Volunteer fire companies, ambulance associations and veterans’ organizations in Schuylkill County will have a shot at portions of $500,000 in pandemic funding.

On Wednesday, commissioners agreed to extend funding of up to $500,000 to create the Schuylkill County Nonprofit COVID-19 Response Grant Program to assist eligible 501(c) (3), tax exempt nonprofit and 501(c) 19 groups that have operated for at least four years in the county and which experienced increased service demands or financial hardships during the coronavirus pandemic.

The money will come from the county’s $27.4 million share of American Rescue Plan Act funds.

County Financial Director Paul E. Buber said the requirements for qualification were put in place by ARPA.

County Assistant Solicitor Paul J. Datte said the 501 (c) 19 category includes veterans’ organizations.

Commissioner Gary J. Hess said the NEPA Alliance will coordinate the program, which will be launched next week.

“This is not a first come, first served program,” he said. Officials will review the applications. Details about how to apply will be delivered through local news media releases, Hess said.

Plans for the program surfaced in May, when Chairman Barron L. Hetherington said officials had been discussing how to use pandemic funds to help the helpers.