FREDERICK, Md. – Small nonprofit organizations affected by the pandemic can apply for one-time grants that Frederick County is offering. County Executive Jan Gardner announced that $1 million of the County’s American Rescue Plan Act allocation has been set aside for the grants. The ARPA Nonprofit Community Health and Recovery, or ANCHR, grants are designed to help organizations that have not been eligible for previous recovery programs. Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $50,000, based on the nonprofit’s annual budget.
“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 COVID-19.
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 been in existence since March 2019; their annual operating budget must not exceed $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. Details are available at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ANCHR.
Executive Gardner also announced that $300,000 of the County’s ARPA funds will be awarded to the nonprofit Good Works Frederick to support a volunteer-based ride-share program. 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.
To find details about other ARPA-funded initiatives in Frederick County, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ARPA. To watch the County Executive’s public information briefing, go to www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/FCGtv.
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