top of page

Grant Programs

Below are the links to the grant programs Penobscot County is hosting. They have different levels of requirements based on the different amounts that will be funded through each. Please read the program information for each before applying. You may only apply for one grant regardless of which program you choose.

The Commissioner's Fund

Each commissioner is allotted $300,000 to distribute to organizations that are tackling issues in their specific districts. These organizations may have missed the application process for some reason, or didn’t address the priorities of the larger county as identified at the listening sessions, or may be for-profit organizations that would have fallen outside the beneficiary funding application rules. These awards are released at the discretion of the Commissioners to fund worthy projects in their districts.

 

Proposed guidance for awards from this fund.

  • All awards must still meet the larger rules for ARPA funding. (See bottom of the page*).

  • All awards would be for less than $50,000 so that they are Beneficiaries as defined by Treasury.

  • Organizations that have already received Beneficiary awards may receive additional money but may not exceed the $49,999 Beneficiary limit.

  • Awards are for at least $5000.

  • Awards are reviewed before presentation by all the Commissioners.

 

*As these are considered Beneficiary Awards there are few rules from Treasury.

  • The organization must be able to show how they were impacted by COVID or the closures related to it.

  • None of the money can go to programs that work to dissuade people from getting vaccinated or work against the purpose of the funding.

  • It can’t be used to pay off a judgement against an organization.

  • It can’t be used to set up a rainy-day fund for the organization.

  • It can’t be used to fund a pension for the organization.

  • It must be obligated by 12/31/24

  • It must be spent by 12/31/26

​

If you would like to apply for this funding you may access the application here: Commissioner's Fund Application

The Beneficiary Grant Program

This program is for nonprofits, other charitable organizations administering funds through a fiscal agent, and towns that have been impacted by the pandemic. These awards are capped at $25,000. These awards will have fewer administrative requirements.

 

This is a competitive funding program and not everyone who submits an application will receive funding. More information can be found by clicking the link to the right

Sub-Recipient Application

Budget and Budget Narrative: This must be filled out and attached to your application

Please download and read the Treasury's Compliance and Reporting Guide before applying to the Sub-recipients program. This is information for Recipients (Penobscot County) and the regulations pass through to Sub-Recipients.

Below is a checklist of questions to ask as you get ready to apply for funding. There are links with more information. Information from the Compliance and Reporting Guide will supersede any information listed in the checklist or links. All links will take you to websites outside this one.

Sub-Recipient Grant Program

This program is for nonprofits, other organizations administering funds through a fiscal agent, and towns that have been impacted by the pandemic. These awards start at $25,000. These awards will have more intensive administrative requirements in keeping with the Federal regulations governing them. There are eligibility criteria you must meet to apply for this program. If you can not meet them you may still apply for the Beneficiary Program or use a Fiscal Agent to administer any funds awarded.

 

This is a competitive funding program and not everyone who submits an application will receive funding. More information can be found by clicking the program link to the left.

bottom of page