Arapahoe County Now Accepting 2022 Aid To Agencies Applications

Littleton CO

18 July, 2021

1:32 AM

Description

Press release from the Arapahoe County Government: July 15, 2021 Arapahoe County is accepting applications until Aug. 27, 2021 for its annual Aid to Agencies grant program, which provides nearly $530,000 in funding for eligible non-profit 501(C)(3) or 501(C) organizations that meet the application criteria and serve the County's at-risk and underserved populations. The County has been evaluating all its programs and services—including Aid to Agencies—in an effort to create a sustainable budget over the next five to seven years. Over the past six months, County staff has been evaluating the Aid to Agencies program, surveying agency recipients to solicit feedback, reviewing similar programs conducted by other agencies, and holding a series of study sessions to discuss areas of concern and potential options to better align the program with the Board's new strategic plan. The result is a new Aid to Agencies grant program that refocuses the County's limited resources in four service areas: Behavioral and mental health Homelessness Seniors Domestic violence In addition to the competitive grant program, annual funding will be provided to nine agencies that supplement the County's existing safety net services, with funding caps and stricter reporting requirements on how funds are being used. The new methodology will ensure that grant funds are being used in the most fiscally responsible way while continuing to support the existing safety net. It also will foster more competition among new applicants, improving accountability to better know how these funds are being used for the County's support of local non-profits. Eligible nonprofits are invited to complete an online application through Aug. 27, 2021. In 2021, the Board of County Commissioners allocated more than $1.67 million in Aid to Agencies grants from the County's General Fund to more than 20 non-profit organizations, including Aurora Mental Health Center, Doctor's Care, Gateway Domestic Violence Services, Nourish Meals on Wheels, and Tri-Valley Senior Citizens Association. "Our Aid to Agencies programs is one of the most efficient and productive methods the County has to get much-needed assistance to the organizations in our communities that are making a difference," said Arapahoe County Board Chair Nancy Jackson. "From mental health, to food and housing, to domestic violence and other societal issues, these professionals are on the front lines of addressing our communities' most pressing needs, and this year we've added even more controls to ensure that this relief is going to the right places in a timely manner." The Board of County Commissioners will review proposed grant recommendations in October 2021. Approved awards will be available beginning in January 2022. This application is for a one-year period only and all applicants must re-apply annually. For more information about this program and to apply, visit our Aid to Agencies web page.. This press release was produced by the Arapahoe County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.