It’s called the Forward Together Grant and it’s funded through interest earned on unspent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Eligible organizations can apply for up to $35,000 dollars for projects that fall into one of 10 areas.
According to Mayor Stephanie Terry, some of the most important areas of focus are affordable housing, mental health, food access and neighborhood revitalization.
“So those are areas where there's been a lot of work in the community already underway,” she said. “We want to continue to see those efforts advance.”
About 14 non-profit organizations can receive the full amount of $35,000.
There are eligibility requirements, such as being based in the city of Evansville or providing direct services to underprivileged or disadvantaged City of Evansville residents.
The application deadline is September 5.
Terry said while there are 10 areas of focus nonprofits can apply through, they’re open to new ideas.
“We're open to proven, outcome-driven programs and projects that will really help us continue to strengthen neighborhoods, and support people.”
Again, this grant is funded through interest earned on unspent ARPA funds. The allocated but unspent $27 million has earned a net amount of $2.7 million.
“(The interest) is providing us an opportunity to continue to reinvest back into the community,” Terry said. “And so we were just brainstorming on how we might use those funds in a meaningful way. This is just one piece of how we will use the interest that we've established.”
Terry said there will be other ways they’ll use the remaining interest, but couldn’t share details.
Areas of focus for grant applications
Affordable Housing
Mental Health/Addiction
Food Assistance
Job Training
Youth Development
Internet Access
Childcare Access
Resource Navigation Assistance
Homeless Services
Neighborhood Revitalization (i.e. Home Repairs, weatherization, etc.)
In order to be eligible for a grant from the Forward Together Fund, organizations must:
Be a City of Evansville based organization or provide direct services to underprivileged or disadvantaged City of Evansville residents.
Be a registered 501(c)(3) organization with a Board of Directors and have been continuously registered as such for at least 3 years prior.
Eligible uses of funds include payroll and benefit costs, utilities, rent, insurance, and other operating costs.
source: city of Evansville