Nonprofit organizations partner to help support Alpena business community
ALPENA, Mich. — To support the viability of Alpena’s local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, local nonprofit organizations have joined forces to launch a community funded small business relief program. In partnership with Target Alpena, a certified non-profit Economic Development Corporation, and the Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan, the All in for Alpena Small Business Relief Grant committee will make grant recommendations while Target administers the program and disburses funds to grant recipients based upon the committee’s recommendation.
“Much like our nonprofit organizations are guided by our unwavering belief and commitment to our missions, small businesses in Alpena are unwavering in their support of our community,” said Jennifer Calery, All in for Alpena Program Director. “Our organizations have joined forces to amplify our voices on behalf of our local businesses by seeking tax-deductible contributions made to a special fund established through the Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan for the express purpose of supporting this small business relief program. All funds raised through the fund will go directly to Alpena small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19.”
“We are glad to collaborate with the Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan to assist All in for Alpena to support our business community,” said Mike Mahler, Target Alpena Director of Economic Development. “This is at the heart of Target Alpena’s mission.”
A social media marketing campaign kicked off May 5th to raise funds to support the grant program. Target Alpena serves as the fund fiduciary and disbursement agent. The All in for Alpena Small Business Relief Grant committee has been established from several Alpena based nonprofit organizations that have volunteered their time to manage the application and award process to give back to the businesses that have supported them throughout the years. Additionally, nonprofit organizations are helping to promote the fund website.
Applications will be made available Monday, May 18th and accepted thru 5pm Friday, May 22nd.
