Somerville Opens New ARPA Funding Round to Support General Operations for Local Nonprofits

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is announcing $2 million in City funding support for area nonprofits, leveraging funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The online program portal is now open and will accept applications until July 31, 2023, at 5 p.m.

“I know firsthand how challenging it can be for nonprofit organizations to create innovative, impactful programming, while simultaneously paying the day-to-day bills all organizations face,” said Mayor Ballantyne. “Which is why I’m thrilled to announce the City’s $2 million funding round specifically to help our nonprofit community pay for those behind-the-scenes expenses. By giving our nonprofit community help with operations, we can allow them to continue to grow and build on their invaluable work, making a tangible difference in the lives of our residents.”

The current round of funding will provide awards of up to $25,000 to support general operations for 501(c)3 nonprofits serving the Somerville community. Nonprofits located within the City of Somerville will receive preference, but all organizations serving Somerville residents are invited to apply. Funding awards will be based on gross income and the scope of COVID-19’s financial impact on the organization. Organizations will be notified of their award on a rolling basis.

Funds may be used for the following:

• Payroll
• Mortgages
• Rent
• Other operating expenses
• Costs associated with mitigation or prevention of COVID-19 (example: enhanced cleaning expenses, barriers or partitions, or COVID-19 vaccination, testing, masks, hand sanitizer and other covid-19 related expenses)

Interested nonprofits can review the ARPA website for more information: somervillema.gov/arpa or contact Erica Satin-Hernandez, ARPA Specialist for the City of Somerville, via email ateshernandez@somervillema.gov.

The City of Somerville has been allocated $77,504,170 from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to aid in local pandemic recovery efforts. Informed by input from nearly 2,000 survey responses, dozens of focus groups, two public forums, and a 14-member advisory committee, the City has been designating ARPA funds for a wide range of recovery purposes. The complete allocation has been committed to wide-ranging pandemic recovery efforts including from direct aid for households to critical infrastructure investments. Of those allocations, $21,576,030 has been granted to Somerville nonprofits . 

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.