Millions of dollars’ worth of grants will be allocated to more than 60 nonprofit organizations across Camden County as part of the board of commissioners’ COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant Program, according to a Wednesday announcement.
The grants were awarded to organizations that 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 COVID-19 public health emergency; and strengthen the county’s travel, tourism and hospitality industries, whose operations have been substantially affected by the pandemic.
“The nonprofits selected for these grants, such as the Boys and Girls Club and several VFW posts, have worked tirelessly over the last two years to continue providing our community with vital services,” Commissioner Melinda Kane said. “Ensuring that these organizations have the tools to recover and thrive will play a pivotal part in the county’s journey into a post-pandemic world. These funds will preserve and allow organizations to expand the scope of their missions across the board and make our community stronger through their tireless efforts throughout Camden County.”
The grants are funded through a federal allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act that was signed into law early in 2021. The bill has provided funding to local, county and state governments throughout the nation. This allocation has been part of $55 million in federal funds the board of commissioners has made available to different hard-hit sectors of the community, including rental assistance and small business grants.
U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-1st Dist.) talked about the impact these funds are having throughout the county for a variety of mission driven organizations.
“The American Rescue Plan continues to play a fundamental role in our recovery from the pandemic, and I am proud to have voted to make this funding available,” Norcross said. “Many nonprofits that provide vital services to vulnerable members of our community saw donations dry up as household finances were turned upside down by the pandemic. This funding will ensure nonprofits that helped in our time of need receive the help they need to keep fulfilling their missions.”
