Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Walworth County.

Walworth County and United Way of Walworth County Team up to Support Local Nonprofits and Veterans Organizations

ARPA Grant Program to Provide a Fourth Round of Funding to Social Service Agencies

Walworth County has earmarked an additional $200,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funds for the United Way of Walworth County to distribute to local nonprofits and veterans service organizations in 2024. The goal of the ARPA grant-funding program is to offset the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic incurred by local 501(c)(3) nonprofit and 501(c)19 veterans service agencies.

This is the fourth round of funding since the program was established in 2021. In December 2021, Walworth County awarded an initial $100,000 to the United Way through the grant-funding program. Sixteen area nonprofit agencies received between $1,000 and $9,000 each. Since then, the County has provided two additional rounds of funding totaling $175,000, with grants between $1,000 and $7,500 awarded to 46 local nonprofits.

“The ARPA grant-funding program is an incredible opportunity to support local nonprofits that have a tangible impact on Walworth County communities,” says United Way Board President Katherine Gaulke. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Walworth County and, for the first time, extend grant funding to veterans’ organizations.”

For this round, eligible agencies can request between $1,000 and $9,000 and may utilize the grant for assistance in implementing COVID-19 prevention or mitigation tactics; technical assistance, consulting, or other services for business planning; assistance with payroll support, costs to retain employees or other operating costs; or assistance to those impacted by COVID-19.

A board of United Way of Walworth County committee members will select the grant recipients. Organizations with 501(c)3 and 501(c)19 tax-exempt status may apply. These organizations must also maintain their principal place of business in Walworth County, conduct their business in Walworth County, and serve people within Walworth County.

Applications are available online at http://www.unitedwaywalworth.org/arpa-grant. Qualifying 501(c)(3) or 501(c)19 agencies interested in applying may also contact Katherine Gaulke for an application at (262) 374-4474. The deadline to apply is January 15, 2024, at noon. The goal is to issue the awards by March 15, 2024.

This project is being supported in whole or in part by federal award number FAIN #SLFRP 2146 awarded to Walworth County by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.