County makes funds available for groups affected by COVID-19

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Richland County is accepting applications for federal funding from organizations serving vulnerable groups that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The county received $15 million in emergency federal funding through the American Rescue Plan and will distribute those funds to help small businesses, nonprofits and other organizations affected by the pandemic, according to a news release.

Eligible organizations can apply for funding online via ZoomGrants through Sept. 30 at https://bit.ly/rc-arpagrant.

Applicants may apply in up to three of the following categories, with a separate application required for each category: small businesses; nonprofits; workforce training; education assistance; home repairs for seniors; addressing food insecurity; broadband services in underserved areas; affordable housing; services for unhoused people; and youth and recreational services.

The county will host two information and training session for organizations interested in applying for the funding. They will be held at 6 p.m. on Sept. 12 and 10 a.m. on Sept. 13 in County Council Chambers on the second floor of the County Administrative Building, located at 2020 Hampton St.

All applications will be reviewed by a qualified third party to ensure that the project and use qualify for ARPA funding. A committee will then review qualifying applications and award funding based on competitive criteria for each category.

For technical assistance with applications, call (803) 576-1355 or 803-576-5459. For more information, visit www.richlandonline.com/arpafunding.