Applicant Update: Sept 30th, 2024
Hello friend!
We appreciate the feedback we have received from applicants regarding our last update email. We want to add additional clarity to some frequently asked questions we have received.
Q: I uploaded all my information for my grant right away? Why am I still waiting for my funds?
A: This program is intentionally NOT first-come, first served. Every single application had to be reviewed before our internal team could determine preference scores. We needed to understand every applicant's preference score based on:
1. Access to previous assistance
2. Year-over-year loss of revenue
3. Eligibility for the under $100k revenue carveout for each geography
This means that we needed to help the 80% of applicants who needed additional support ensure that their applications and documentations could show us this information before any applications could move forward. If you were in the 20% of people who never needed assistance or had changes requested, you may be waiting a bit longer for updates. But this was ESSENTIAL in making the process equitable, and did not — as many previous grant programs have done — highly favor the most well resourced businesses in getting funding.
Q: You said that people would be receiving their grant awards by the end of July. Why have many people not received their funds when it is late September?
A: Our initial timeline was based on our best estimation early in the process. This is the first round of a grant program at this size and scale. We have humbly learned more every single step of the way. We have adjusted that timeline based on those learnings, and done our best to communicate as we know more.
Q: When will I get an answer?
A: Those whose applications are moving forward are being notified on a rolling basis. We expect that applicants not selected for an award will be given that confirmation by the end of this week.
Q: What are some reasons I might not be selected for a grant award?
A: Some reasons people may not be awarded include:
Applications were not submitted, or changes requested were not made, by the deadline of July 23rd.
Upon closer review of supporting documentation, the organization is ineligible based on geography, revenue, or operating status.
We were unable to verify the applicant's identity
The applicant had a lower preference score and there were more applicants than allocated funds for this round.
We hope this information is helpful. Make sure you also bookmark the Applicant Support page (linked from the grant portal) for helpful information.
Many thanks,
MN PROMISE Act Team