As communities prepare for state and federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), some CMF members are partnering with their local municipality to administer the incoming funds.

The Bay Area Community Foundation (BACF) is collaborating with Bay County to provide critical funding to nonprofits negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Up to $750,000 in ARPA dollars will be available for Bay County nonprofits.

“Our community is stronger when government and nonprofits work together. When done right, funding decisions are not just about dollars and cents. They are about impact and contributing to the community’s fabric, social safety net, economic vitality and sense of place,” Diane Fong, president and CEO of BACF said.

Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to attend one of two informational workshops outlining program requirements and the application process. Proposals are due September 22.

“This funding will be used to support our community’s nonprofits as they continue to recover from the COVID pandemic. Bay Area Community Foundation has the experience and resources to funnel these dollars to programs and opportunities that need it most. Communities flourish when government and nonprofits work side by side for the well-being of their citizens,” Jim Barcia, Bay County executive said.

Several CMF members across the state have been partnering with their communities to navigate incoming federal funding.

CMF members – Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF), Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Greater Flint and Community Foundation of Marquette County – and the Pontiac Funders Collaborative are piloting work with their local units of government to help inform investments and seek systemic change through the Statewide Equity Fund (SEF) Strategic Support Pilot.

Through the guidance of CMF’s Michigan Philanthropy COVID-19 Working Group and approval of the Board of Trustees, CMF established the SEF Strategic Support Pilot in May 2021.

The pilot is a $2 million CMF member-driven pooled fund aimed at providing the infrastructure needed to help shape ARPA funds and other federal dollars toward equity-centered approaches to advance economic prosperity in communities. 

The SEF is supported by CMF members the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Ralph C. Wilson Jr., Foundation, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Ballmer Group, DTE Foundation, Ford Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, the Skillman Foundation, the Joyce Foundation, the Hudson-Webber Foundation, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and GRCF.

As CMF reported, GRCF is working with the city of Grand Rapids in supporting a participatory budgeting process that engages residents in allocating $2 million of ARPA resources. GRCF received a grant from the SEF earlier this year after being named a regional collaborative lead in the SEF Strategic Support Pilot.

We will soon feature the work of the other four SEF pilot sites and will continue to highlight other ways CMF members are supporting the administration of federal funding.

In addition, CMF’s all-new website that provides enhanced features and content for our community of philanthropy includes a Statewide Equity Fund (SEF) Strategic Support Pilot Resource page featuring a curated collection of data, tools and other resources related to shaping public dollars.

Want more?

Are you partnering with your community or local government to administer federal funds? Connect with our team to share more about your work.

Learn more about the ways other CMF members are partnering to ensure their communities are prepared for incoming ARPA funding.