The City of Milford Council recently approved the use of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funding for a Community Grant Program.

The City of Milford is receiving $6.33 million in ARPA funding in two installments – one was received in June 2021 and the balance will arrive in June 2022. The Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Budget directed more than $300,000 in ARPA funding to local nonprofit organizations regularly supported through annual budget appropriations.  In recognition of the emergent needs persisting in Milford, like communities across the country, however, the city is making additional ARPA funding available on a first come, first served basis to nonprofit applicants through Dec. 31, 2024 or the exhaustion of program funding, whichever comes first.

Eligible uses of Community Grant Program funds fall under four (4) categories, three (3) of which apply to nonprofit organizations receiving funding through the City of Milford. Recipients must use the funding in one of the following ways:

1. Response to the impacts of COVID-19 in one of two ways:
   1. Response to the public health emergency, or
   2. Response to the negative economic impacts related to the public health emergency,
2. Provision of premium pay or grants to provide premium pay for essential workers, and
3. Investment in water, sewer (including stormwater) or broadband infrastructure.

Applicants will be required to submit the following application items:

• Cover Sheet/Online Application
• Cover Letter
• Narrative
  1. Organizational Information
  2. Purpose of Funding
  3. Evaluation Plan
• Program/Project Budget
  1. Itemized Budget (Appendix B)
  2. Budget Narrative
• IRS tax-exempt status with all applicable documentation

Applications and complete rules can be found on the city’s website at http://cityofmilford.com/517/Apply-for-a-City-funded-Grant.  Questions about the application process can be sent to mbarger@milford-de.gov.

The City of Milford, incorporated in 1807 and located in Kent and Sussex Counties along the Mispillion River, is home to 10,000+ year-round residents, 500+ retail businesses and non-profits, local restaurants, parks, trails, small town events, major healthcare providers, an historic shipyard, and its own school district.  Known throughout the state as River Town, Art Town, Home Town, the City celebrates the beauty of its natural resources, the ingenuity of its people and its commitment to quality of life.