The Bering Straits Native Corporation (BSNC) Board of Directors announced today they have approved a CARES Act Direct Assistance Program (DAP) for eligible shareholders. In August, BSNC received $15 million in federal CARES Act funding and has developed the DAP to provide needs-based assistance directly to shareholders.
“Addressing the impacts of COVID-19 on Our People and within our communities is a top priority for BSNC,” said Board Chairman Henry Ivanoff. “This direct assistance will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our shareholders and their families, and we are excited to provide this program.”
BSNC shareholders who have shouldered extra expenses and/or the loss of income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible to apply for assistance under the DAP. Approved applicants who are shareholders on record as of Sept. 17 will receive a one-time payment of up to $2,000 paid in December.
“I’m grateful to the Board of Directors for approving this much-needed program, and to our BSNC staff for moving quickly to make it a reality,” said BSNC President & CEO Gail R. Schubert. “I strongly encourage shareholders to apply for direct assistance; this funding supports Our People as we continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Applications will go live on Sept. 24 in the MyBSNC shareholder portal. Shareholders can apply for the DAP funds through the My BSNC shareholder portal. Shareholders are also encouraged to sign up for a MyBSNC account at https://shareholder.bsnc.net/home; those registered through MyBSNC will receive their funds faster via direct deposit. Paper applications will also be mailed to shareholders in the coming weeks. The deadline for all applications to be submitted is Oct. 29, 2021.
BSNC will continue to keep shareholders informed of progress and work related to these relief funds through regular communication channels, including the MyBSNC portal and on the website at: www.beringstraits.com/cares-act. If you have any questions, please email bsnccares@bsnc.net.