ARPA funding opens to nonprofits

(9/20) Through the month of September, the Town accepted applications from eligible, local non-profits for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Walkersville received a total of five million dollars in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, Bailey said, chairman of the Economic Development Commission (EDC). Of that amount, four million dollars has been allocated toward town infrastructure and about one million dollars is currently allocated toward nonprofit and business relief.

Choosing to start funding distribution with town nonprofits, the EDC invited in business leaders to hear about in what aspects they were affected by COVID-19, what additional needs are still required, and how the town can assist, he said.

"I am excited to start with nonprofits, they provide a fundamental service in the community, " Bailey said.

The listening session focused on understanding the negative impacts of the pandemic on revenue and business operations as well as understanding any gaps in COVID relief. The sessions will guide the town as it creates a grant program for businesses that were negatively impacted by COVID.

The EDC held its first listening session September 19 to allow nonprofit business owners to present needs and help the EDC understand the needs of the nonprofit community and address needs specific to Walkersville.

Standard criteria for funding award-included organizations physically located in town, in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service and local government and taxation and have been established before March 2019.

Civic, and religious organizations were not eligible to apply for this round of funding.

A second listening session will be held October 24. This session is open for public comment as well.

Town staff will evaluate, review applications, and verify eligibility requirements. Following which the EDC will hold a public workshop to review the applications received.

The EDC will make award recommendations to the Burgess & Town Council after considering the organizational need, community benefit, and organizational budget size.

Checks for the grants are anticipated to be sent out by December.

Information and applications about the ARPA distribution was available on the town website.

When the Town of Woodsboro received its initial COVID-19 relief funding, one of the top priorities of the Town Council was to help business owners. All six business that applied were awarded the maximum $5,000 each. Woodsboro also awarded $3,500 to each of its six nonprofits in town that included four churches, the American Legion, and the Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Company.