Nonprofits can apply for ARPA funding

Almost 18 months have passed since President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. The legislation designated $1.9 trillion as an economic stimulus in response to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which swept across the country starting one year earlier in March 2020.Some of the money is still available to help nonprofits provide services.

Here in Midland County, non-profit organizations with the Internal Revenue Service’s 501(c)(3) designation can apply for grants. The Midland Area Community Foundation (MACF)  is partnering with the County of Midland to accept and review the grant applications. 

In a news release issued by the MACF, Bridgette Gransden, Midland County Administrator/Controller says, “The Midland Area Community Foundation has been engaged in grantmaking in Midland County for almost 50 years…We are pleased to have them assist the County of Midland with their grantmaking expertise to provide relief to impactful local nonprofits.”
Bridgette Gransden is the administrator/controller of Midland County.
The deadline to apply is October 15. The amount requested can range from $100,000 to $150,000. A total of $600,000 is available in ARPA funds. Proposals are being sought that involve collaboration between nonprofits and other diverse sectors in the county. 

The grant request rubric is based on guidelines set by the State of Michigan’s Budget Office. The rubric covers nine categories: pandemic, equity, transformational, leverage, sustainability, efficacy, implementation, direct client impact,  and serves the county. To see details about those categories, visit the foundation’s website.
 Sharon Mortensen is the president and CEO of the Midland Area Community Foundation.
Sharon Mortensen, the President & CEO of the foundation, says, “Our purpose is to cultivate the power of giving within our community, support long-term transformation, and help ensure all residents thrive.” Mortensen adds, “Through our partnership with the County of Midland, we can aid local nonprofits that positively impact the quality of life in Midland County.”

To learn more, contact Alysia Christy, Director of Community Impact for the Midland Area Community Foundation, at achristy@midlandfoundation.org.