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Members of Wheeling City Council made a wise decision last week when they granted $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley.
The Community Foundation will use the money to assist local nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Foundation Executive Director Susie Nelson said a grant process is being created in conjunction with the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley for local nonprofits to apply for the funding.
Nelson said the Community Foundation already has given grants of about $400,000 through funds it administers to agencies that needed assistance during the pandemic. "It was in that context that we offered to remove some of the burden of the ARPA funds distribution from the city. It's our plan to work closely with the city manager to solidify details and have grant applications ready to go by the end of August."
Nelson said that during the pandemic, not only did non-profit agencies across the nation continue to serve people in need, but their services became much more in demand.
"They had to pivot in ways they've never imagined to continue to meet their missions," Nelson said.
"Budgets were stretched for items like additional cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment, and gaps in services became more evident. But these nonprofit organizations found a way to continue."
And, through the city's action to provide an additional $1 million in rescue plan funds to the Community Foundation, that work to assist agencies in need will continue.