The Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV) is pleased to announce the opportunity for nonprofit organizations located in the City of Wheeling to apply for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Recovery Grants. CFOV has been allocated $1,000,000 in ARPA funds from the City of Wheeling to distribute through this grant program.

The City of Wheeling ARPA Recovery Grant Program seeks to invest in projects, led by nonprofit organizations, that respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency and its negative impact on residents of the City of Wheeling. This program will support projects that build a strong, resilient, and equitable recovery; that are transformational, resulting in long-term growth and impact; and/or that address financial hardships experienced by nonprofit organizations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To be eligible to apply, organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status; have a physical address in the city limits of Wheeling; have been open and operating no later than January 1, 2020; and document how the proposed project addresses negative impacts from COVID-19 while strengthening and transforming the community to improve the ongoing quality of life for residents. Eligibility criteria are based on compliance with ARPA funding requirements.

Funds may be used for capital projects, program development and delivery, and/or operating support.

This grantmaking program is specifically focused on transformational community change designed to: address economic impacts spurred or exacerbated by the pandemic; stabilize and build resiliency for individuals, families, and households; address systemic community challenges through improved service delivery; plan and prepare for future events that may cause disruption in services; address financial hardships experienced by nonprofit organizations; build a stronger and more resilient community. The program has a strong interest in supporting projects that address the needs of children and youth and/or projects that address the needs of low to moderate-income individuals.

Applications will open September 19 and close October 21 at 4:00 p.m.  Applicants may request between $10,000 and $100,000. Organizations interested in seeking support must submit an application, which can be accessed by visiting the CFOV website: www.cfov.org/grants.  The website also includes additional details about the program, including detailed eligibility requirements.  Applications will be reviewed by a committee comprised of community partners, including representation from the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley. 

For general information about the grant program, contact Susie Nelson at CFOV (susie@cfov.org/304.242.3144). Technical questions regarding the application software or application itself may be directed to Debbie Stanton at CFOV (debbie@cfov.org/304.242.3144).