT

We are pleased to announce that the Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF) Campaign is now inviting proposals from community-based non-profit organizations. In light of the implementation of the public charge regulations and current public health crisis, the PIF Campaign seeks applications that build capacity to mitigate harm and empower immigrant communities to fight fear with facts. A copy of the Request for Proposals (RFP) is available here. See answers to frequently asked questions below.

• How much money will be awarded? Recognizing that public charge coalition work is different depending on geographic location and issue area, we have taken a tiered approach to this funding cycle. We invite proposals for grants of $10,000-$100,000 for a project period of June - December 2020. Grant awards may vary based on full consideration of the proposals submitted, the number of organizations applying together, and the number of applications received from a particular state. 
• What’s the deadline? Applications are due by 5:00 pm ET on Friday, April 24. Grant decisions will be announced by mid-June. 
• Who should apply? Preference will be given to organizations and coalitions well-positioned to directly interface with immigrant communities, monitor the impact of public charge and other anti-immigrant policies, and diversify the breadth of immigrant and people of color voices in the PIF campaign. Coalitions may be national or state/local in scope, and either broadly serve immigrant communities and/or communities of color or specific populations. We encourage the submission of joint applications from groups to promote collaboration and coordination.
• How do we apply? Please apply by completing the online application. The online application consists of two components: (1) applicant details and (2) a narrative proposal, which requires the applicant to address questions in a total of four pages or less. 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to advocate for inclusion of immigrants in the latest COVID response legislation. We are deeply grateful to the advocates who reached out to their representatives directly as well as the 600+ organizations that signed on to this letter from NILC. As you know, on March 27, Congress passed a $2 trillion deal to provide relief to many families. While the legislation provides much needed stimulus and support for health care providers, it shamefully excludes millions of immigrants and their families from coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment or economic assistance. Specifically, the legislation: 

• Does NOT ensure that all individuals with low incomes who are ineligible for full-scope Medicaid have access to COVID-19 related testing and treatment through that program; 
• Does NOT allow taxpayers who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to receive stimulus checks; and
• Does NOT expand or increase SNAP benefits for individuals or make Disaster-SNAP more widely available. 

With Congress planning to leave on recess soon, we expect that it will be at least a few weeks before new legislation can be considered. In the meantime, please continue to reach out to Members to highlight the importance of access to care and critical assistance for everyone, including immigrants - and the need to address the flaws in the previous COVID packages. 

Despite the shortcomings of this legislation, we want to be clear that our message to immigrant communities remains the same: it is safe and smart to see the doctor if you need care.

Thanks for your continued partnership in these unprecedented times. We look forward to supporting your advocacy efforts at the state and local level and working together to push for more inclusive federal policies. 

In solidarity,

Madison Allen, Center for Law and Social Policy, &
Connie Choi, National Immigration Law Center

Visit us at https://protectingimmigrantfamilies.org/