Frederick Provides ARPA Funds for Local Small Nonprofits

As part of its COVID-19 recovery efforts, Frederick County is appropriating $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help small, local nonprofits bounce back from the pandemic.

seal of Frederick County MarylandLast week, County Executive Jan Gardner announced the establishment of the ARPA Nonprofit Community Health and Recovery, or ANCHR to help small nonprofit organizations affected by the pandemic via one-time grants. County Executive Gardner set aside $1 million of the County’s ARPA allocation for the grants, which are “designed to help organizations that have not been eligible for previous recovery programs.” Grant amounts will range from $5,000 to $50,000, based on the nonprofit’s annual budget and needs.

“Our nonprofit community works every day to make life better for people in Frederick County,” Executive Gardner said. “With these grants, we are providing small nonprofits an anchor to help them weather the storm created by the pandemic.”

Grant funds may be used recover from revenue gaps or increased expenses, such as a drop-in donations or a higher demand for service, or to help cover payroll, rent or other operating costs. Grants also can be used to expand or create community programs to address needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

All 501(c)(3) and 501 (c)(19) nonprofits registered in Frederick County will be sent information on how to apply. To be eligible for a grant, the organization must:

  • have operated  in the county since at least March 2019;
  • have an annual operating budget not exceeding $500,000;
  • at least 51% of the people they serve must live in Frederick County;
  • and the organization must have a physical location or address in the county.

Additionally, Executive Gardner has also designated $300,000 of the County’s ARPA funds to the nonprofit Good Works Frederick, in partnership with United Way of Frederick, to support a volunteer-based ride-share program. According to a county press release, “extensive public outreach identified a need for accessible transportation options in the community. Good Works Frederick will partner with the United Way of Frederick County to expand the Ride United program so more people can benefit from the service.”

Access the full county press release.

Learn more about the grants and how to apply.

Read more about ARPA-funded initiatives in Frederick County.