TO THE RESCUE. Two grants programs are open to small businesses and nonprofits in Eau Claire County. (Photo via Unsplash)

Funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) are available through two grant programs to be offered in Eau Claire County. These programs are being administered by the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (WCWRPC).

The first grant program will provides $5,000 grants to businesses and nonprofits in the county that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These grants are only available to small businesses with fewer than 20 employees and nonprofits that have a 501(c)3 designation operating within Eau Claire County. The application deadline for this grant is April 26 at 5pm.

The second grant program will provide grants between $10,000 and $100,000 to small businesses and nonprofits that have been, in the words of a WCWRPC media release, “implementing forward-thinking and innovative projects, programs, or efforts that will assist the greater community in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.” The deadline for this application is May 16 by 5pm.

Eau Claire County has allocated $2 million for these programs in the hopes of providing the help needed for small businesses and nonprofits all around Eau Claire County.

To apply, you can go to co.eau-claire.wi.us.