OCRA unveils more COVID grant recipients

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs has announced the recipients of nearly $19 million in federal funding through its COVID-19 Response Grant Program. The funding will be awarded to 80 Hoosier communities for a variety of uses, including mental health services, childcare, and public WiFi locations.

The grants come from Indiana’s allocation of CARES Act funding. Local governments were able to apply for up to $250,000 in assistance.

OCRA says the funding can also be used for food pantry or bank services, subsidence payment programs, or grants or loans to businesses to help retain low-to-moderate income jobs.

“Based on additional research and community feedback, OCRA was able to open this round to municipalities of all sizes and expanded eligible activities,” said Denny Spinner, executive director of OCRA. “With a focus on assisting small businesses, expanding food bank and pantry services, and providing essential mental health services, these grants will impact Hoosiers and communities that are on the road to recovery.”

The funding comes in addition to the nearly $21 million awarded to 96 communities last year. You can view the new list of recipients by clicking here.