Kane County now accepting applications from local nonprofits for Community Support Grants

The application process is now open for $4 million in funding through the American Rescue Plan to assist mental health organizations, homeless shelters and food pantries in Kane County who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release.

“Funding through the Community Support Grants will provide critically needed support for Kane County’s outstanding charitable organizations that have been consistently on the front lines of the pandemic helping families and individuals cope and heal,” said Kane County Chairwoman Corinne Pierog.

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

· Be fully incorporated and operating as a 501 (c)(3) as of Jan. 1, 2019;

· Deliver services from a facility that is physically located within Kane County;

· Provide, as its primary mission, services and/or aid to Kane County residents in the areas of behavioral and mental health, homeless shelters or food pantries;

· Be in good standing with all applicable federal, state and local standards and requirements.

The link to start an application can be found on the County’s homepage at www.countyofkane.org.

“It was during two listening sessions where we heard first hand of the struggles that nonprofit organizations continue to have nearly two years after the pandemic began,” said County Board Member Jarett Sanchez, who chairs the Kane County American Rescue Plan Committee. “We are pleased to be able make this money available to help reduce the impacts of the ongoing pandemic.”

The funding for the Community Support Grant Program comes from $103 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds received by Kane County. The County received the first half, $51.7 million, of the funds in May of this year and will received the other half in May of 2022.

The portal will be open to applicants until Jan. 31, and eligible applicants will be required to present appropriate documentation to substantiate their request for funding, the release stated.

Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and completeness and then considered by the America Rescue Plan Committee, which will then recommend funding awards to the full County Board for consideration and approval.