JOINT RELEASE: Governor Polis, Lawmakers Unveil Legislation to Boost Essential Nonprofits
Legislation would distribute transformative Economic Recovery and Relief Funds to support nonprofits serving communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic
DENVER, CO –Colorado lawmakers yesterday introduced bipartisan legislation that will use $35 million of federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to boost community-based nonprofit social service organizations that provide critical support to communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
“In the true Colorado spirit, Colorado’s incredible non-profits stepped up to provide additional support to communities hit hardest by the pandemic. I am proud that our administration has worked hand-in-hand with local community-based organizations, the legislature, and state and federal agencies to provide much-needed relief for Coloradans throughout the pandemic. We are continuing to take bold steps to support Colorado’s non-profits and the communities they serve,”said Gov. Polis.
“Colorado’s nonprofits stepped up during the pandemic to fill critical gaps and provide essential services to families and individuals, but they are also facing stiff challenges to stay afloat and continue their important work for the communities they serve,”said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver.“This bill will direct $35 million in federal pandemic relief funds to essential nonprofits that were hurt by the pandemic and that are struggling to recover. With these grants, nonprofits in every part of our state will be able to expand their services and continue helping our communities.”
“Nonprofits often serve as the backbone of our communities, offering critical support to folks in need and helping families and individuals stay afloat,”said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver.“Now it’s our turn to help them. This legislation will direct urgently-needed resources to nonprofits across our state that need a hand in recovering from the pandemic, allowing them to keep their doors open and continue providing the critical services Coloradans depend on to thrive.”
“All across our state, nonprofits have helped Coloradans get through these tough times, and now they need our help to continue offering the services people and families need,”said Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder.“Nonprofits are doing incredible work. Many help Coloradans experiencing homelessness find a place to sleep, and others are helping young adults who need a little support to stay on track. This $35 million investment will help Colorado’s nonprofits get back on their feet and expand their capacity to serve our state.”
HB22-1356, sponsored by Representatives Herod and Hooton, and Senators Gonzales and Rankin, will provide $35 million in federal pandemic relief funds to nonprofit social service organizations that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Small community-based nonprofits have played an important role in delivering critical services to families and communities that were directly impacted by the pandemic. These organizations continue to fill critical gaps, but face significant challenges as they respond to longstanding community needs that were only exacerbated by the pandemic. Financial constraints often limit these organizations’ ability to serve additional Coloradans and those constraints are more challenging under recent economic conditions.
The grants are designed to support small community-based nonprofits that largely serve individuals who were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and experienced significant financial pressures. Eligible entities will be able to apply for grants as large as $100,000 to expand program capacity, foster professional development for employees or engage in strategic planning to grow their organization and maximize use of funds.
During the 2021 legislative session, the General Assembly set aside $700 million in federal pandemic relief funds to use for economic recovery and relief initiatives in the years ahead. This legislation uses $35 million of this funding to support essential organizations that are doing critical work in Colorado communities to help families recover from the pandemic.