Click here for Mancos CARES relief fund application
The Town of Mancos is granting a large portion of the CARES Act funds it will receive to local businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19. The Town will receive approximately $120,000 from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act which is part of $2.2 million allocated to Montezuma County through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. The county is apportioning the funds to Cortez, Mancos, Dolores and the county itself based on population.
Based on the CARES Act guidelines for approved use of the funds, Mancos Trustees have decided to use $90,000 to help support Mancos businesses and nonprofits who have experienced business disruption due to COVID-19. Mancos businesses can apply for up to a $5,000 grant.
To be eligible, the business or nonprofit must be located within the Town of Mancos and must still be operating or working to reopen and be in good standing with the State of Colorado. Businesses must also have a current Town of Mancos business license. Receipts and financial documents are required to demonstrate need.
Eligible funding requests include reimbursement of COVID-19 related expenses that have already occurred including masks, sanitizer, plexiglass, signage, technology needs, or other costs incurred to accommodate social distancing and public health requirements.
The funds may also be used for COVID-19 related expenses still needed to meet public health and social distancing requirements such as PPE equipment, technology, signage and to help businesses meet anticipated needs to remain open through the end of the year such as heaters for outdoor seating and tents. All funds must be expended in 2020 and for 2020 expenses.
The funding may also be used for costs of business interruption caused by required closures or for certain expenditures for events that were cancelled. Requests must not duplicate funding already received for this purpose from other COVID-19 related grants or relief programs.
There will be two grant cycles. The first round of grant applications are due by September 30 and the second round of applications are due by November 30. All funding must be distributed by Dec. 31, 2020.
Mancos is partnering with Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado to help set up the grant application process and organize the requests. The selection committee includes two representatives from the Town of Mancos, a Region 9 representative, and a Mancos Valley Chamber representative. All applications will be evaluated based on the criteria stated in the application and availability of funds. Region 9 will receive all applications directly or upon deadline and will safeguard the confidentiality and privacy of all applicants.
The remaining CARES Act funds will be used to upgrade technology at town hall to allow for remote meetings and also to reimburse the town for its COVID-19 related expenses such as masks, hand sanitizer, PPE for the Marshal’s Office and Public Works Department, bleach, and remote access for some employees.
For questions regarding the Mancos Cares Coronavirus Relief Program, businesses and nonprofits can email Rachael Marchbanks, Town of Mancos Economic Development Coordinator, at edcoordinator@mancoscolorado.com or leave a message at (970) 533-7725 x 313.
