129 Local Businesses and Nonprofits Received COVID Relief Grants from Otter Tail County

FERGUS FALLS (KDLM) – Otter Tail County businesses and nonprofits hit hard by winter pandemic-related closures were provided $1.15 million in relief grants by the County.

The state-funded grant program was administered through the County’s Community Development Agency and provided grants from $1,250 to $15,000 to 129 local businesses and nonprofits impacted by an executive order that reduced capacity and decreased revenue by at least 20 percent.

Organizations that were required to close in November 2020 by Executive Order 20-99, including restaurants, bars, gyms, fitness centers, and indoor entertainment venues, were prioritized for review and funding. Ninety-five of the 129 organizations funded were in this priority group, and they received 89 percent of the funding available. The remaining 34 organizations that were not in this priority group received funding because they demonstrated a minimum 20 percent decrease in revenue as a direct result of a COVID-related executive order.

Amy Baldwin, Otter Tail County’s Community Development Director and Executive Director of the CDA said, “This program made it evident again that our business community is resilient and dedicated to serving their communities. We’ve heard from many organizations that this funding will help get them to what we’re hopeful is the finish line of the pandemic.

David Schornack, CDA Board Chairman and Director of Business Development and Sales at Arvig said, “The CDA Board remains committed to investing in and supporting the recovery of businesses and nonprofits in Otter Tail County. This grant program demonstrated that commitment to being partners to our business community through the challenges of the pandemic.” Schornack is optimistic that the grants awarded will help stabilize businesses and nonprofits and help them with continued investment and success in their communities.