Officials from two organizations, Walworth County and the United Way of Walworth County, have partnered to award more than $48,000 to 19 area nonprofits.

According to information released by the two organization Thursday, the awards are made possible “through the fifth round of funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant-funding program.

As noted in the release, “announced in December 2021, the grant-funding program is intended to offset the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic incurred by local 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) agencies.”

“The grant-funding partnership with Walworth County has more than succeeded in its goal to provide a lifeline to local nonprofits that faced tremendous financial and operational challenges in the recovery from the pandemic. These organizations do so much to support Walworth County residents. By supporting these agencies, we contribute to the resiliency and wellbeing of our communities,” United Way of Walworth County Executive Director Brian Holt was quoted as saying in the release.

The 19 grant recipients include: Aram Public Library, Bethel House of Whitewater, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Central Wisconsin, Boys and Girls Club of Dane & Walworth County, Community Action of Rock and Walworth Counties/Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless, Elkhorn Food Pantry, Geneva Lake Conservancy, Geneva Lakes Family YMCA, Geneva Lake Museum, Join the Movement Events, New Beginnings APFV, Safe Families for Children Southeastern Wisconsin, Seeds of Hope, Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills (SMILES), St. Andrew, Tree House Child and Family Center, United Way of Jefferson and Walworth County, Walworth County Literacy Council, and Wisconsin Makers. 

The agencies received between $1,000 and $6,000 apiece and may utilize the grants for assistance in implementing COVID-19 prevention or mitigation tactics; technical assistance, consulting, or other services for business planning; assistance with payroll support, costs to retain employees or other operating costs; or outreach efforts for qualifying populations impacted by COVID-19.

The Walworth County Board of Supervisors recently approved a total of $400,000 in grant funds for distribution to local 501(c)(3) nonprofit and 501(c)19 veterans service agencies in 2025 and 2026. Applications for the next round of funding will be available in early 2025. The application and additional details will be available on the United Way of Walworth County’s website.  

A board comprised of United Way of Walworth County committee members selected the grant recipients based on their application, submission of required documentation, and using a scoring rubric. Only 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) organizations were eligible to apply, the release read.

The project is supported in whole or part by federal award number FAIN #SLFRP 2146 awarded to Walworth County by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the release noted.