ARPA Funds Available to Non-Profits

Funding for non-profits that do not already receive City funding

by Anne Mooney / June 27, 2021

In May, the City announced it would receive about $13 million in COVID-19 recovery funds over the coming year. In addition to the dozen or so not-for-profit entities that already receive City subsidies, the Commission has allocated $200,000 for any 501(c)(3) in the City, subject to certain restrictions.

Application posted on City website July 1

Beginning July 1, any not-for-profit 501(c)(3) in good standing that is headquartered in Winter Park, whose annual operating expenses do not exceed $2 million, may apply for organizational funding support from the American Rescue Plan (ARPA). Applicants can begin the application process by going to cityofwinterpark.org/ARPA.

Successful applicants must have been in operation for at least the past three years. The organization must have a Board of Directors responsible for oversight, and it must provide a service. Applicants must demonstrate a detrimental impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grants up to $25,000

This is a grant program, not a loan. The maximum amount available to each organization is $25,000 or one-half the annual operating expense, whichever is less.

The grant process is designed to assist not-for-profits in their recovery efforts and to ensure that allocations of public funds are used to offer services that can be provided to greater advantage by not-for-profit community organizations.

Non-profits already receiving City funding

ARPA funds also have been set aside for a dozen non-profits that receive annual Organization Support as a line item in the City’s budget, but those ARPA funds are separate from this $200,000 pot. The 501(c)(3)s that already receive City funding include the Winter Park Public Library, Historical Association, United Arts, Polasek, Winter Park Day Nursery, Blue Bamboo, Welbourne Day Nursery, Enzian Theatre, Winter Park Playhouse, Depugh Nursing Home and the Heritage Center (Crealde).