The application deadline for local nonprofits serving the Guilford community to receive federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is September 8, 2023. The Guilford Foundation was selected by the town’s Board of Selectmen (BOS) to disperse $1 million, given TGF’s extensive grantmaking experience and strong relationships with community-serving organizations.

“We are honored that the Guilford BOS views us as one of the most trusted organizations on the Shoreline and chose us to be their ARPA distribution partner. These awards will be distributed with the same rigor and transparency used in our annual grantmaking process,” Board Chair Linda Weber shared. “Additionally, our history of convening with the nonprofit community gives us important insight into the impact they deliver our community through their critical programming and services.”

Application Process
All charitable, nonprofit organizations that experienced a negative impact created or exacerbated by the COVID-19 public health emergency are encouraged to apply. Governmental agencies and departments, endowment funds, new programs, or pension funds are not eligible to apply.

Applications can be for the following types of projects:

• Reimbursement (loss of revenue) due to the inability to fundraise, loss of donations/fees, or uncompensated increases in service needs
• Project Support (one-time project expense) which includes infrastructure improvements (repairs, painting, storage, technology, etc.) or strategic planning

“When considering which type to apply for, our guidance is to submit only one application. Depending on an organization’s specific situation, it probably makes sense to prioritize applying for financial reimbursement. It gives nonprofits the most flexibility with the ARPA funds and could potentially be used for planned projects,” added Executive Director Liza Janssen Petra. “Additionally, we ask that the requested funding be proportional to the extent and harm experienced.”

Funding Timeline
All applications must be submitted by September 8 through The Guilford Foundation’s online grant center. The ARPA Review Committee, led by Board Member Alex Sulpasso, includes the Foundation’s Community Investment Committee and outside community members.

In June, TGF convened with local stakeholders to discuss needs, resources, and priorities to ensure the funding optimizes the impact for Guilford residents. The committee will review applications from September to October, aiming to finalize recommendations in November. TGF will notify applicants of their funding status in December.

A Historic Opportunity
“The magnitude and scale of this funding opportunity are historic, and we’re taking our leadership role very seriously,” commented Petra. “COVID undeniably impacted the charitable community given the lost revenue, increased service demand, rising expenses, and workforce challenges. The ARPA awards will significantly impact the long-term sustainably of our invaluable nonprofit partners.”

ARPA funds are the realization of 2020 legislation designed to provide billions of dollars to communities nationwide as part of pandemic relief efforts. The federal monies are intended to address the negative impacts caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency.

For questions about the application process, contact Jennifer Mullett at [email protected] or (203) 640-4049.