Norcross, Nonprofits and Needs
In November 2021, the City of Norcross stood up the ARPA Nonprofit Grant Program using roughly $500,000 of its allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act, a piece of legislation that brought $1.4 billion in unprecedented direct funding to cities across Georgia.
The grants provide a much-needed financial lift to qualified nonprofits to continue their mission in reaching the city’s most vulnerable residents - made even more so by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the public health battle has been at the forefront, many residents and households have also experienced severe economic distress, impacting their ability to maintain food on the table, pay their utility bills, access the job market, find childcare, avoid eviction and more. With established ties and trust within the community, as well as structures in place to channel resources where they are needed most, these nonprofits can use these grants to continue uplifting individuals and families across Norcross that have been hit hardest by the pandemic.
The seven recipients selected for the grants are:
Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries (award amount = $170,182): Food and financial assistance; job readiness classes, on-site hiring events, money management courses and health fairs; long-term assistance for homelessness, abuse, language barriers, single-parent homes, etc.
St. Vincent de Paul ($99,000): Assistance for housing, hunger, economic mobility and transportation and healthcare; life-changing programs (career and workforce training, free tax prep, etc.); thrift store operations.
*Back in May 2021, the City also
approved $25,000 in ARPA funding for the “Motel to Home Program” - a LiveNorcross initiative involving the City, St. Vincent de Paul Georgia and United Way of Greater Atlanta, plus other supporting partners. The program provides financial counseling and worships to qualified individuals living in extended stay motels to help them transition to more permanent housing.
Ser Familia, Inc. ($88,000): Family, social and mental health services and programs for Latino families, including programs for domestic violence, counseling, cultural and linguistic proficiency and youth.
Next Generation Focus ($38,000): Educational, relational and financial resources for children and youth, including tutoring, mentoring, college and preparedness.
Helping Mamas, Inc. ($34,818): Collection and distribution of essential child and baby items as well as period products to women in need.
Corners Outreach ($25,000): Educational development and economic opportunities for underserved students of color and their families.
Good Samaritan ($25,000): Medical and dental services for the poor and uninsured, including access to deeply discounted medication.
The criteria to qualify as an applicant included:
- Providing services to the residents of Norcross.
- Holding a 501(c)3 designation.
- Being in good standing as a nonprofit with the State of Georgia.
- Operating on or before January 1, 2020.
The recipients may be required to submit financial documentation in periodic reports to demonstrate use of funds in line with the ARPA Final Rule guidance from the US Treasury Department. No more than 10% of the grant can be used for payroll and/or administrative overhead.
The program webpage lists several eligible uses from Treasury's guidance that the funding could pay for. The City places a particular emphasis on initiatives to support disproportionately impacted communities and Qualified Census Tracts.
ARPA Nonprofit Grant Program
Small Businesses
On the heels of the Nonprofit Grant program, the City of Norcross is also directing ARPA funds to qualified small businesses. As of July 2022, the ARPA Small Business Grant Program in partnership with Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs is receiving applications through August 21, 2022. The City has invested $600,000 into the program, with maximum grant awards of $10,000 (if annual revenue is $25,000-1,000,000) or $15,000 (annual revenue $1,000,001+). Several other criteria stand, including whether the business is commercial or home-based, and if it received a loan through the Paycheck Protection Program.
The program webpage includes the application form along with a 1:15 minute video to give interested applicants a quick overview of the program criteria.
ARPA Small Business Grant Program
GMA is proud of our member, the City of Norcross, for channeling their ARPA funds in a way that will have a multifaceted impact throughout the community. Click here for a detailed profile of the city.