4-CT | The Connecticut COVID Charity Connection

FAQ's

What is the goal of the 4-CT Card Program?

Get cash via prepaid debit cards into the hands of CT residents impacted by COVID-19. In its current stage, the 4-CT Card program aims to reach those who are otherwise ineligible for federal pandemic relief programs.

¿Cuál es el objetivo del programa Tarjeta 4-CT?

Proporcionar dinero directamente (por medio de tarjetas de débito pre-pagadas) a residentes de Connecticut afectados por Covid-19. Presentemente, el programa Tarjeta 4-CT se enfoca en ayudar a personas que no califican para recibir ayuda de programas federales de socorro pandémico.

What is the application process to receive a 4-CT Card?

The 4-CT Card Program has no centralized application process. Selected Community Based Organizations (CBOs) will select recipients based on their intimate understanding of the most impacted individuals and families in their immediate community.

¿Cuál es el procedimiento de aplicación para recibir una Tarjeta 4-CT?

El programa Tarjeta 4-CT no tiene un proceso de aplicación centralizado. Ciertas organizaciones y agencias de beneficencia comunitaria seleccionarán beneficiarios según su entendimiento a fondo de las personas y familias más afectadas en sus comunidades inmediatas.

Who is eligible for a 4-CT Card?

As we continue to raise funds for the program, we will expand eligibility to additional populations. For the time being, the 4-CT Card Program advises Community Based Organizations to select recipients who meet the following standards: - CT Resident - Ineligible for federal Covid-19 relief due to an issue related to immigration - Facing hardship due to Covid-19 (loss of job, reduction of work hours, unable to work due to Covid-19 symptoms/diagnosis, caring for children, etc.)

¿Quién es elegible a recibir una Tarjeta 4-CT?

A medida que logremos recaudar más fondos para el programa, añadiremos a más poblaciones con derecho a recibir fondos. Por lo pronto, el programa Tarjeta 4-CT aconseja que organizaciones comunitarias seleccionen beneficiarios que demuestren las siguientes normas y criterios: - Ser residente de Connecticut - Ser inelegible a recibir ayuda de programas federales de socorro de Covid-19 por razón de su estado migratorio - Tener dificultades extremas debido a causas relacionadas al Covid-19 (pérdida de trabajo, reducción de horas de trabajo, incapacidad para trabajar debido a síntomas / diagnóstico de Covid-19, cuidado de niños, etc.)

How much money is on the 4-CT Cards?

The prepaid debit cards will be distributed in two amounts: $200 & $400. The amount that a recipient receives will be determined by the CBO and based on comparative need.

¿Cuánto dinero hay en la Tarjeta 4-CT?

Las tarjetas de débito pre-pagadas serán distribuidas en dos cantidades diferentes: $200 o $400. Las organizaciones comunitarias participantes determinarán la cantidad que recibe cada beneficiario basándose en la necesidad demostrable del aplicante.

What is a Community Based Organization (CBO)?

CBOs are nonprofits groups that work at the local level to improve life for their communities. CBOs are typically staffed by local members - community members who experience first hand the needs within their neighborhoods. This includes Faith Based Organizations.

¿Que es una organización comunitaria?

Organizaciones comunitarias son agencias no lucrativas que funcionan para mejorar el bienestar en sus propias comunidades. Las organizaciones comunitarias típicamente se integran por personas locales, incluyendo individuos directamente familiarizados con las necesidades dentro sus comunidades. Estas agencies también incluyen ciertas organizaciones religiosas, o enfocadas en su fe.

What Community Based Organizations are participating?

The selection of CBO partners is ongoing and will be distributed across the state of CT. We’ve chosen not to name our CBO partners at this time to prevent them from being inundated with requests and to help them continue to serve their communities. We’re starting small, but promise we will work to expand to additional CBO partners as quickly as possible.

¿Cuáles organizaciones comunitarias participan?

