Evansville using interest from ARPA funds to launch grant fund
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry on Monday announced the launch of the $500,000 Forward Together Grant Fund. The grants will be used to provide support for not-for-profits “who lead meaningful work to help strengthen neighborhoods and provide pathways out of poverty for city residents.”
The funding comes from interest on funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, the city said in a news release.
As of May 16, the city had received $65.1 million in ARPA funds, all of which has been allocated. However, $27 million has not yet been disbursed and, to date, those funds have earned nearly $2.8 million in interest.
Eligible organizations can apply for up to $35,000 to fund programs that fall into one of several categories:
- Affordable Housing
- Mental Health/Addiction
- Food Assistance
- Job Training
- Youth Development
- Internet Access
- Childcare Access
- Resource Navigation Assistance
- Homeless Services
- Neighborhood Revitalization (i.e. Home Repairs, weatherization, etc.)
To be eligible for grant funding, organizations must be based in Evansville or provide direct services to underprivileged or disadvantaged Evansville residents; be a registered 501(c)(3) with a board of directors and have been continuously registered as such for at least three years.
The city said eligible uses of funds can include payroll and benefit costs, utilities, rent, insurance, and other operating costs.
Applications are available on the city’s website, and completed applications must be sent to the mayor’s office by Sept. 5.