The Seattle Sounders FC Relief Fund To Assist Individuals And Small Businesses In Seattle

In response to the postponement of the 2020 Major League Soccer season due to COVID-19, the RAVE Foundation has established the Seattle Sounders FC Relief Fund to assist individuals and small businesses in neighborhoods near CenturyLink Field.  Grants will be made on a rolling and ongoing basis contingent upon the availability of funds.

Eligible individuals must have been:

  • Laid off, furloughed, or on reduced hours since March 1st due to COVID-19, and as a result, negatively impacted and unable to pay reasonable and necessary living expenses;
  • Employed at a business either staffing Sounders FC events or activities at CenturyLink Field, or a business located in SODO, Pioneer Square, or the International District; and
  • Not seeking the grant as wage replacement or to cover expenses that will be reimbursed by insurance.

Small businesses, on the other hand, must:

  • Either operate: (1) a permanent location in SODO, Pioneer Square, or the International District; (2) a temporary location, or as a vendor contracting with CenturyLink or its tenants, in support of events at CenturyLink Field; or (3) a business which provides direct services in support of Sounders FC business/technical operations;
  • Regularly operate in the hours of, and in service of fans who attend, Sounders FC matches and other CenturyLink Field events;
  • Have been significantly negatively impacted by COVID-19, and reduced or closed operations, causing them to become unable to pay reasonable and necessary operating expenses;
  • Not have been eligible for or received other grants, loans, or income for the entirety of the need claimed through the application; and
  • Not seek a grant to cover expenses that will be reimbursed by insurance.

Provided they meet the aforementioned criteria, individuals can request up to $1,000, and small businesses may request up to $7,500 in their applications.  Individuals can only use the funds on basic needs such as food, housing, health care, and child care, while small businesses can only use proceeds for necessary operating expenses to stabilize their business, such as rent, utility and insurance payments, and payroll expenses.

The Seattle Sounders FC Relief Fund represents yet another example of local institutions attempting to assist individuals and small businesses through these difficult times.  It is imperative that individuals and small businesses keep abreast of all available options as they develop.  The attorneys at Beresford Booth will continue to provide updates and guidance during these changing circumstances.

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