An Arapahoe County program that helps fill funding gaps for nonprofits is accepting applications again after a break in operation, according to a news release from the county.

Aid to Agencies, a program that began in Arapahoe County in 2008 to fill service gaps in the county, paused in 2024 due to budget constraints.

After the passage of ballot measure 1A last year, Aid to Agencies started back up again, according to the county. In the time it suspended operations, program officials took the opportunity to assess priorities and where its money is going, Aid to Agencies Manager Daniela Villarreal told commissioners at a meeting in June.

With the program up and running again, Aid to Agencies is accepting applications again from nonprofit providers offering services in housing and homelessness, food assistance, mental and behavioral health, substance abuse and transportation through Sept. 19.

In reassessing the program, leaders identified four target service areas, adding that applying organizations have to be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits, must serve Arapahoe County residents and must have programs aligned with the outlined service areas. 

Organizations also have to demonstrate in their applications how their programs prioritize vulnerable populations, including seniors, disabled people, youth, and others, according to the release. 

Since inception, Aid to Agencies has awarded more than $27 million to 51 groups between what the nonprofit calls its “safety net” organizations and those that apply to get competitive grants, Villarreal said.

Aid to Agencies has invested $25 million in housing and homelessness, supporting the development of more than 600 affordable housing units and more than 900 shelter or transitional housing beds, Villarreal added. Another $1.5 million supported 2,200 people with eviction-related legal education, advice, representation and social services.

It also invested almost $4 million to reach 15,000 students through school-based mental health programs, engaged almost 5,500 people and supported 92 community trainings and events, she said.

The organization used almost $3 million to provide meals to 60,000 people across the county and invested $75,000 to help more than 400 households with transportation, Villarreal said.

Once the application period closes, an internal committee will review applications and recommend grant awardees to commissioners.

For more information, visit the county website.