COLUMBUS (WCMH) – Columbus has received $ 93 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan (ARP), of which more than $ 15 million will be used for summer and anti-violence programs for the city’s youth.
The city is expected to receive a total of $ 187 million from ARP to provide assistance in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Columbus has pledged $ 19.7 million to these youth programs and will use $ 15.6 million of ARP funding for these efforts, with the remainder coming from the city’s Recreation and Parks Department. According to a city press release, the department will use $ 4.2 million to help qualified nonprofits that offer youth programs that address educational disparities and / or promote healthy children’s environments.
“Our city and our people continue to suffer from the aftermath of the global pandemic, and no one is more affected than our young people,” said Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther in a press release. “Our first US dollar investment in the rescue plan will help our children regain some of what they have lost by providing them with programming, education and employment opportunities through the city departments and community partners.”
The funds will be added to the city over a period of two years and must be used by 2024.
“We are advancing a bold plan with the Mayor to invest nearly $ 20 million in nonprofits focused on protecting our children and helping them catch up,” City Council President Shannon Hardin said in the press release. “This package of ARP projects is critical to Columbus overcoming the brutal challenges brought to neighborhoods by COVID-19 restrictions and frustrations. Together with local partners, we help people get back to work, go back to class and live their lives safely. “
Nonprofits can apply for help online by completing this form.
