North Charlotte Today

The City of Charlotte will issue $2.5 million in one-time, ARPA-funded grants to support the operating costs of Charlotte-based nonprofit agencies. These grants are open to nonprofits that serve communities that have been financially and/or disparately impacted by COVID-19.

The Community Resilience Fund prioritizes work that fosters racial equity and economic mobility in marginalized communities. Nonprofits applying for these grants must work within the following areas of community resilience:

Housing and neighborhoods, such as:

• Fostering connections between neighbors
• Workforce development
• Supporting social safety networks
• Community education
• Risk reduction
• Housing stability for vulnerable residents
• Increased opportunities for youth and seniors
• Strengthening families

Equity and inclusion, such as:

• Breaking down barriers to inclusion in civic life
• Mitigating the impact racial segregation
• Economic inclusion & mobility
• Welcoming newcomers and refugees
• Accessibility
• Addressing systemic exclusion

Sustainability and environment, such as:

• Green initiatives
• Protecting and preserving the environment
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions/ promoting clean air
• Supporting energy efficiency
• Promoting uptake of sustainable mode of transportation
• Supporting waste reduction

Non-profit organizations may submit applications for up to $250,000. Grants must be used to support general operating costs, including, but not limited to, staff, rent, supplies, general overhead, and more. Grants may not be used to cover capital costs, and requests cannot exceed 30% of the organization’s total budget. 

The application opens May 18 and close June 30. A virtual application workshop will take place June 1 to assist nonprofits and to provide a Q&A session. Organizations will be notified of their status by the end of August. 

To be eligible for the grant, nonprofits must serve a public good within the City of Charlotte and align with the categories above. Additionally, 

• >Organizations must be a registered 501c3 organization or be under the fiscal sponsorship of a 501c3 tax-exempt organization and have a current 990 document.
• Organizations must register with SAM.gov and have a UEI number.
• Organizations must have been operating in Charlotte for at least four consecutive years.
• Organizations must have an operating budget of at least $20,000.
• Organizations must be able to demonstrate that the organization works with residents or communities that face a disparate impact due to COVID-19.

For more information and to apply, visit the Community Resiliency Fund grant portal.

Original source can be found here