ARPA Nonprofit Grant Funding

In response to the economic, programmatic and service impact to Wichita Falls non-profit organizations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wichita Falls City Council allocated $1.5 million of the $29.1 million in awarded American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to create a grant program to assist local non-profits in their recovery.

The Wichita Falls American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Nonprofit Grant Program (WF-ARPA-NGP) was developed in response to the economic crisis facing our nonprofit community due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant funds are now available via an application process for non-profit organizations to submit eligible proposals for grant program. The funds can only be used to cover costs that were incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The objectives of the WF-ARPA-NGP Fund are to:

Support immediate economic stabilization of local nonprofit organizations
Support projects (both capital and programmatic) that will lead to further prevention and increased service levels caused by COVID-19

Awards under this grant are intended for projects benefiting the community that may involve single or multiple organizations. Non-profit organizations are eligible for WF-ARPA-NGP award; however, projects must have a community impact and are intended to be self-sustaining. Funds may be limited based on number of applications received and requested funding.

The following links and information will provide guidance and information regarding the grant program and funding parameters.

Applications (please choose the appropriate application type)

Note: Application types may have different reporting, informational and review requirements. See application for details. All applications must be typed and submitted on the provided forms.

ARPA Non-Profit Grant Application - Virtual Q&A - Moday, Oct. 10th 3:00pm

Click here to listen.

ARPA Non-Profit Application Question & Answers - Updated October 21, 2022 Click here to view.

FAQs

1. Who is eligible to apply for grant funding?

The following eligibility criteria must be met to apply for funding (please see application for specific details):

Local non-profit organizations that are registered as 501 c(3) or 501 c(19) organizations.
Public nonprofit organization
Faith-based organizations that receive grant proceeds, these requirements apply to goods, services, or accommodations offered generally to the public (e.g., a restaurant or thrift store)
Physical location of the program must be within the City of Wichita Falls city limits and serve Wichita Falls residents
Has been in active operation since 2020 (including the entire calendar year 2020)
No outstanding tax liens or judgments, excluding 2022 property taxes

2. What can the grant funds be used for?

Generally, eligible costs for this grant program may include the following (please see application for specific details):

Grants to mitigate financial hardship and/or employment caused by COVID-19 , including:
1. Reduced revenue due to cancelled annual fundraisers,
2. Loss of staff due to revenue shortages,
3. Decreased volunteer assistance,
4. Increased services provided due to financial and social impacts from the pandemic.
Technical or in-kind assistance or other services that mitigate negative economic impacts of the pandemic
Projects (both capital and programmatic) that will lead to further prevention and increased service levels caused by COVID-19

3. Are there ineligible costs for grant funding?

Yes (please see application for specific details).

Some ineligible costs include:

Faith-based causes benefiting only members of a certain faith
Research
Fundraising
Scholarships
Loss that bears no relation or are grossly disproportionate to the type or extent of harm experienced due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Contributions to rainy day funds, financial reserves, or similar funds.
Research, fundraising, political causes, scholarships, and faith-based causes benefiting only members of a certain faith
Payment of interest or principal on outstanding debt instruments.
Lobbying, support of candidates for public office, or other political activities.
Funding for programs or organizations that do not serve Wichita Falls residents.
Economic hardship incurred outside of the period beginning January 27, 2020 to the present date.
Damages covered by insurance
Reimbursement to donors for donated items or services
Expenses that have been or will be reimbursed under any federal activity such as the reimbursement by the federal government pursuant to the ARP act of contributions by States to State unemployment funds
Property taxes
Severance pay
Deposit to pension funds
Legal settlements

4. How can I apply?

Fill out and submit an application via email to: terry.floyd@wichitafallstx.gov

Please note there are two separate application types noted on the homepage:

5. Who do I contact with questions?

Terry Floyd – Director of Development Services

940-761-7451

Terry.floyd@wichitafallstx.gov

6. When are applications due?

November 21, 2022 by 5 pm

7. When will the funding be awarded?

Following City Council consideration/action on January 17, 2023

8. How will applications be review/considered for award?

City staff will receive the applications until November 21, 2022, and will then work with a 5-person subcommittee (comprised of City Councilors and local non-profit community stakeholders) that has been appointed by the Mayor. Following the subcommittee's review in December 2022, they will make grant award recommendations to the City Council. The City Council is anticipated to take action on the final award and allocation amounts on January 17, 2023.

9. What are the reporting requirements for grant funding?

Reporting frequency and information required by the City as part of the City/Federal guidelines will vary based on the funding use and award. Those details will be outlined and finalized upon award and signed agreement with the City if a non-profit organization is awarded funds.

10. Is there a deadline to spend the funds?

Yes. Funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024, and spent by December 31, 2026.

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ARPA Nonprofit Grant Funding