City of Worcester ARPA Grants

The City of Worcester received $146 million from the federal government as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) passed by Congress in 2021. The massive stimulus package was designed to provide relief to communities around the country as they recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, Worcester’s Executive Office of Economic Development announced a plan to spend $17.25 million on a first round of grant programs. Only residents, nonprofits, and businesses in the City of Worcester can apply.

 

Visit the City’s website for ARPA grants

 

Because this is federal money that the city is giving out, every applicant must have an active registration in SAM.gov and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) provided by SAM.gov. SAM.gov is the federal government’s system for disbursing grant money. Please refer to the Chamber’s guide for assistance on how to get your UEI for your legally registered entity.

 

Step-by-step Guide for Receiving a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) with SAM.gov

 

The programs are as follows:

 

Community Projects & Programs

A program for nonprofits to assist with their operational and capital needs to address the pandemic’s negative effects on social issues like food security, childcare, and more. Please refer to the program’s RFP to see if your nonprofit is eligible.

  • Program total funding: $10,000,000
  • Application funding range: Up to $250,000 for operations, up to $1,000,000 for capital improvement projects.
  • Due September 30, 2022

 

Small Business Safety Net

Grants for small businesses in specific industries negatively impacted by the pandemic. Please refer to the program’s RFP to see if your business is eligible.

  • Program total funding: $2,500,000
  • Application funding range: Up to $11,500 for businesses open before April 1, 2020; up to $6,500 for businesses open after April 1, 2020
  • Due October 14, 2022
  • Technical assistance workshops taking place September 14, 15, and 16. Click on the flyer below for more information.

Small Business Technical Assistance

Grants for nonprofits and other community organizations that provide technical assistance to underserved businesses for COVID-19 recovery.

  • Program total funding: $500,000
  • Application funding range: Individual organizations can request up to $50,000; two or more partner organizations can request up to $100,000
  • Due September 30, 2022

 

Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation

A program to provide grants to owner-occupied properties to assist in addressing building or sanitary code violations.

  • Program total funding: $2,500,000
  • Application funding range: Up to $30,000 per eligible unit

 

Lead Paint Abatement

A program for property owners for the abatement of lead paint hazards in residential properties built prior to 1978.

  • Program total funding: $1,500,000
  • Application funding range: Up to $15,000 per eligible unit

 

First Time Homeownership Development

A grant for developers to build first-time homeownership opportunities in low-income areas of Worcester. Developments with up to 4 housing units are eligible.

  • Program total funding: $2,500,000
  • Application funding range: Up to $100,000 per unit

 

Flood Insurance

Grants to assist owner-occupied properties in commonly flooded areas to help with insurance premiums.

  • Program total funding: $250,000
  • Application funding range: Up to 50% of annual flood insurance premium cost to assist owner-occupied properties located in flood zones.