Delco Strong 2 grants dispersed

Delaware County Council announced Wednesday that an additional $6.3 million in grants has been distributed to 535 businesses and non-profit organizations under the Delco Strong 2 grant program.

“We launched the Delco Strong Program in April and had an overwhelming response,” said county Councilwoman Elaine Schaefer in a release. “We offered a second round to ensure that every business and nonprofit that was eligible could apply. Our local business community is the backbone of our economy and our nonprof its perform critical community services and it is v ital that we do everything we can to help them get back on their feet.”

The first round of Delco Strong grants provided more than $6 million to 790 business owners. In that first round, applicants were eligible to receive up to $7,500. The funding for Delco Strong 2 was increased to $20,000 per business applicant (or up to $50,000 for nonprofits) and those who had already received funding under the first round were eligible for additional funds under “Delco Strong Boost.” Of the original 790, 770 received that boost, according to the release.

The second round of funds provided 462 Delaware County businesses with a total $4.3 in grants. Another 73 nonprofit organizations were awarded more than $2 million. Grant proceeds can be used for rent, mortgage, utilities and inventory.

The program was administered by the Delaware County Economic Development Oversight Board and The Foundation for Delaware County using funds provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.