Youth Sports, Food Bank, Land Trust, Wildlife Rehab Receive ARPA Funds

NORTH BRANFORD, CT—The North Branford Town Council has expended its Nonprofit Support Fund created from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, sending critical support to several nonprofits that serve residents, Town Manager Michael Downes said.

Each of the awarded organizations suffered losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, and submitted applications to the Town Council to be considered for one-time funding support. Ceremonial presentations were made at the Council’s June 18 regular meeting.

Among the recipients were five youth sports organizations: North Branford Youth Football and Cheer; Youth Lacrosse; Soccer Club; Youth Basketball; and Little League. Each of these youth sports organizations were awarded $7,500.

The Council also awarded the North Branford Land Conservation Trust $7,000 and the North Branford Food Pantry $9,700. In addition, it awarded $1,500 to Water N’ Web, a Northford water bird rehabilitation organization.

Previous awards went to organizations including All the Kings Horses equine rescue, Totoket Historical Society, Soundview YMCA, and Shoreline Chamber of Commerce.

The Town Council originally appropriated $50,000 of the ARPA funding to the nonprofit support fund, but ended up allocating a total of $75,000 after hearing all applications and evaluation of need.