The City of Lowell is now accepting applications for grants funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Eligible nonprofits, businesses and community-based organizations can apply for four grants supported by over $3.5 million in COVID-19 relief funding.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make transformative investments throughout the city,” said City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr. “These four grants today are just the beginning of the City Council’s strategy to reinvigorate Lowell’s economy through the use of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. ARPA is intended to address the negative health and economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and these programs are tailored to the specific needs of Lowell’s local economy. We listened to the community need, and we are excited to get underway.”
The four grants are as follows:
- Economic Resilience Grant: ($750,000)
Open to Lowell businesses that have a vision for their future and are seeking financial support to make it happen. This program is designed to provide funds to businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The preliminary application period is now open, and will remain open until March 17, 2023, at 12PM. - Storefront Improvement Grant: ($500,000)
Open to property owners or tenants seeking to renovate or restore ground-floor commercial building exterior facades. This program seeks to increase accessibility to storefronts, improve the appearance of independently owned businesses, and enhance the commercial districts of Lowell. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for matching grants. - Facilities Rehabilitation Grant: ($2,000,000)
Open to local-area shelters and eligible service providers for updating or expanding their existing facilities to better serve their populations. This program is available to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing much-needed food, shelter, support, education, and/or counseling and recovery services to victims of trafficking and domestic violence, and those experiencing homelessness. The preliminary application period is now open, and will remain open until March 31, 2023, at 12PM. - ARPA Ad-Hoc Projects & Services: ($500,000)
Open to area non-profits, community partners, and local businesses and residents with proposals that may otherwise fall outside traditional grant programs. This program is designed to support unique proposals for projects and/or services that could have a positive impact on the City’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with funds up to $30,000 per grant.
Prospective applicants considering the Economic Resilience Grant and Storefront Improvement Grant are encouraged to contact the Economic Development Office in the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) with questions and/or need for assistance: (978) 674-4252 or DoBizinLowell@lowellma.gov. An ARPA Economic Development Grant informational Zoom webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28, at 4:00PM. More information on the application process, as well as webinar registration and how to schedule an office hours session, can be found at the City’s ARPA Funded Economic Development Programs webpage. Online applications are welcome, and as an alternative to applying online, paper applications are available at the DPD’s Economic Development Office, 50 Arcand Drive, 2nd floor.
Facilities Rehabilitation Grant and ARPA Ad-Hoc Projects & Services Grant questions can be directed to the ARPA Finance team: (978) 674-4043 or by email at arpa@lowellma.gov. Prospective applicants can also call or email to schedule a meeting with questions, comments, and concerns regarding the application process. Online applications are available via the City’s ARPA Grant Opportunities webpage. As an alternative to applying online, paper applications are available for pickup in the ARPA Finance team’s office in City Hall, room 34 on the first floor.
The City of Lowell was awarded over $75 million to assist in the ongoing pandemic recovery effort. A dedicated ARPA team, functioning through the City Manager’s Finance Department, is managing ARPA funding for the City with a focus on addressing specific needs within the community and doing so as transparently as possible. For access to the online application in English, Khmer, Portuguese and Spanish, as well as additional information about the funding process and any scheduling changes or updates, please visit the City of Lowell’s ARPA Program page.