The City has established programs to assist businesses, non-profits, and residents address negative financial impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Rescue Program Act (ARPA) has provided funds that the City is using for these and many other projects. Each program is summarized below. The goal of these programs is to help our residents, businesses and non-profits get back on their feet and better prepared to be financially successful in the future.
For additional information, please visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/arpa. For any and all questions, please email arpa@collegeparkmd.gov.
ARPA Assistance Funding Awards
In March 2021, the U.S. Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). ARPA provides funding for many programs and services to residents and small businesses of College Park.
The graph to the left will illustrate some of the uses and positive impact of ARPA funding in our community.
2021 ARPA BUSINESS & NON-PROFIT ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
Grants up to $25,000 for Operating and Small Capital Expenditures This program can provide eligible small businesses and non-profits with financial assistance for a wide range of operating expenses and capital investments, such as new equipment, website/ online shopping enhancements, façade improvements, and other costs associated with COVID-related business impacts. Businesses and non-profits must have a physical presence in the City of College Park, employ 75 or fewer full-time (or equivalent) staff, and have been in operation as of November 1, 2021. Certain age-restricted stores are excluded, and national franchises with local owners will be considered on a case-by-case-basis. For additional details, as well as the application form and required documentation, please visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/arpa#business.
2021 ARPA FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES
Grants up to $5,000 per applicant The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance to eligible College Park individuals and families who have a demonstrated financial hardship created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligibility is determined by residency in the City of College Park and proof of need. Applicants are required to provide proof of residency, describe the hardship, and provide certain information/documentation so the City’s review committee can ensure the request fulfills the program requirements. The maximum financial assistance per applicant is $5,000 for eligible expenses (vendors will be paid directly). Assistance for groceries will be in the form of gift cards to College Park stores. Only one application per household. For additional details, as well as the application form and required documentation for resident assistance, please visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/arpa#resident.