In an effort to aid nonprofits that are struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic, the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Bucks, in collaboration with the Bucks County Commissioners, recently launched a second COVID-19 Emergency Relief Program.
The first round, announced at the end of March, distributed $600,000 to businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry. This second program will provide $150,000 in direct financial relief to nonprofit organizations in Bucks County that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
Funding is provided through the gross terminal revenue generated from Parx Casino in Bensalem Township, and administered by the Redevelopment Authority under Pennsylvania Gaming legislation introduced by Sen. Tommy Tomlinson.
“When I drafted the legislation creating the Municipal Grant Program, I did so to help our local communities offset any effects from the introduction of casino gaming at Parx,” Tomlinson said. “Now, these critical funds will be used to help offset the effects of a pandemic that forced Parx to shut down. I commend the Redevelopment Authority for thinking outside of the box and for working together with the county to help nonprofit organizations continue their operations that will benefit our communities while we work to defeat COVID-19.”
Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations operating in Bucks County, with priority consideration given to those with a physical location and/or a primary service area in a “Municipal Grant Program-eligible” municipality. These municipalities include Bensalem Township, Bristol Borough, Bristol Township, Hulmeville Borough, Langhorne Borough, Langhorne Manor Borough, Lower Southampton Township, Middletown Township and Penndel Borough.
The maximum grant request is $10,000, with funding targeted to organizations that are currently providing critical services to Bucks County residents in response to the challenges of COVID-19, and organizations addressing the impacts associated with Parx Casino.
“Nonprofits have been hit exceptionally hard during this crisis. Fundraising has become increasingly difficult, staff and volunteers are practicing social distancing, and for many, the need for their services is greater now than ever before,” said Sean Schafer, chairman of the Redevelopment Authority. “This program will help to provide some relief to support the missions of those nonprofit organizations that serve our community.”
Bucks County Commissioners Diane Ellis-Marseglia, Robert Harvie and Gene DiGirolamo echoed his sentiment.
“Our nonprofits have shown an amazing ability to meet the public’s need on shoestring budgets. But now, they would have almost no ability to assist if it weren’t for the generosity of and quick response of the RDA,” said Ellis-Marseglia.
“Nonprofit organizations work hard every day for our neighbors in need, but never get the attention they deserve until there is a real emergency,” said Harvie. “Now, when we need the nonprofits more than ever, they are struggling because the need is great but the support they get from the public cannot keep up. I’m glad we are able to work with the RDA to make funds available for the critical work which needs to be done.”
“Under these conditions, a lot of people in Bucks County need services to navigate through this pandemic we are all experiencing. I want to thank the RDA for working with the commissioners and the county to develop this program to support our nonprofit organizations that do an excellent job in normal circumstances,” said DiGirolamo. “These funds will help them continue to provide critical services to those in need during this difficult time.”
Applications must be submitted through the Redevelopment Authority’s website, bcrda.com. The deadline to apply is May 1. Applicants should note that the Redevelopment Authority’s physical office, 216 Pond St., Bristol, is closed pursuant to Gov. Tom Wolf’s stay-at-home order. Staff is working remotely. Do not call the office.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
