PCF Helps Administer $19 Million From American Rescue Plan Act for Nonprofit Capital Needs

by | Aug 16, 2022 | Being Responsive | 0 comments

Pinellas County nonprofits are getting a $19 million boost for their capital needs from the Pinellas County government as part of the federal American Rescue Plan Act. The funds, administered by Pinellas Community Foundation (PCF) in collaboration with the county, offer relief for nonprofits recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID held our community back for two years,” said Duggan Cooley, CEO of PCF. “This program will push us forward five years,” he said, noting that, within five years, this effort “will propel our nonprofits to the next level of resiliency and widen the safety net for our residents while providing for our community’s future needs.”

Charlie Justice, chairman of the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, underscored the importance of nonprofits in the county’s recovery from COVID-19. “Now is the time to invest in their capital needs, so they can further strengthen our community, especially our most vulnerable residents,” said Justice.

Pinellas County and PCF have a history of collaborating on grant programs. In 2020, the county partnered with PCF to establish the Pinellas CARES Nonprofit Partnership Fund using funds from the federal CARES Act. Through this partnership, PCF administered CARES Act funds and distributed more than $17 million to Pinellas nonprofit agencies that supply food, behavioral health programs, and legal aid for housing.

Duggan is excited for PCF to continue supporting Pinellas County’s efforts to uplift local nonprofits through the new ARPA Nonprofit Capital Project Fund. He believes these funds will help put local nonprofits back in motion.

“From small capital purchases to large capital projects, the funds will go toward critical assets that will serve the community five years and beyond,” said Duggan.

In January, Pinellas County conducted a needs assessment survey with local nonprofits. The survey revealed the COVID-19 pandemic’s severe impact on Pinellas County’s nonprofits. Feeding organizations that serve residents countywide said their services more than doubled since the pandemic. Yet, a third had to cut services to balance budgets. Among the 124 survey responses, the majority reported needing new facilities or facility upgrades, vehicles, and information technology services and equipment, especially to support continuums of care.

The first round of grant applications opened from Aug. 8-Sept. 8, 2022. Approval of applications is expected by mid-November, with funds made available around mid-December.

Nonprofit Capital Projects Funding

Get more information about the ARPA Nonprofit Capital Project Fund, including dates for the second round of funding.