Giving Back to Help Others
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! This is the time of year when we express how grateful and blessed we are. However, many people, though thankful, may be having a tough time buying food, paying rent, or dealing with other unfortunate economic situations.
This year, I am grateful that the Town of Hilton Head Island will be able to help some of our residents have a brighter holiday season, thanks to funds—specifically $1 million—we received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021.
ARPA is the federal government’s legislation that provides funding to local governments to help them respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency. In total, the town received $5,227,178.00 million that will be used for several projects.
We will be working with the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry to disburse funds to local organizations that have the capacity to help island residents whose lives have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Helping our residents who may be struggling because of the pandemic is the best way to use some of these funds. There are still individuals trying to get back on their feet after what our community has been through over the last 20 months.
The way this will work is by local social service organizations applying for assistance so they can help those who walk through their doors. Organizations can apply to receive up to $50,000 to address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency such as healthcare, housing assistance, childcare and education, rent and utility assistance, food insecurity, and other related issues. An advisory committee appointed by the Community Foundation’s board of directors will review applications. Grants will be distributed over a two-year period with a total of $1 million being awarded by the end of fiscal year 2023.
The first grant cycle will start immediately, with the application deadline of November 30, 2021. Additional cycles will be defined as needed. Grant guidelines and a link to the grant application can be found at Community Foundation of the Lowcountry’s website: cf-lowcountry.org under non-profits and grantees. Grantees will be announced once decisions are made.
As the organizations prepare to seek funding, we know there a multitude of individual residents and families who need help. We hope you will connect with organizations that receive grants so you can get support to help ease financial burdens.