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1. Who is allowed to apply?

Beverly focused nonprofit organizations, or an organization that is exempt from Federal income taxation and that is described in section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and faith-based organizations. Businesses are not eligible to apply for this grant program. Also, an organization must have, or be working towards, an active Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number and System Award Management (SAM) registration in order to be eligible.  (https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration)

The applicant is responsible as a subrecipient of federal funding under CFDA #21.027- City of Beverly American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant Program and must be listed in their respective Single Audit Act report. Subrecipients that expend more than $750,000 in federal funding are subject to the Single Audit Act.

2. How much can I apply for?

The maximum award entities will be allocated through this program is $200,000. Upon award, 50% of the funding will be allocated to the respective organization; subsequent reporting will be required by the awardee on a semi-annual basis, beginning 6 months after the initial distribution, detailing project activities.  The first semi-annual report will initiate the second disbursement (25%) and the final disbursement (25%) will occur upon the last semi-annual report prior to the expected project completion.

3. What can I use the funding for and when is the application due?

We strongly recommend applicants focus on general operating funding needs that have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Please be aware that ARPA funds cannot be used for new projects that are unrelated to effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. If your organization has begun to develop a proposal related to new projects or purchases unrelated to how your organization or the populations you serve were impacted by COVID-19, please change the focus of your application to an eligible activity. Treasury guidance has also been provided to show all eligible uses under ARPA. Ineligible uses include the following:

• Deposit into pension funds- the statute provides that recipients may not use Fiscal Recovery Funds for deposit into any pension fund. More specifically, the interim final rule does not permit assistance to be used to make a payment into the pension system if:

  • The payment reduces a liability incurred prior to the start of the COVID-19 public health emergency;

  • The payment occurs outside the recipient’s regular timing for making such payments.

• Funds cannot be used to offset a reduction in net tax revenue. 

• Other restrictions on use- payments from Fiscal Recovery Funds are subject to pre-existing limitations provided in other Federal statutes and regulations and may not be used as non-Federal for other Federal programs whose statute or regulations bar the use of Federal funds to meet matching requirements.   

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS NOW BEEN EXTENDED TO THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON FRIDAY JULY 1st.  PLEASE NOTE THAT CITY CLOSES AT 1PM ON FRIDAY JULY 1st

4. How do I submit my application?

A link to the application portal will be provided on the City website. The application checklist indicates the necessary attachments the applicant will be required to provide.   All organizations must fill out a budget or they will not be eligible to receive funding. All required documents must be uploaded to your electronic application. If you cannot provide a particular document, please upload a statement explaining your particular hardship or eligibility as it relates to the specific form.

5. What forms are required in the application process?

In addition to the questions contained in the application, the following documents are required as part of your submission.

• Proposed Project Budget- A budget detailing the proposed expenditures over the course of the grant term.  Any format is acceptable, however the more detailed the budget the better.  Please include general category descriptions of the expenses by spending category. All organizations must fill out a budget or they will not be eligible to receive funding.  Upon award you will be responsible for each expenditure and must provide a quarterly report regarding progress, in addition to backup documentation such as invoices. 

• Budget Narrative – This attachment can be in any format the applicant chooses.  It should clearly articulate the spending categories contained in the Proposed Project Budget and how they relate to the overall proposal.  Please be detailed so the readers are able to understand exactly what is being proposed.

• IRS 990 Statement – Please upload the most recent statement available for your organization.

• Audited Financial Statements – Please upload the most recent available financial statements of the organization.

• Current Operating Budget – Please upload a copy of the operating budget of the organization.

• IRS 501(c)(3) Letter – Please include a copy of the IRS determination letter for the organization.

• W-9 Form – Please upload a signed w-9.

**The documents must be attached to your application. If you cannot provide a particular document, please upload a statement explaining why. 

In addition to the documents required for application, upon award, the City of Beverly will require some additional documentation up to and including the following;

• Grant Agreement documents

• SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance- The ARPA grant program is the same as a federal grant application in which the applicant is required to file a federal assistance form. Instructions on how to fill the form are on the website. Sections that are highlighted and bolded must be filled out in particular. Do the best you can with filling this out. 

• Disclosure of Lobbying Activities- this form is required on federal applications and ensures your organization has not engaged in lobbying activities. 

• Certification of Debarment and Suspension- this form is to be filled to ensure your organization has not been convicted of fraud or suspended for any reason.

• Title VI Civil Rights Act Compliance- this form is required by the Treasury Department to ensure an organization commits to fair practices under the Civil Rights Act.  

• Other Federal Assurance related documentation that may be required for Federal awards.

6. When will my application be reviewed and what is the review process?

A review committee consisting of a member of the Finance Department, Mayor’s Office, and a community liaison, will review and score applications based on the evaluation rubric on the City’s website.

7. How do I know if I am awarded?

If awarded, the applicant will receive an award letter signed by the Mayor and Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, a packet of award documentation will be provided including a grant agreement to be reviewed and signed by the respective nonprofit and faith-based organization. All state, federal, and local procurement laws will apply.

8. How long is the grant period?

The grant period will cover up to two years from the date of an executed grant agreement or September 30th, 2024, whichever is sooner.  All awardees will be required to close out any final expenses and provide all outstanding invoices, receipts, and grant reports to the City’s grant contacts.

9. Are there any reporting requirements?

Yes. The awardee will be responsible for providing a detailed semiannual expenditure report (provided upon award) outlining expenses incurred in addition to current objectives/goals, project activities, and principal accomplishments based on the provided timeline in the application. During the reporting period awardees must provide all supporting documentation (invoices) as it relates to expenses incurred.

10. How will my application be graded?

A review committee will review and score applications based on the evaluation rubric contained below. Recommendations will be made by the committee based on how the applicant scores. Applicants will be scored fairly and equally no matter the size of the organization. Applicants will be evaluated and compared among similar organizations intending to address similar impacts. Beginning on June 27th 2022, all applications will be reviewed with a letter and grant contract packet provided to successful applicants following the final decisions.

View the rubric here for the ARPA Nonprofit Grant program.

11. What happens if I need to make a change to my budget and/or scope of services?

Semiannual reporting periods will provide an opportunity for awardees to amend the budget as necessary, while maintaining the outlined eligibility. If a budget adjustment is needed soon an amendment letter must be submitted to the City of Beverly’s ARPA Non-Profit grant coordinator. Similarly, changes in the scope of services must be amended during the semiannual report period, or a written letter must be filed to the grant coordinators. 

12. What happens if I do not comply with the requirements?

Awardees that do not comply with federal, state, and local guidelines and reporting requirements set forth in this agreement, may be subject to a termination of contract and required to return the funds to the City of Beverly. Additionally, any remaining funds that are not expended are subject to be returned to the City of Beverly. 

13. Who do I reach out to if I have any questions?

Any questions you may have before, during, or after you submit your application regarding the proper use of funds, narrative development, and filling out forms can be directed to: 

ARPA@beverlyma.gov