Applications are being accepted now for the first round of funding from a Community Grant Program set up in Knox County utilizing American Rescue Plan Act funding.
The Knox County Board announced on Monday that $1.5 million in ARPA funds was being allocated for proposals to address areas identified in the legislation that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those areas include public health, negative economic impacts of the pandemic, services to communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, and infrastructure — such as water, sewer, or broadband services.
The application form can be downloaded at the county’s website and includes details regarding the range of eligible projects within each broad category.
Grant applications will be reviewed by the county’s ARPA Advisory Task Force, which may require additional information or interview applicants.
The grants will be evaluated based on “how directly they address an issue created or exacerbated by the pandemic, the feasibility and potential impact of the project, the degree to which it will strengthen the County’s ability to weather a future pandemic, the degree to which the proposal includes potential partners, the completeness of the proposed budget, and the prospects for sustainability of the project in the future.”
Recommendations for funding will be made by the task force to the Knox County Board, who will make the final decision. Recipients will need to comply with all ARPA federal requirements and record-keeping, as well as other criteria.
The first round of the grant program will run through May 23, ending at 4:00 p.m. The county says future rounds may be announced if funding remains.
