Using the 5W's approach, the example below demonstrates one way the City of Peachtree Corners is channeling ARPA funds into the community. GMA also highlighted this effort in the Jan/Feb 2022 issue of Georgia's Cities magazine.
The American Rescue Plan Act webpage ofthe City of Peachtree Corners' website detailing the grant application process, complete with checklists, additional information for qualifying businesses, an online portal link and a contact for questions.
Who?
Peachtree Corners’ ARPA funds have been used primarily to aid nonprofits and small businesses operating in the community.
What?
The City of Peachtree Corners is using its $16,395,722 ARPA allocation to establish four grant programs to assist residents, non-profits, and small businesses that have been severely negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Nonprofit Emergency Relief Fund provides grants to nonprofits for distribution to Peachtree Corners residents for a limited set of uses (utility bills, payroll, business insurance, inventory, and other operating expenses).
The Nonprofit Operating Fund provides grants to nonprofits for operating costs (communications, facilities, fringe benefits, fundraising, insurance, marketing, mortgage/rent, professional fees, programming costs, and salaries) so they can continue to provide vital services for Peachtree Corners residents.
The Business Assistance Fund provides qualified small businesses with immediate financial assistance to bolster operating expenses (“: rent or mortgage costs, utility bills, payroll, business-related insurance, inventory expenses including covering any loss of inventory, and other operating expenses”).
The Capital Project Fund reimburses both small businesses and nonprofits engaging in facility upgrades to mitigate COVID-19 exposure or serve the broader beautification efforts of Peachtree Corners. Each of the grant pathways has its own set of specific organizational qualifications, typically requiring businesses or organizations to be located in Peachtree Corners or serving Peachtree Corners residents as well as specific details on the impact of COVID-19 on the organization.
“Mayor Mike Mason and city councilmembers made clear their desire to use the bulk of the city’s funds to support the local economy, including small businesses and nonprofits, to get back on their feet,” reported City Manager Brian Johnson. “They approved a resolution establishing general parameters for the program and authorized the city manager to develop the details for a clear, well-thought-out mechanism to distribute funds consistent with Treasury Guidelines”
The city's website includes an application checklist for each fund, with required and desired items:
ARPA Page (peachtreecornersga.gov)
Where?
Located northeast of Atlanta, Peachtree Corners is the largest city in Gwinnett County with a population of 44,294 people.
When?
Applications for grant funding closed on October 29, 2021. As of February 2022 Peachtree Corners has completed its first rollout of funds.
Why?
Nonprofits and small businesses have been particularly hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Across the board, demand for services is up, but low staffing and rising operational expenses are limiting the ability to meet that demand. The services, jobs, and community dollars provided by nonprofits and small businesses are critical for the communities they serve, so it is imperative to support these organizations as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact them.
According to Johnson, “So far, feedback from the community has been great… based on what we’ve learned and the success of the program, we plan to offer another round with the city’s second tranche of ARPA funds.”
City Contact
Corey Salley, Finance Director csalley@peachtreecornersga.gov
Media Reporting
Peachtree Corners Awards ARPA Funds to 11 Nonprofits, Here’s Who’s Received It (Peachtree Corners Magazine)