Following a pair of successful information sessions for organizations interested in applying for emergency federal funding, the County is organizing two additional sessions.
Richland County received $16 million in funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to help small businesses, nonprofits and other organizations impacted by COVID-19. Eligible organizations can apply for funding online via ZoomGrants through Friday, Sept. 30: https://bit.ly/rc-arpagrant.
The additional information and training sessions will be in Council Chambers on the second floor of the County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton St., Columbia, at:
- 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21
- 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22
Staff with Richland County Administration and Budget & Grants Management, as well as third party reviewer Grant Thornton Public Sector LLC, will be on hand to discuss eligibility requirements and the application process and answer questions from attendees.
About ARPA
On Sept. 1, the County began accepting applications for ARPA funding from organizations serving vulnerable groups in an effort to alleviate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organizations may apply in up to three of the following categories, listed with the amount of funding available. A separate application is required for each category:
- Small businesses (501(c) certificate not required) – $1 million
- Nonprofits – $1 million
- Workforce training – $1 million
- Education assistance – $1 million
- Home repairs for seniors – $1 million
- Youth and recreational services – $1 million
- Addressing food insecurity – $2 million
- Broadband services in underserved areas – $2 million
- Services for unhoused people – $2 million
- Affordable housing – $4 million
Grant Thornton will review all applications to ensure projects qualify for ARPA funding. Qualifying applications will advance to a County committee, which will review the applications and award funding based on competitive criteria for each category.
For technical assistance with applications, call 803-576-1355 or 803-576-5459. Learn more about ARPA on the County’s website: www.richlandonline.com/arpafunding.
Original source can be found here.
