City of Wilmington issued the following announcement on Sept. 9.
Wilmington City Council announced an investment in local non-profits, which will be distributed through a strategic partnership with the United Way of the Cape Fear Area and the Arts Council of Wilmington.
“Like everyone, non-profits have been challenged throughout the pandemic, but they have also been one of our greatest resources,” said Mayor Bill Saffo. “Non-profits have been and continue to be on the frontlines and on the ground helping our community recover and become more resilient. This money will go toward those in need right here in Wilmington and strengthen our community going forward.”
Funding for these grants is possible through the American Rescue Plan Act, from which the City of Wilmington will receive an approximate $26 million through two installments over two years. The city received its first installment of $13 million earlier this year.
Of the $700,000 dedicated to non-profits, $200,000 will go toward organizations that have art-based programming. Grants range from $10,000-$50,000 and will be cross checked against other sources of funding to avoid duplication.
This additional community investment comes on the heels of a $2 million investment in small businesses and is part of a larger effort to put $9 million of ARPA funding into economic and community assistance.
“A lot of the non-profits that are doing critical work in health, education, and financial stability have taken a big hit,” said Tommy Taylor, CEO of the United Way of the Cape Fear Area. “We need them more now than we have needed them in a very long time. I’m thankful that the city has partnered with us to get that funding out.”
Applications will be considered by an appointed committee that includes a range of community members and city officials.
“We’ve asked community leaders to be the decision makers on where these dollars will go,” Saffo said. “City staff will be ready to help in any way, and Council members will serve in various committees that will help make the decisions; but ultimately, these funds will be driven by the perspective of community leaders and ensures the money will be distributed quickly and equitably.”
Awards will be granted to non-profits for programs that are in accordance with U.S. Treasury ARPA guidance as allowed by NC General Statutes and reporting requirements will be placed upon the recipients.
“The Arts Council is excited to administer the grants to organizations that have arts-based programming with a special focus on organizations that serve traditionally underserved populations who are limited by disability, economics, or geography,” said Rhonda Bellamy, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Wilmington.
In FY22, the city expanded its biennial commitment to community building organizations to $2.5 million. With the ARPA funding, that investment tops $3 million.
“This reflects City Council’s belief that even though social services fall beyond the scope of city government, we have a shared responsibility to invest in the valuable work of local non-profits in support of the community’s well-being,” Saffo said. “We are proud to be able to build upon the work we’ve been doing for years by further investing in these organizations.”
To apply for a grant or to learn more, visit uwcfa.communityforce.com through Sept. 30. Arts groups can apply at ArtsWilmington.org between Oct. 1-Oct. 31.
Original source can be found here.
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