BUFFALO, N.Y. — The American Rescue Plan funds come from a grant from the federal government to help areas across the country impacted by the pandemic.
Buffalo received $331 million. According to Brendan Mehafy, executive director of the city's office of strategic planning, Buffalo received 130 applications. A total of 39 grants were awarded.
Grow America, Buffalo Urban League and The Exchange at Beverly Gray are receiving $4.3 million.
Nyamekye Foundation is an organization planning to build a health clinic on Jefferson Ave.
"We are happy to be at the stage right now where we are going to be putting this money in the hands of organizations that we believe are either needed because of the impact of the pandemic to help stabilize them because they have done good work or will continue doing new work and good work in the City of Buffalo.," Mehafy said.
Say Yes Buffalo, a recipient of one million dollars, will use it to expand the modern youth apprenticeship and workforce portfolio.
"The $1,000,000 will go a long way and resulting in good jobs for young people, it's going to pay itself back over time," said David Rust, CEO of Say Yes Buffalo.
Here are the top five award winners:
- Grow America, Buffalo Urban League, and The Exchange at Beverly Gray, $4.3 million.
- Say Yes Buffalo, $1 million
- Nyamekye Foundation, $1 million
- 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds, $1 million
- Michigan Broadway LLC/Nash Loft, $988,584
The city will negotiate contracts with recipients before checks are issued to each group.