Wake County is currently reviewing the 215 applications we received for community funding through the American Rescue Plan Act. We plan to take staff recommendations to the Wake County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 28, 2022. The board will have a few weeks to review them before giving final approval, which we may receive on March 21, 2022.
Wake County has been awarded approximately $217 million in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA funding). While the County’s primary, mandated function is to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the County seeks to use these funds to address:
- Economic impacts spurred or exacerbated by the pandemic;
- Systemic community challenges through improved service delivery; and
- Planning and preparing for future events that cause disruptions in services.
The Wake County Board of Commissioners seeks to use up to $20 million of its ARPA funding to support non-profit and not-for-profit organizations that can aid in a strong and equitable recovery.
There will be $16 million available for General ARPA Community Funding for any proposal serving the residents of Wake County and $4 million for an Equity Fund. The Equity Fund is for projects that focus on systems change, aiming to make a positive difference in the lives of people who have been historically disproportionately marginalized, disenfranchised, and underrepresented, and primarily serve HUD-designated Qualified Census Tracts or other census tracts that have similar economic demographics. A Qualified Census Tract is any census tract where at least 50% of households have an income less than 60% of the Area Median Gross Income (AMGI).
The County requests proposals for one-time projects or programs to help the community respond to and recover from COVID-19, align with the priorities of ARPA funding, and further the County’s Board goals.
Dates & Deadlines
- October 25, 2021 – Application opens for submissions
- November 9, 2021 – Live WebEx event with instructions and Q&A
- December 3, 2021 – Application deadline
- December 2021 – Applications are reviewed
- January 2022 – Funding recommendations presented to Board of Commissioners
The application portal was open Monday, Oct. 25, through Friday, Dec. 3, at 5 p.m. Applications received after the due date will not be considered for funding.
The US Treasury has provided interim guidance on how ARPA funding can be spent. To be considered for funding, submissions must clearly demonstrate eligibility under ARPA guidance. Please visit the links below to review the guidance:
- Compliance and Reporting Guidance
- ARPA Quick Reference Guide 2021
- ARPA Fact Sheet 2021
- ARPA Interim Final Rule 2021
- US Treasury FAQ Guidance
- HUD Qualified Census Tracts
- President Biden’s executive order on equity
- UNC School of Government slides on Working with Other Local Governments, Nonprofits and Other Private Entities (aka Subawards)
The County hosted two live WebEx meetings on Tuesday, Nov. 9 (noon–1 p.m. and 5:30–6:30 p.m.), for applicants to receive instructions and ask questions. You can view a recording of the Q&A session here.
Applications will be reviewed during the month of December, and recommendations will be presented to the Board of Commissioners beginning in January 2022.
While there is no minimum or maximum amount of funding that can be requested, recommendations for funding less than the amount requested may be made based on the number and type of applications submitted. In addition, recommendations may include phased funding.
As a recipient of federal funds, Wake County must consider any allocations to non-profit or not-for-profit for the following:
- Eligibility of use of funds for Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, per US Treasury guidance; and
- Eligibility of use of funds per the Federal Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance.
Additionally, any allocations of public funds must fall within County authority to fund under NC General Statutes, to be affirmed and reviewed by the County Attorney’s Office and County Procurement Services prior to the execution of a contract or funding agreement.
Questions about eligibility of a community project or questions about the application process may be sent to Emily.Lucas@wake.gov or by calling 919-856-6160.