$8M In Grants Available For Camden County Nonprofits

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — Nonprofit groups in Camden County are now eligible for up to $500,000 in grant money that is available from the federal government, officials announced on Tuesday.

The grants, which are available through Camden County’s COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant Program, are intended to support organizations which serve vulnerable and at-need populations within the county, provide on-demand pandemic-focused services that are critical to the county’s public health and safety response to the pandemic, and strengthen the county’s travel, tourism, and hospitality industries whose operations have been substantially affected by the pandemic.

The money may be used retroactively to reimburse organizations that spent money as a result of the pandemic. It can also be used to enhance existing programs and services that will be necessary to help programs find their way through the pandemic between Oct. 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022.

The program was set up by the county using federal funds from the American Recovery Plan (ARP) Act. A total of $8 million is available. It is part of $33 million in funds the county has made available this year to different hard-hit sectors of the community, including rental assistance and small business grants.

Last week, officials announced that up to $10 million in ARP funds was available for small businesses that had been negatively impacted by the pandemic. Read more here: $10M In Small Business Grants Available In Camden County

“Camden County is home to some of the state’s finest nonprofit organizations, many of which have been working nonstop for nearly two years to help protect our residents and respond to this crisis,” Camden County Commissioner Melinda Kane said. “Just as we have used federal funds to support private businesses, we are launching this round of funding to ensure that these mission driven institutions are not left in the lurch as we prepare for the next stage of this new normal. We encourage all who meet the program criteria to apply.”

“Local nonprofits have been critical to supporting our communities throughout the pandemic, working around the clock to make sure South Jersey families have what they need to get by,” Rep. Donald Norcross (D-Camden/Burlington/Gloucester) said. “American Rescue Plan funds will provide the support nonprofits require and deserve to continue serving local families who need it most.”

Applications must be submitted via mail or email by 5 p.m. on Nov. 30. Camden County says is not responsible for late submissions and submissions that do not meet all terms and conditions of the program.

More information regarding program requirements, terms, and conditions, is available on camdencounty.com, and any organization with questions can email info@camdencountycommuintygrant.com.

The announcement took place at the American Legion Post 372 in Cherry Hill Tuesday afternoon.

“I’m proud of our Camden County Commissioners for providing a vital lifeline to many organizations in and around Cherry Hill, including veterans groups that have provided an invaluable resource for many of our most vulnerable residents during the pandemic,” Cherry Hill Mayor Susan Shin Angulo said. “When combined with the Township’s own programs, we will be able to emerge from Covid-19, stronger than ever.”

John Brouse, Commander of the American Legion Posts throughout Camden County and a Gulf War veteran, talked about the pain that organizations have been feeling over the last 19 months.

“On behalf of the 18 American Legion posts that reside within Camden County this grant could not come at a better time,” Brouse said. “COVID-19, unfortunately, has forced many posts to close across the nation due to the inability to raise funds to support various veterans’ programs. Our veterans deserve the best and these funds will help us continue our mission, assisting veterans within the great county of Camden.”

“COVID-19 has left no stone unturned in its devastation — from our local households to our small businesses, so many have felt the financial impact from the pandemic,” Assemblyman Bill Moen (D-5) said. “Sadly, our VFW and American Legion posts were not spared from this damage. As the son of a disabled Vietnam veteran and member of my local VFW Auxiliary, I know firsthand that our VFW Halls and American Legion Posts aim to foster a sense of camaraderie among veterans, military personnel and their families while also advocating on their behalves and providing support and assistance when needed. This grant program will truly be lifesaving to our posts that were not able to operate and raise funds for a good portion of the pandemic. Getting help to our local veteran organizations will ensure that we have their backs, after they’ve had our backs defending our freedoms.”

Kathy White, the chief operating officer of Volunteers of America Delaware Valley spoke about the impact this money can have on nonprofit budgets.

“The ability for nonprofits to access these funds will be vital for organizations to continue to provide or expand critical services into the communities we serve, especially during the pandemic,” White said. “I want to thank the Commissioners for implementing this program and the formulation of this grant initiative for VOA and so many of our partners.”