American Rescue Plan Act
The federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), signed into law 3/11/21, provided $350 billion to eligible state, local, territorial, and tribal governments to support and meet the public health and economic needs of those impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. In addition, ARPA funds seek to address longstanding health and economic disparities, which amplified the impact of the pandemic disproportionately in certain communities. These funds are being made available through the federal Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (“SLFRF”) program. The program ensures that governments have the resources needed to:
- Fight the pandemic and support families and businesses struggling with its public health and economic impacts,
- Maintain vital public services, even amid declines in revenue, and
- Build a strong, resilient, and equitable recovery by making investments that support long-term growth and opportunity.
City ARPA Community Grant Program
Of the approximately $6.1M from the City’s remaining balance of federal ARPA stimulus funds, $1.6M would be available to establish a new city-sponsored ARPA Community Grant program.
Grant funds are intended to advance equity, strengthen the economic vitality of the city, and improve the quality of life for city residents. Proposals must meet the objectives of the ARPA program and be aligned with the City’s Long Term Goals and strategic priorities.
ARPA Community Grant Application (available 3/1/23-3/31/23)
Grant program Details
- Eligible applicants: city neighborhood associations, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations & small businesses, located in the city.
- Grant funds to be used for costs incurred on or after March 3, 2021.
- Grant Applications available 3/1/23. Application deadline 3/31/23. ARPA Community Grant Review Committee will rank eligible applications and submit recommendations to the Commission. Commission will review and make funding decisions at the April 25th Commission meeting. Final Commission recommendations will be announced to the public by April 26th.
ARPA Community Grant Review Committee
- One representative from each of the (4) City Commission Wards
- City Manager
- One city staff person
- *Two representative(s) from local Community Based Organizations will also be included to act in an advisory role only.
Grant Award
Grant award range – $25,000 to $250,000. Fixed grant requested amounts in the following increments only: $25,000, $50,000, $75,000, $100,000, $150,000, $200,000 or $250,000.
Proposed projects must be obligated/contracted by 12/31/24, and funds spent by 12/31/26.
Applicants awarded grant funds will enter into a contractual agreement (SLFRF Beneficiary Agreement) with the city which outlines general obligations and reporting requirements. For more information, please review the link to ARPA Community Grant Program Guidelines.
Applications will be available and may be submitted through the City of Muskegon’s website. This is the only way to submit applications.
If you need a special accommodation, please email CityARPAGrant@shorelinecity.com for assistance or contact the City at 231-724-6702.