ARPA – West Virginia

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is an opportunity for West Virginia to put the wellbeing of communities first. Our communities need help and nonprofits have been the bedrock of connecting with and uplifting West Virginia Communities, especially during times of crisis and recovery.

As part of the $1.9 trillion ARPA economic stimulus package, which became effective on March 1, 2021, Congress declared that:

“State, Local, Tribal, and territorial governments may use their allocations of the $350 billion in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to provide ‘assistance to households, small businesses, AND NONPROFITS, or to aid impacted industries.”
–H.R. 1319, The American Rescue Plan Act, Sec.602(c)(1)(A), page 223

Eligible uses (for nonprofits)*:
– Responding to the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic, including assistance (grants) to nonprofits;
– Supporting public health responses, such as vaccination, medical care, testing, contract tracing, isolation and quarantine, capital investments such as physical plant improvements;
– Supporting recovery programs, such as mental health services, crisis intervention, substance use treatment, housing, etc.;
– Providing payroll and benefits for public health and public safety workers, including retroactive pay.

*The list of eligible uses is not exhaustive, so it is recommended that projects or programs specifically mention “recovery” in the stated goal or impact.

During the COVID crisis, we have seen that nonprofits are vital to providing both relief and recovery to our communities. Nonprofits are providing increased food assistance, mental health supports, childcare, and housing. They are training and placing people in jobs, educating children and adults, and caring for animals and our environment. Arts and cultural organizations are poised to revitalize our main streets and inspire communities. Nonprofits have responded to new needs but are feeling the strain of doing more with less, working long hours with fewer volunteers, and spending down limited reserves.

Let’s work together to ensure that nonprofits can continue their vital contributions to our recovery.

ARPA Resources

ARPA Overview

• What is in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) – House Committee on the Budget
• Analysis of Key Provisions of ARPA Affecting Nonprofits – National Council of Nonprofits

Nonprofit ARPA Toolbox

• Communication Template – Word document download
• County Commissioner and Municipal Leader Contact List – Searchable Excel document download

Informational Sessions

• West Virginia American Rescue Plan Act Listening Tour – August 2021 – December 2022
  • The Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs (HHOMA), in partnership with the Office of the Governor Jim Justice, is traveling to all 55 counties for a listening tour focused on the ARPA. Click on the link above for additional information.
• Investing ARPA Funds in the Work of Charitable Nonprofits, Promoting Nonprofit – Government Partnerships (Recording), from Tuesday, August 10.
  • Webinar PowerPoint Slides

ARPA Messaging

• Topline Messages – What Nonprofits want Government Partners to Know – WVNPA

Principles for ARPA Funding

• 10 Funding Principles for the American Rescue Plan Act – WVNPA
• Principles, Recommendation, and Models for Investing Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – National Council of Nonprofits

Federal ARPA Grants

• American Rescue Plan Act Build Back Better Regional Challenge
  EDA-HDQ-ARPBBB-2021-2006976
• American Rescue Plan Act Good Jobs Challenge
  EDA-HDQ-ARPGJ-2021-2006964
• Promoting Vaccine Confidence in Local Communities through Partnership with Regional Health Offices
  NV-VSR-21-001

Treasury Department Resources

• Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
• Interim Final Rule, effective May 17, 2021
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Fact Sheet

State-by-State Resources

• State and Local Funds – ARPA – National Council of Nonprofits (continually updated)
• ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Fund Allocations – National Council of State Legislatures (updated regularly)

Other Important Links:

• ARPA Local Relief Frequently Asked Questions – National League of Cities
• Summary of ARPA Provisions – Independent Sector
• ARPA & Broadband, The ARPA is the Broadband Down Payment the Country Needs – Brookings