In a big city move to revitalize neighborhoods hit hardest by the pandemic, nonprofit organizations have a shot at some serious cash to scoop up empty lots and buildings. The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity is doling out $10 million in grants through its Commercial Acquisition Fund (CAF), as reported by the LA County news bulletin. These funds, a windfall from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), are poised to change the commercial landscape, allocating between $500,000 and $2 million for eligible nonprofits.

With the deadline for fund acquisition lurking just before December 1, 2024, there's a sense of urgency for nonprofits looking to transform run-down areas. As outlined by LA County's official site, there are training wheels for interested parties in the form of webinars and in-person sessions intending to guide the perplexed through the application process. Running into action, Genesis LA is set to host the first educational opportunity virtually on April 24th.

Following the digital debut, an in-person training session on May 9th opens its doors, offering a chance to field application questions and mingle with the decision-makers. According to the details shared by the CAF program's site, this serves as the final prep talk before applications are due on May 20th. The quick learners selected as Qualifying Acquisition Entities (QAEs) will be notified by June 3rd and can start applying for project funding just a week later.

To put a foot in the CAF door, nonprofits must first apply to become a QAE. Once they join the ranks of the qualified, applications for project funding can be flung into the ring. Details and downloadable forms are ripe for the taking off the CAF's website, ensuring that jumpstarting community revitalization is just a few clicks away for the proactive. Plugin your application at the CAF's application page, and you're in the game.