At noon, April 15 the City of Belfast launched the Belfast Keep the Faith Fund: Grocery Voucher and Small Business Grant Program.

The Belfast Keep the Faith Fund was created by the mayor and the Belfast City Council at its April 7 meeting and approved by the City Council at its April 14 meeting.

The Belfast Keep the Faith Fund was created to provide relief to Belfast residents who have been laid off or experienced reduced work hours and small businesses located in Belfast that have been forced to close or had a reduction in revenue beyond 25% due to COVID-19.

The City of Belfast will be offering a $100 grocery gift card per household with additional $50 per child to either the Belfast Hannaford or the Belfast CoOp. A grant of $500 will be awarded to qualified small business owners.

The Belfast Keep the Faith Fund Grocery Voucher and Small Business Grant Program will begin accepting applications today, April 15, 2020.

“I am in awe of the citizens of Belfast,” said Mayor Eric Sanders, in a news release. “And we all now fully realize why we live here. The amount of awareness from our council, our commitment to our city, and to the people and small businesses that make up Belfast; the Keep the Faith Fund is simply a by-product of love for our community.”

Belfast KTF Fund Grocery Vouchers will begin being distributed by Monday, April 20. To apply for the Belfast KTF Fund Grocery Voucher Program, please visit:www.cityofbelfast.org/groceryvoucher, email deputyclerk@cityofbelfast.org or call (207)338-3370 ext 131 and leave your name and phone number. A staff member will contact you on how best to proceed.

Belfast KTF Fund Small Business Grants will also begin being distributed by Monday, April 20. To apply for the Belfast KTF Small Business Grant Application, please visit: www.cityofbelfast.org/smallbusinessgrant, email economicdevelopment@cityofbelfast.org or call (207)338-3370 ext 116 and leave your name and phone number. A staff member will contact you on how best to proceed.

Community members and local organizations are encouraged to donate to the Belfast Keep the Faith Fund. If you would like to donate to the Belfast KTF Fund, call (207)338-3370 x131.

Donations can be made by check to the City of Belfast with subject line: Belfast KTF Fund and mailed to: City of Belfast, Attn: Belfast Keep the Faith Fund. 131 Church Street, Belfast, ME 04915. A donation to the Belfast Keep the Faith Fund is tax deductible.

“Belfast Keep the Faith Fund is a reflection of our Mayor and Council responding to what our community truly needs at this time,” said City Manager Erin Herbig, in the release.  “The employees of the City of Belfast are here to serve all residents and small business owners during this difficult time. We are here and we are ready to help.”