Washtenaw County government has launched a new portal for organizations to apply for the newly approved Community Priority Fund (CPF). The CPF is a strategic initiative funded by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners using the County’s federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation. The goal of the CPF is to equitably invest in under-resourced communities to support service organizations, particularly those who have not been previously eligible to contract with Washtenaw County.
The Community Priority Fund application will be open from Monday, March 7, 2022, at 9 am through Thursday, April 7, 2022, at midnight. All complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered.
Organizations and business entities, not individuals, are eligible to apply. The county will provide technical support and assistance to ensure organizations will have the capacity to complete the application and contracting process successfully. In addition to ad hoc assistance, there will be specific technical assistance sessions designed to answer questions and offer guidance on the application process. Attendance at a technical assistance session is optional but strongly advised.
Technical Assistance Session (click a date to register):
Monday, March 7, 2022, at 6 pm
Monday, March 14, 2022, at 9 am
Monday, March 21, 2022, at 6 pm
Monday, March 28, 2022, at 9 am
Funding priority will be given to organizations that have not previously received funding from or been contracted with to provide services with Washtenaw County. Organizations representing populations that have historically been underrepresented in Washtenaw County granting or contracting will be also be given preference. These funds are targeted investments to service zip codes 48197/48198 and/or low opportunity areas per the Washtenaw County Opportunity Index, and/or areas with high social vulnerability scores per the CDC Social Vulnerability Index.
Eligible proposals should fall under one of the following ARPA-approved categories.
- Community Violence Interventions: Evidence-based community violence intervention programs to prevent violence and mitigate the increase in violence during the pandemic.
- Addressing Educational Disparities: Evidence-based educational services and practices to address the academic needs of students, including tutoring, summer, after-school, and other extended learning and enrichment programs.
- Expanding Early Childhood Education: Programs or services help develop new or expanded high-quality childcare to provide safe, supportive, and educational care for children
- Direct Assistance to Households Program: Programs that provide assistance to households or populations facing negative economic impacts due to COVID-19, including, but not limited to food assistance, cash assistance, job training, and other basic needs.
- Addressing Housing and Homelessness: Programs or services that address housing insecurity, lack of affordable housing, or homelessness, such as supportive housing, residential counseling, housing navigation, legal services, eviction prevention, and other housing needs.