La designación de organizaciones comunitarias ya está en curso y continuarán designándose más de ellas a través de todo el estado. Por el momento, hemos decidido no nombrar a las organizaciones participantes para evitar que se inunden con solicitudes y para ayudarlos a continuar sirviendo a sus comunidades en una forma ordenada. Comenzamos de poco a poco, pero estamos comprometidos a trabajar para expandir el programa a más y más organizaciones comunitarias lo más rápido que sea posible.

How do I get help now?

Reach out to UnitedWay 211 Connecticut and they can put you in touch with resources available now in your community. Please Dial 2-1-1 for assistance or access their website: https://www.211ct.org/. 2-1-1 connects callers, at no cost, to critical health and human services in their community.

¿Cómo obtengo ayuda ahora?

Comuníquese con el UnitedWay211 Connecticut y ellos lo pueden conectar a usted con los recursos ya disponibles en su comunidad. Marque 2-1-1 para asistencia, o acceda a su sitio por la red de internet: www.211ct.org. 2-1-1 conecta a personas que llamen con servicios críticos de salud y con servicios humanos, en su comunidad y sin costo.

If I have a Social Security Number, but haven’t received any Covid-relief, are there additional government benefits available to me?

If you have a Social Security Number but did not file a tax return in the past year, you are likely entitled to a $1,200 relief check as well as potentially additional cash benefits from the federal government. To receive federal Covid relief you must file a tax return. To access FREE tax preparation guidance, visit CAHS.org for more information. On that website, fill out the form and VITA will contact you via email to schedule an appointment. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program (approved by the IRS) will help you file your tax return free of charge. They can also help you file for unemployment benefits if you have recently lost your job.

¿Si tengo un número de Seguro Social pero no he recibido ningún socorro de Covid, hay otros beneficios del gobierno disponibles para mí?

Si tiene usted un número de Seguro Social pero no presentó una declaración de impuestos de el año pasado, es probable que sí tenga derecho a un cheque de alivio de $1,200, así como posibles beneficios adicionales en efectivo del gobierno federal. Para recibir alivio federal de Covid, debe presentar una declaración de impuestos. Para acceder a una guía gratuita de preparación de impuestos, visite a CAHS.org. En ese sitio de la red internet, llene el formulario; el programa VITA (Asistencia Voluntaria al Impuesto) se comunicará con usted por correo electrónico para programar una cita. El programa VITA (aprobado por el IRS) lo ayudará a presentar su declaración de impuestos sin costo y también pueden ayudarlo a solicitar beneficios de desempleo si ha perdido recientemente su trabajo.

I have an ITIN number and some or all of my dependents are US Citizens, are there additional government benefits available to me?

If you have an ITIN number, you are not eligible for a relief check. However, if you and have an ITIN number and some/all of your dependents/children are US Citizens, you may be eligible for government funds through the Child Tax Credit.To receive this money, you must file a tax return. Please visit CAHS.org for more information. On that website, fill out the form and VITA will contact you via email to schedule an appointment. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program (approved by the IRS) will help you file your tax return free of charge.

¿Si tengo un número ITIN y algunos o todos de mis dependientes son ciudadanos de los EE.UU., hay otros beneficios del gobierno disponibles para mí?

Si tiene usted un número ITIN, usted no es elegible para un cheque de alivio. Sin embargo, si tiene un número ITIN y algunos, o todos sus dependientes/hijos son ciudadanos de los EE.UU., puede ser elegible para recibir fondos de gobierno por medio del Crédito Tributario por Hijos. Para recibir este dinero, debe presentar una declaración de impuestos. Visite a CAHS.org para obtener más información. Llene el formulario en este sitio de internet y el programa VITA (Asistencia Voluntaria al Impuesto) se comunicará con usted por correo electrónico para programar una cita. El programa VITA (aprobado por el IRS) lo ayudará a presentar su declaración de impuestos sin costo.

What is 4-CT’s role in state projects? Why do state-wide projects need my support?

In a time of crisis federal, state and local governments and philanthropies lean in to support those in need. State government is being strained at all levels. 4-CT is a standalone, private 501(c)(3). Being separate from the state enables us to act nimbly to address project needs and our state’s needs in ways that the government cannot.

