Thanks to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, help is on the way for local nonprofits that were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oakdale City Council members approved the mechanism, Monday night, March 21, that will open up the application process for funds set aside as part of the multi-million dollar federal relief program that has enabled many communities to keep rolling in spite of catastrophic trauma to everyday working lives.

City Council allocated $100,000 from this funding as the source for the Oakdale ARPA Non-Profit Grant Program and it will have zero fiscal impact to the General Fund.

Oakdale City Manager Bryan Whitemyer shared Council’s excitement in setting the application process in motion and helping the wheels move smoothly to assist those in need, saying, “We want as quickly as possible to process those checks and get the money into their hands.”

Council member Christopher Smith echoed that sentiment.

“This is another tremendous opportunity that we’re handing out to the nonprofits … I’m very happy about this,” he said.

The application window will close April 15, at the end of business day, 5 p.m. Grants will be awarded at the May 2 City Council meeting and disbursed shortly after.

General eligibility for the COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant Program are as follows:

Must be a non-profit located within the City limits of the City of Oakdale.

However, should the City of Oakdale have excess funding, there may be the potential to open up a second round of funding that would be open to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that are located outside the City limits but provide services within the City.

Proof of at least consecutive months of operation from March 19, 2020.

Provide information describing the funds lost during the pandemic from not being able to hold normal fundraising events.

For more information about the grant program and application process, contact City Hall at 209-845-3571.

In other city business, the City of Oakdale is planning a community meeting to discuss Cottles Woods Park and Fish Park improvements and is looking for community input. The meeting will be held at the Gene Bianchi Community Center at 110 S. Second Ave., scheduled for Wednesday, March 30, at 6 p.m.