Churches Eligible ‘Without Restrictions’ for Loans under Rescue Package –

Religious leaders are applauding the Trump administration for adopting an interim rule allowing all churches and faith-based organizations impacted by the pandemic to receive loans under the new CARES Act.

Jovita Carranza, head of the Small Business Administration (SBA), on Saturday announced that houses of worship and faith-based organizations are eligible to participate in the new law’s Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. 

Both programs are part of the CARES Act signed by President Trump and designed to help businesses stay afloat and pay their employees during the coronavirus pandemic. The business and organizations must have fewer than 500 employees.

“Following the passage of the emergency economic relief assistance, the Administration and Congress acted to ensure that small businesses and non-profits alike have access to critical funds to keep their workers paid and employed,” Carranza said in a statement. “Faith-based organizations have always provided critical social services for people in need, and SBA will make clear that these organizations may access this emergency capital.”

The $2 trillion law includes $350 billion for small businesses and organizations. An SBA press release said churches and faith-based groups are eligible “without restrictions based on their religious identity or activities.”

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