The COVID-19 pandemic has created a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the United States. When some businesses shut down in March, April and May, there was a slight decrease in the demand. Now that most of those businesses have reopened, demand is on the rise. Schools and universities beginning a new school year are also in need of PPE. Organizations that had enough PPE at the beginning of the pandemic are now finding that they're in short supply. Most companies and organizations need a four-week supply of PPE on hand. Fortunately, new grants for PPE are giving small businesses, schools and nonprofits a break from the high costs of purchasing these essential supplies.

Small Fire Department Receives PPE Grant

In Hamden, CT, the city's fire department received a $350,000 grant on September 4. This grant is for the purchase of a new radio and communications system and for more PPE. The fire department is often first on the scene when a person calls 911 for emergency medical assistance. The fire department also responds to car accidents and other situations, and they go through a lot of PPE. For small cities facing big budget cuts because of COVID-19, these PPE grants are critical to keeping their employees and volunteers safe. This grant will help Hamden's fire department continue offering full services to the area's residents.

New York's Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Program Grants

Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, or SAFER, is a new grant program announced by Senator Charles Schumer and Senator Kristin Gillibrand. It offers $5 million in funding for fire and emergency response agencies in the state of New York. Adams Fire Company, located in North Tonawanda, received $194,140. The Miller Hose Company, located in Newfane, got $44,749. Cambria Volunteer Fire Company received $38,901. Niagara's Active Hose Company received $95,238. The purpose of this grant is to provide PPE, training and support to 24-hour volunteer fire departments.

Florida Teachers Get Cash Grants

Firefighters aren't the only ones who are at high risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other hazards. Teachers also need PPE, especially those who are returning to a classroom for hybrid learning or full in-person instructional models. The Brevard Federation of Teachers has set up a $20,000 grant for teachers who need face shields, face masks, gloves and other types of PPE to work safely around their students.

Library Receives PPE and Digital Inclusion Grant

Libraries do much more than provide books and other media to their customers. They're also a way for kids to get homework help and have a safe place to go after school and on weekends. Libraries offer a way for people without their own computer and high-speed internet to access essential online services. The Coleman Area Library, located in Michigan, received a $1,500 grant for PPE and digital inclusion on September 4.

Small Business Growth in Dayton

Dayton, OH, is considering a $100,000+ grant for small businesses in the area. The city announced on September 4 that it would look into using more of its CARES Act funds to help small businesses that are reopening and continuing to suffer because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, Dayton is looking to help its Downtown businesses that have been open for at least two years and offer key services to the community. These small businesses include restaurants and more.

Cultural Institutions Receive PPE Grants

Cultural institutions have had to shutter their doors because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The loss of revenue has hit these cultural institutions hard. In order for them to reopen, even on a limited basis, their employees need PPE. The Oklahoma History Center received a $60,000 grant from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. This grant is so the Oklahoma History Center can continue its mobile learning programs at schools.

Theaters Receive PPE Grants in Mongomery, AL

The Central Alabama Community Foundation partnered with the River Region United Way to offer many grants for community groups and nonprofit organizations. One recipient was the Capri Theater. It received $5,000 to implement social distancing updates to its seating areas. The theater will also use the funds to purchase an electronic sanitizing stations for patrons' hands. The organizations also granted money to a children's homework help center for PPE and to several food banks for forklifts, freezers, refrigerators and additional PPE for volunteers and workers.