The City of Richfield, Minnesota, has established the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Social Services Program to support community members adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative aims to address various challenges such as reduced income, job loss, housing instability, food insecurity, social isolation, mental health issues, learning loss, and increased debt. The City has allocated a total of $300,000 in federal ARPA funds specifically for this program, which is designed to provide financial assistance to non-profit organizations that can implement effective programs, projects, and activities to aid economically disadvantaged residents of Richfield.

The primary purpose of the ARPA Social Services Program is to mitigate the negative impacts of the pandemic on the community. The program seeks to promote housing security, healthy childhood environments, safe living conditions, economic stability, access to nutritious food, community building, and the reduction of racial disparities. By focusing on these priorities, the program aims to foster a more resilient and equitable community in Richfield.

Funding for the program ranges from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $100,000, with a total of up to $95,000 available for distribution. The grant period is set for one year, and the program emphasizes funding for activities that can be completed within this timeframe. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, rent and food assistance, mental health services, programs to reduce social isolation, and initiatives that support children and families. Organizations may allocate up to 10% of the funds for administrative costs, which should be clearly outlined in the project budget.

To be eligible for this grant, applicants must be non-profit organizations that primarily serve households earning 50% or less of the Area Median Income, adjusted for household size. The program encourages applications from organizations that can demonstrate a commitment to addressing the specific needs of the community and align with the program's priorities.

Submission requirements and application questions will be detailed in the official grant announcement, which can be accessed through the City of Richfield's website. Applicants are encouraged to prepare their proposals carefully, ensuring that they address the evaluation criteria that will be used to assess applications. These criteria will likely include the relevance of the proposed activities to the program's objectives, the capacity of the organization to implement the project, and the anticipated impact on the community.

The application deadline for the ARPA Social Services Program is October 2, 2024. Interested organizations should be mindful of this timeline and prepare their submissions accordingly. For further information, potential applicants can contact the City of Richfield via email or phone, as provided in the grant announcement. This program represents a significant opportunity for non-profits in Richfield to secure funding aimed at enhancing the well-being of community members affected by the pandemic.