The Colorado Restaurant Foundation developed an emergency assistance program to assist Colorado restaurants affected by the Covid -19 crisis. This fund will be known as the Colorado Outdoor Winter Dining Grant Program (“the Program”).  The Program is designated for Colorado restaurants that have demonstrated financial need as defined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors in time of declared Covid-19 disaster. This is the continuation of a program to help restaurants with the challenges of operating during the covid-19 pandemic. It is the next step in a program that also convened a creative design workshop to help restaurants create safe spaces to serve during the winter.

These guidelines generally outline the eligibility requirements and the application review process for the Program and should be referred to during the application process. Please note that funds are limited. Applicants to the small business Colorado Outdoor Winter Dining Grant Program may or may not receive a grant from the Program.

The Program is administered by the Foundation committee charged with reviewing all applications per the standardized eligibility requirements and criteria set forth below, as well as specific requirements established by the Foundation’s staff and partners. Decisions regarding gifts/grants from the fund are at the sole discretion of the Foundation and the Grant Executive Committee.

ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY FOR GRANT FUNDS: 

  1. Only Colorado-based restaurants are eligible (food and beverage service must be the primary operation). Restaurant must be located in Colorado and majority-owned by Colorado residents.
  2. Eligible restaurants must be open to the public for on-site food and/or beverage preparation and service at least 5 days a week.
  3. Eligible restaurants must be in good standing with their state and local government.
  4. Grant funds must be used to purchase items needed to maintain outdoor dining spaces for patrons during colder weather (“Eligible Expenses”)
  5. Projects completed after August 1, projects in process, or planned projects that will be completed by January 15 are eligible to apply.
  6. Proof of hardship – special priority will be given to businesses that can show a year over year revenue loss of more than 40%. Any restaurant that can show a loss of 20% or more will be considered.
  7. Equitable geographic distribution in Colorado will be considered as this a statewide program.
  8. Corporate-owned chain locations are not eligible. Franchisees are welcome to apply.
  9. For grant awardees, ½ of the funding will be distributed upon notification of the award. Final funding (second ½) depends on submission of a photo of the completed space plus receipts for all Eligible Expenses.

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