NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY (NOFA)

City of Lowell – American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Cultural Economy Recovery Grants Funding Opportunity: Lowell Bicentennial Celebration Support 

Overview

The City of Lowell is announcing the availability of grant funding to support cultural and creative initiatives as part of the Lowell Bicentennial—a yearlong celebration of the city’s 200th anniversary, resilience, and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding opportunity is made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is intended to revitalize Lowell’s cultural economy, which was disproportionately impacted by pandemic-related disruptions. 

Funding Details

· Total Available Funding: $250,000  

· Maximum Award per Applicant: $50,000  

· Minimum Award: No minimum specified  

· Source of Funds: ARPA allocation administered through the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF)  

· Number of Awards: Dependent on application quality and funding availability  

Eligible Applicants

· Nonprofit organizations, cultural institutions, and event producers operating within Lowell, MA  

· Applicants must demonstrate alignment with the Bicentennial celebration and its goals of cultural revitalization and economic recovery  

Eligible Activities

· Planning and execution of Bicentennial-related events, festivals, and programs  

· Marketing and outreach to attract visitors and promote Lowell as a cultural destination  

· Infrastructure or capacity-building efforts directly tied to Bicentennial programming  

ARPA Compliance Requirements

All funded activities must comply with ARPA guidelines, including:  

· Purpose: Respond to the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic  

· Allowable Use: Support for impacted industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality  

· Reporting: Recipients must provide documentation of expenditures and outcomes consistent with ARPA reporting requirements  

· Period of Performance: All funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024 and expended by December 31, 2026  

Application Process

· Application Deadline: Open until funding is exhausted  

· Submission Method: https://form.jotform.com/253146052666154  

· Required Documentation:

•  Project narrative and budget  
•  Demonstration of COVID-19 impact and recovery strategy  
•  Organizational capacity and compliance certifications  
•  W-9 Form (included in Jotform application) 

Evaluation Criteria

· Alignment with Bicentennial goals  

· Economic impact and community benefit  

· Feasibility and sustainability of proposed activities  

· Compliance with ARPA requirements