Is 4-CT a state entity or otherwise affiliated with another entity?

4-CT is an independent 501(c)(3) and while we work closely with the state and have the support of the Governor, we are independent in our decision making. 4-CT strongly stands against any self-interested dealings or the appearance of such dealings either with donors or with projects and whether involving individuals, corporates or governmental entities.

What will my donation support?

Donations to 4-CT will provide relief to nonprofit projects with a statewide scope or those that are scalable to impact a significant portion of the impacted state population. Importantly, we seek to provide funding where it can have the greatest immediate impact. Funds will benefit individuals, families and communities hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. 4-CT will deploy resources to organizations that support a range of critical needs and functions, including but not limited to: food insecurity, basic supplies, housing and shelter; health care services, utility and financial assistance, support for children and other vulnerable populations, and childhood education. Depending on circumstances, 4-CT may work in tandem with other organizations set up around the state to ensure resources are directed where they are needed most.

Is my donation to 4-CT exempt from federal income tax under 501(c)(3)?

Yes. All donations directed to the 4-CT COVID-19 Relief Fund are handled by the Fund’s Administrator, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, which is a tax exempt entity.

Is there a minimum contribution amount?

No! There is no minimum contribution amount. Any and all contributions are accepted whether they be from organizations, institutions or individuals.

Can I support 4-CT via my donor advised fund?

Yes! Please recommend a grant through your donor advised fund sponsor to The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, 10 Columbus Boulevard, 8th Floor, Hartford, CT 06106. Designate the purpose as the 4-CT COVID-19 Relief Fund, and please also indicate who the donation is from.

How much of my contribution goes to funding projects?

100%. 4-CT is funded independently to meet its administrative costs which are minimal as we are mostly volunteer staffed.

Why would I give money to the fund when I can fund projects directly?

You can do that and your help is appreciated either way. We pass through 100% of our funds and are committed to rapid deployment so rest assured that money in our fund will be put to good use.

What organizations are currently being funded by 4CT?

You can see the projects we have currently funded at 4-ct.org/projects. We continually post updates to the website as projects are funded. Our mission is COVID-19 Relief and generally, 4-CT aims to fund existing organizations with broad reach across the state, rather than funding new/small organizations. We encourage smaller or more local organizations to partner together with established organizations when seeking funding from us. We also seek out co-funded, community funded projects with community foundations and other collaborators, especially when it helps us reach unmet populations or needs. When funding organizations with strong sources of existing funding or umbrella organizations, we look to provide funding for surges in demand where the surge can be shown to outstrip the provider’s capacity to meet or fund it themselves.

How can my organization apply for a grant?

Please provide your general project information to connect@4-ct.org. Once received, the 4-CT team will reach out to discuss the grant application process.

When will 4-CT disburse funds? How are the projects decided?

4-CT supports providing rapid relief to those who are most affected by COVID-19 through nonprofits who service them. We will disburse funds as quickly as possible. That said, all of the projects we evaluate are subject to a rigorous intake, analysis and funding process to ensure effectiveness and proper prioritization. We pride ourselves on our commitment to equity, inclusion, transparency, and accountability when evaluating and deciding on funding for projects. We also work with projects on a post-funding basis to ensure transparency and accountability for our stakeholders.

How long will the 4-CT campaign run?

We foresee long-lasting, multi-faceted effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, the fund is mandated to provide as much support as possible for as long as it is needed. We anticipate several rounds of funding to be deployed in the coming weeks and months.

What is the role of community foundations in relation to 4-CT?

Community foundations are our partners and the goal of the 4-CT COVID-19 Response Fund is to support all Connecticut regions - especially those that may not have been covered by other relief mechanisms. Depending on the particular circumstances, 4-CT and community foundations may each separately or jointly fund projects to maximize impact for organizations in need of significant support.

FAQ's

Your support today will aid non-profit service providers struggling with the health and economic effects of the coronavirus.

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