New ARPA funding opportunity for human services organizations

Human services organizations serving Bellevue are invited to apply to the City of Bellevue for funds to address critical human services needs in the community. Proposals are due by 4:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10.

Organizations must attend a pre-application meeting regarding the request for proposals by Feb. 3 with Saada Hilts, human services planner, at shilts@bellevuewa.gov to be considered for funding. 

The funding totals $3.1 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act grants that went to the city in 2021. These funds are available to support: services that address basic needs, behavioral health services, childcare, civil legal aid, domestic violence and sexual assault survivor services, food insecurity, fostering well-being in the face of racial and ethnic discrimination, and services for residents experiencing homelessness. 

Priority will be given to applications/services addressing the needs of communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations awarded funding are required to evaluate their programming to reduce barriers for marginalized populations and enhance access to this funding to serve our historically underserved communities. 

Translated requests for proposals and applications are available upon request. 

The city’s Human Services Commission will review the proposals and provide funding recommendations to the City Council in the spring. Programs awarded funds will enter a contract with the city to spend them between June 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2024.