$28.6M in Federal Funds Propel Nonprofits Forward, Following Pandemic

Covid held our community back two years.
This program will push it forward five.

With the launch of 5 Years Faster, the Pinellas Community Foundation (PCF) is collaborating with local governments in Pinellas County and the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater to maximize the impact of a number of ARPA Grant Programs designed to help local communities come back from the devastating impact of the pandemic. Covering everything from construction to mental health, we’re working closely with a number of the most reputable local nonprofits to ensure the resources go to where they can do the most good.

Funded as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which was passed by Congress in 2021, these programs are providing critical financial support for capital needs, social services, and support hubs that are empowering nonprofits to upgrade facilities, expand services, and uplift the community even faster than before.

Countywide Capital Projects

Designed to assist a diverse range of organizations with varying needs, this initiative is empowering local nonprofits to make small and large purchases that have been delayed due to the pandemic. From laptops, IT infrastructure, and solar panels to construction, trucks, and forklifts, nonprofits are able to make the critical purchases and investments they need to recover from the pandemic and thrive over the long term.

Countywide Capital Projects

Designed to assist a diverse range of organizations with varying needs, this initiative is empowering local nonprofits to make small and large purchases that have been delayed due to the pandemic. From laptops, IT infrastructure, and solar panels to construction, trucks, and forklifts, nonprofits are able to make the critical purchases and investments they need to recover from the pandemic and thrive over the long term.

Clearwater Social Services

In collaboration with the City of Clearwater, PCF is utilizing ARPA funds to expand emergency housing and social services to residents that need it now more than ever. In Phase I, residents of the recently closed Capri Mobile Home Park were able to relocate thanks to ARPA funding through PCF and 5 Years Faster. Phase II will continue to support a range of programs for individuals and families in Clearwater, including food security, aging services and more.

St. Petersburg Support Hubs

PCF, in collaboration with the City of St. Petersburg, has launched an ARPA-funded initiative to support the mental health, wellbeing, and other needs of residents through Community Support Hubs. In addition, a Nonprofit Incubator is being established to support nonprofits with administrative and other needs. PCF and St. Petersburg are structuring these community services with an innovative and collaborative approach. Through this program, support hubs addressing each neighborhood’s needs will be rolled out, one by one into the community to bring services directly to the residents.

St. Petersburg Support Hubs

PCF, in collaboration with the City of St. Petersburg, has launched an ARPA-funded initiative to support the mental health, wellbeing, and other needs of residents through Community Support Hubs. In addition, a Nonprofit Incubator is being established to support nonprofits with administrative and other needs. PCF and St. Petersburg are structuring these community services with an innovative and collaborative approach. Through this program, support hubs addressing each neighborhood’s needs will be rolled out, one by one into the community to bring services directly to the residents.

The Perfect Partner

To ensure funding is directed to where it will do the most good, local municipalities like Pinellas County, St. Petersburg and Clearwater knew they’d need a partner with a unique combination of expertise, experience, and relationships.

Due to Pinellas Community Foundation’s deep roots in the community and extensive record of successfully engaging collaborators and creating positive change, the organization was chosen to spearhead these essential initiatives in Pinellas County and the surrounding areas.

Looking Forward

The ARPA grants are a significant step towards accelerating the recovery of Pinellas County, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater nonprofits from the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic.

A strong collaboration between Pinellas Community Foundation and the local governments signifies a united effort to build a stronger, more resilient community that will continue to thrive well beyond the pandemic.

We invite you to follow us and learn more about the transparent selection and funding process and more importantly see and hear about the lives these grants affect. We will feature their stories, their words, and their successes – all made possible through the works of nonprofits and Pinellas Community Foundation.

These projects are being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP4653 awarded to Pinellas County Government by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and federal award number SLFRP2658 awarded to the City of St. Petersburg by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. These efforts utilize funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).