NBCMiami has an analysis of religious organizations that received the most in PPP loans.
The list includes St. Thomas Episcopal and St. Stephen’s Episcopal both in Miami. Neither commented to NBCMiami despite numerous requests.
PPP loans are part of the federal Spring pandemic relief package. They are administered by the Small Business Administration. As long as they are used as intended, the recipient is not required to pay back the loan.
According to the SBA’s data, the Archdiocese of Miami and organizations associated with it got roughly $24,506,262 to help pay more than 2,500 employees at churches, schools, and charities.
In a statement, a spokesperson with the Archdiocese of Miami said, “The PPP funds were requested by parishes and schools of the Archdiocese to provide exactly what PPP funds were for – salaries, medical insurance coverages, sick pay, vacation pay of its employees, including teachers, maintenance workers and to pay utilities and any rent costs.”
An NBC 6 analysis of South Florida religious organizations that received PPP loans, found the following organizations, which are registered to the Florida Department of State as “not for profit,” were among those that received the most in PPP funds.
King Jesus International Ministry Church in Miami – $2,027,537
Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, Inc in Fort Lauderdale – $1,662,256
Temple Beth AM in Pinecrest – $1,533,200
St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Inc. in Miami – $1,283,700
Christ Fellowship Baptist Church, Inc. in Miami – $1,163,600
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Inc. in Miami – $1,004,182
Temple Beth Sholom Inc. in Miami Beach – $953,200
Trinity Church Inc. in Miami – $879,500
Temple Beth Emet in Fort Lauderdale – $841,205
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