High demand for the new Re-3 grant program launched earlier this week calls for additional donations to help businesses in downtown Wilmington.
 
Ninety-six applications for the Re-3 grant program had been received as of earlier Thursday by Wilmington Downtown Incorporated (WDI) and the Longleaf Foundation, according to Haven Holsinger, director of events at WDI.
 
The organizations announced the new grant on Monday.

Within 24 hours of the announcement, Re-3 (which stands for restock, reopen and recover) grant applications had already exceeded available funding and applications continued to be submitted to WDI’s office, a Thursday release stated.
 
The program awards grants of up to $3,000 to help businesses with adding inventory, staying open and recovering from negative effects caused by COVID-19.
 
When the Re-3 program launched Monday it had raised $22,500.
 
To continue to help entrepreneurs and small business owners in downtown Wilmington, WDI is seeking for more donations to meet community needs.
 
“WDI is doing everything possible to help our small businesses,” Dane Scalise, chair of the board of directors at WDI, said in the release. “Many people are struggling, and this incredible response to Re-3 shows that our small business community needs all the help it can get from whatever sources are available. Additional donations from area residents and companies will allow us to assist even more small shops, restaurants, galleries, pubs and their workers as they navigate these economic headwinds.”
 
Those interested in donating can do so by visiting wilmingtondowntown.com/business/r3 or by calling 763- 7349 for more information.
 
Donations are tax-deductible and online contributions can be made using PayPal or a credit card.
 
Re-3 applications, found here, are accepted until 4 p.m. April 17. Award decisions will be made quickly, and grant funds will be released to recipients immediately.