Branford Taps BCF to Recommend $395,000 in ARPA Charitable Distributions
Press Release, Branford Community Foundation
The Branford Board of Selectmen (BOS) has selected the Branford Community Foundation (BCF) to create a recommendation for $395,000 in federal funding to charitable organizations through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in partnership with the town. BCF is carefully crafting its approach to align with the scope and magnitude of the program with the goal of launching the process in June 2023.
BCF’s Community Investment Committee will manage the ARPA recommendations with the same rigor and transparency used for the Foundation’s competitive grantmaking processes. The team will convene with local stakeholders to engage in dialogue about needs, resources, and priorities in the recovery to ensure the process generates the most significant impact for Branford residents. BCF will present the results of the process through recommendations for funding to the Town of Branford for review and ultimate fund distribution.
“This is a great opportunity to make key investments in area nonprofit programs and services necessary to help people recover from the pandemic,” explained Board Chair Stephanie Donegan Dietz. “We are honored to take part in the process and look forward to leveraging our strong relationships with community-serving organizations, understanding of the areas hit hardest by COVID, and extensive funding experience.”
In explaining the BOS decision, First Selectman James Cosgrove cited the benefits of charging the development of a recommendation to an outside organization.
“The Town of Branford recognizes the important work many nonprofits perform in serving our community. The allocation of ARPA funds is an opportunity to support nonprofits negatively impacted by the pandemic, and aid their efforts in becoming resilient when faced with future challenges.” Cosgrove added, “Branford turned to the Branford Community Foundation, a trusted institution, to assist the Town with the grant award process. The Foundation’s depth of experience in assessing the needs within our community will help ensure the effective use of the available funds.”
ARPA funds are the realization of 2020 legislation designed to provide billions of dollars to communities nationwide as part of pandemic relief efforts. The federal monies are intended to address the negative impacts caused by the COVID public health emergency.
“We’re a philanthropic organization focused on enriching the quality of life in Branford by supporting high-impact community organizations and initiatives,” Executive Director Liza Janssen Petra commented. “As the details emerge, we will proactively communicate the timeline and process for review the of APRA funds. We will encourage all nonprofits negatively impacted by COVID offering services or programs utilized by residents to apply.”