Grant deadline extended to aid Cumberland County businesses and mental health organizations

The deadline to apply for Cumberland County Recovery Grants has been extended to July 1. 

The county has made funding available for grants from funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, with a minimum grant size of $50,000 and maximum of $2 million. A 30% match is required for all grants except for mental and physical health services, which require no match.  

Applicants can request a needs-based waiver for a portion or all the required match. Waivers will be considered based upon financial need and other criteria. 

Cumberland County was awarded $49,214,152 in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and received $24,214,152 in May 2021. The county will receive the remaining $25 million in late May 2022. 

The three goals for the grants, the county said, are to improve the physical and mental health of county residents directly & indirectly impacted by COVID-19, revitalize Cumberland County communities negatively impacted by COVID-19, and restore and deliver government services impeded, delayed, or cancelled by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“A portion of the grants available will address the mental and physical health of residents in our community,” said Commissioner Gary Eichelberger. “Since the pandemic began, the county has seen an uptick in mental health cases, and by offering these grants, we are making a commitment to our county.” 

“For the infrastructure grant portion, the county is investing in the development of outdoor recreation areas, providing access to jobs, public transportation, workforce training and repairing water and sewer infrastructure to improve water quality,” said Commissioner Jean Foschi.   

“Many counties and municipalities around the country experienced losses of revenue as a result of COVID-19’s impact on the economy, and the need to spend money on increased sanitation, equipment for remote work and investments to support a safe and healthy workplace,” said Commissioner Vince DiFilippo. 

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