City makes $278K in grants to 9 nonprofits
Nonprofit groups that directly service city residents and the community got a total of $278,000 in grants from Royal Oak this week.
The City Commission approved the grants from the Royal Oak Community Opportunity Fund. Funding for the program comes from the $28 million Royal Oak received in federal COVID-19 relief funds to offset setbacks caused by the pandemic.
City commissioners early this year approved using up to $300,000 from the federal COVID relief funds — known as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) — to set up the grant program.
In September, the city announced it was accepting applications for the money. Ultimately, a dozen groups applied and nine were selected.
City officials have said they recognize the role local
nonprofits plan in enhancing the quality of life and increasing access to residents.
“Nonprofit organizations have always been a critical partner in the effort to serve Royal Oak residents,” said City Manager Paul Brake in a statement.
Brake said the city is thankful for nonprofit groups that offer support
services, programs, and access that residents need.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to invest in and lift up these local nonprofits that do the same thing for our community every day,” Brake said.
Mayor Michael Fournier in a statement said city officials among others appreciate the work nonprofits do “to fill gaps and provide the services that many, many residents depend on.”
“There are countless members of the community that have been direct beneficiaries of the work these organizations do, and have avoided crises in their lives as a result.”
Grants of $5,000 to $50,000 were made to nonprofits.
Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit, which offers support services for those with cancer, got a grant for $50,000.
The same amount was awarded to South Oakland Citizens for the Homeless.
The Metro Detroit Youth Club, formerly the Boys & Girls Club, that operates out of the Jack and Patti Salter Community Center, received a $45,000 grant, while Royal Oak Youth Assistance was awarded $43,000.
It is estimated that more than 2,000 Royal Oak residents benefit from services through the grants all nine groups received.
A total of $25,000 went to Blessings in a Backpack, which gives bags to school children facing food insecurity containing enough food for six meals over weekends. The Royal Oak Historical Society was also granted $25,0000, as was Honor Flight Michigan Legacy, Inc., which is the prime mover behind the Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial at Memorial Park.
Teen Clean Closet was awarded $10,000. The charitable group provides and distributes hygiene items to those in need at “mini closets” that are hosted at local schools and community locations.
The Suburban Hockey Foundation got a $5,000 grant. The foundation promotes mental and physical health for youth through its ice sports.
Royal Oak city commissioners are expected to make a decision on one more grant applicant for an unnamed nonprofit at its next meeting Nov. 27.