Wake County will start accepting applications today from community organizations interested in competing for a portion of the $217 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, which the county will receive from the federal government.

“We can do even more to help the residents still struggling to find work or keep a roof over their heads by collaborating in new ways with our community partners,” said Wake County Commissioner Shinica Thomas. “Through this application process, we will select projects in the non-profit sector that will do the most public good and help fund them – an effort that furthers our goal of achieving prosperity for all.”

The Board of Commissioners has set aside $20 million in ARPA funds to support the work of non-profit or not-for-profit groups that can assist the county in generating a strong and equitable recovery from the effects of COVID-19. Of that $20 million, $16 million will fund qualifying proposals that benefit all county residents, and $4 million will go towards projects that specifically support historically marginalized populations.

Interested organizations can review the criteria on our website and attend live WebEx meetings on Tuesday, Nov. 9, from noon–1 p.m. and 5:30–6:30 p.m. to receive instructions and ask questions. The meetings will be recorded and available on demand.

Applications are due on Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. County staff will review the applications during the month of December and present funding recommendations to the board in January 2022.