In response to an amended Presidential public assistance declaration, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for private nonprofit organizations in Dakota County, Nebraska. These loans aim to assist those affected by the severe winter storm and straight-line winds that occurred on March 18-19.
The disaster loans are available across multiple Nebraska counties including Boone, Burt, Butler, Cass, Clay, Colfax, Cuming, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Fillmore, Hamilton, Jefferson, Johnson, Lancaster, Nuckolls, Otoe, Platte, Polk, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Thurston, Washington Webster and York.
Applicants might qualify for a loan amount increase of up to 20% of their physical damages for mitigation purposes. This could include improvements such as insulating pipes and attics or installing storm windows to protect against future damage. "One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage," said Chris Stallings from the SBA's Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. He encouraged businesses and homeowners to collaborate with contractors for enhanced storm readiness using these loans.
Private nonprofits can also apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to address working capital needs like fixed debts or payroll. EIDL assistance is available even if there was no physical property damage.
Loan amounts can reach up to $2 million with interest rates starting at 3.62% for PNPs over terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin accruing until 12 months after the first disbursement. The SBA will determine loan amounts based on each applicant’s financial condition.
The SBA urges applicants to submit applications promptly as they will be processed in order received. Applications can be submitted online at sba.gov/disaster or by contacting the SBA Customer Service Center.
The deadline for returning applications related to physical property damage is July 22, 2025; economic injury applications must be returned by February 23, 2026.