Six arts, sports and recreation nonprofits in the Methow Valley have received a total of $77,500 from the ArtsFund and the state Department of Commerce to put toward pandemic recovery.
The groups got part of $10.78 million in Nonprofit Community Relief grants awarded to 702 nonprofits in 34 Washington counties last week. The money provides critical funding to arts, science, heritage and recreation organizations affected by the pandemic.
Applicants could request between $2,500 and $25,000, and every eligible organization that applied received a grant, according to the Department of Commerce.Most of the organizations survive on small budgets under $500,000, and most expect their revenue to be down by 30% after the pandemic, according to Commerce.
“These funds provide critical financial resources to keep people employed and active in strengthening communities and their local economies,” Commerce Director Lisa Brown said.
The money can be used for expenses connected with financial hardship caused by the pandemic incurred between March 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021.
The local groups that received the money are:
• Confluence Gallery, $10,000.
• Merc Playhouse Society, $2,500.
• Methow Arts Alliance, $22,500.
• Methow Valley Nordic Ski Education Foundation, $7,500.
• Methow Valley Riding Unlimited, $17,500.
• Winthrop Music Association, $17,500.
