Over $1.8 million has been raised for local restaurants struggling during the pandemic as part of the second round of Colorado’s outdoor dining fund, announced by Gov. Jared Polis Friday.

The first Outdoor Grant Program provided aid for 129 restaurants across the state. Eligible applications that were not funded during the first round will automatically be entered for review in this second round.

“I am thankful to state legislators for their collaboration to create lifelines for the small businesses and restaurants who are at the heart of our communities,” Polis said. “This important assistance will help our restaurants survive the challenging months ahead.”

As the state estimates 1 in 40 Coloradans are infected with the COVID-19 virus, numerous counties have been put under Level Red restrictions, banning all indoor dining in restaurants.

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The Winter Outdoor Grant Program will provide funding for Colorado restaurants to create outdoor dining spaces this winter. The funds can be used for design, construction, fees and supplies such as tents and heaters.

Donations to the fund have included $500,000 from DoorDash and $500,000 from the state’s Economic Development Council’s Strategic Fund.

“DoorDash is proud to further our support of Colorado restaurants through the Winter Outdoor Dining Fund,” said Toney Anaya with DoorDash. “We are continually focused on identifying ways we can support merchants as they adapt.”

Eligible restaurants must be located in Colorado and be majority-owned by Colorado residents. Restaurants must be open for on-site food and/or beverage service at least five days a week.

Applicants must be able to prove a yearly revenue loss of at least 20% as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“Restaurants are facing a dark winter amid what is the gravest crisis for this industry in living memory,” said Sonia Riggs, president of the Colorado Restaurant Association. “They have said repeatedly that they need cash relief and increased capacity. … The Outdoor Grant Program offers both.”

The Winter Outdoor Grant Program is in partnership with the CRA, the Colorado Restaurant Foundation, Xcel Energy and the Xcel Energy Foundation.

The fund was begun by Xcel Energy’s $500,000 contribution to the CRA to support local restaurants through the winter. Xcel is also matching donations, adding $50,000 for every $500,000 raised up to $250,000.

Other contributors to the Winter Outdoor Dining Fund include the Colorado Health Foundation, MDC Holdings, New Belgium Brewing Company and the Denver Broncos Charitable Foundation.

Applications for the Winter Outdoor Grant Program are open now, available online at cooutdoordining.org/colorado-winter-outdoor-grants-application.