FREDERICK, Md. – Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner today announced the results of two grant programs designed to help crop farmers and small nonprofit organizations to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic pressures. Both programs were funded through Frederick County’s American Rescue Plan Act allocation from the Federal Government.
“Our goal is to make life better for people in Frederick County,” said Executive Gardner. “These grants will ensure veterans, seniors and families in our community can receive much-needed services; small arts organizations can thrive once again; and our farmers can continue to grow crops.”
Farmer Relief Grants
At least 115 qualified farmers applied for Farmer Relief Grants, representing more than 72,500 acres of crops. The program will reduce the impact of rapidly rising fertilizer costs, which have tripled as the result of supply chain issues and the war in Ukraine. Farmers will receive $25 per acre of crops planted.
Frederick County is the only jurisdiction in Maryland, and possibly the nation, that is supporting the agricultural industry in this way.
ANCHR Grants
The ARPA Nonprofit Community Health and Recovery, or ANCHR, grants were designed for small organizations that often are unable to qualify for major aid programs. Thirty-four local nonprofits will receive ANCHR grants. They include groups that serve veterans, provide job and life skills training, support recovery from addiction, offer daycare to families with limited income, introduce people to arts, and promote economic development. The amount of each grant ranges from $5,000 to $50,000, capped at 15% of the organization’s annual budget.
Information about how Frederick County is investing its $50.4 million ARPA allocation can be found online at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ARPA.
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