A Jeep drives down Main Street in downtown Butler earlier this year. Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association announced that nonprofit organizations can now apply for grants.

Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association (FBJA) announced Tuesday that local nonprofit organizations can now apply to become the recipients of funds raised at the 2021 Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival.

The program has awarded more than $93,500 to 501(c)3 nonprofit groups since 2016, according to a news release from Friends of the Bantam Jeep.

“Part of our organization's mission is to give back to our community by making contributions to other 501(c)3 organizations, and we're proud that we can once again provide Butler County nonprofits with funds to help them reach their goals,” said Todd Wagner, FBJA president.

Online applications are available at bantamjeepfestival.com/financial-gift-application.

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Oct. 31.

Applicants must provide up to a 500-word explanation on ways they benefit the community and how funds will be used and show proof of their 501(c)3 status.

After the financial gifts are awarded, the recipients are expected to provide an update on their projects' progress along with photos to demonstrate the gift's impact on their organization.

“Gifts will be distributed based on need and how the gift benefits the community,” Wagner said.

FBJA provided $22,814 to local nonprofit groups that helped execute the 2021 Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival and $118,000 to those groups since 2016.

American Legion Riders, Butler County Symphony Association, Zelienople American Legion Women's Auxiliary, various volunteer fire departments and other organizations have received donations in exchange for helping out at the annual festival, the release said.

The festival, which began in 2016, celebrates Butler County as the birthplace of the Jeep.