On September 30, The City of Concord has launched a $7 million grant program for the purpose of partnering with local nonprofit organizations to help the community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant application period opened on Sept. 30 and will run through Oct. 28 at 5 p.m.
As part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) stimulus bill, Concord was awarded more than $27 Million from the US Treasury split into two payments. The first payment was received in May 2021, and the second payment in June 2022.
There are spending requirements set and funds not spent within those stipulations by December 2026 must be returned to the Federal Government.
The City Council established an Ad Hoc Committee during the May 3, 2022, City Council meeting to receive feedback from the community to make spending recommendations.
The Ad Hoc Committee finalized its recommendations to Council which they heard from Assistant City Manager Justin Ezell at the Council meeting on September 27, 2022. In broad strokes the Committee’s recommendations include:
$7 million for City projects including infrastructure, public safety, and special events;
$7 million to be distributed through grants to nonprofit organizations for housing and non-housing projects;
$3 million to be combined with the previously allocated funds ($2.4 million) for providing support to the unhoused;
$2 million to be distributed through grants to small businesses including licensed Family Child Care Homes.
The grants will be awarded in amounts between $50,000 and $2 million, following an application review and interview process. The City Council is expected to award the grants on Dec. 6, 2022. Eligible organizations include those that are tax-exempt nonprofits, and provide projects or programs benefiting Concord residents.
Eligibility information and the grant application are now available on City’s ARPA web page.