In response to the COVID-19 Crisis
NEW FUNDING OPTIONS
Federal Payroll Protection Program re-opened in 2021
Learn more about eligibility and deadlines here.
LOCAL FUNDING OPTIONS & RESOURCES
Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF):
CERF has infused more than $900,000 into the community since the beginning of the pandemic, including three rounds of emergency granting to regional nonprofits, as well as additional support for SW CO food pantries to purchase food. CERF funds have also supported other projects, such as Southwest Colorado Disaster Assistance (swcoda.org), Save the Food, Feed the People, and the distribution of protective equipment to nonprofits.
CERF is raising funds and serving nonprofits in all five counties in Southwest Colorado. The CERF grant committee is working with other state and local funders to ensure its investment is strategic and supporting the nonprofit sector effectively.
To donate to the Community Emergency Relief Fund visit www.coloradogives.org/cerf or send a check payable to the Community Foundation with CERF in the memo line to P.O. Box 1673, Durango, CO 81302.
Southwest Colorado Disaster Assistance (SWCODA.org): SWCODA is a repository of resources and information that shares the many ways people can get assistance during this time and how individuals and businesses can get involved and help. To find appropriate resources, click on the county where you live (found at the top of the website) and then click on the type of resource you are requiring — whether that is public health questions, employment-related issues (including unemployment benefits) and/or local services (including food, housing, utility, transportation and government-related needs).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is available locally through SWCODA and the La Plata County Economic Recovery Task Force. Bulk purchasing allows for better pricing on hand sanitizer and face masks. Click here to purchase.
The Community Foundation’s LAUNCH fund provides low-interest loans to area nonprofits through First Southwest Bank’s Community Fund. Click here for more information.
Region 9 Economic Development of SW Colorado has a list of resources and funding opportunities: click here. Region 9 is also soliciting donations as an Enterprise Zone Project, which will support businesses in SW CO through grants and low-interest loans. Click here to donate.
La Plata County Economic Development Alliance is collecting resources for local businesses, much of which applies to nonprofits, as well. Click here to learn more from the Business Resource Playbook.
Need a resource for your Human Resources? Our partners at the Payroll Department recommend this online site to help you navigate HR questions, including work-from-home policies, options for paid time off due to the COVID-19 crisis, sick leave, and more.
STATEWIDE FUNDING OPTIONS & RESOURCES
For general information about the COVID-19 crisis in Colorado, click here to access the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the State Emergency Operations Center.
Energize Colorado is a group of diverse, skilled volunteers who are connecting businesses and nonprofits with resources to address current challenges and spur transformative growth. Webinars and training opportunities are available, as well as PPE bulk purchases.
Check out HelpColoradoNow.org for more helpful resources.
Philanthropy Colorado has an extensive list of funding opportunities, click here.
Colorado Nonprofit Association has resources available to navigate the current challenges. Keep skills sharp with these training opportunities: CNA trainings and events in response to COVID-19
Community Resource Center is hosting Funder Roundtables every week through August. Register in advance here. For other resources and funding opportunities, click here.
OTHER CAPACITY-BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES
The COVID-19 crisis has impacted our region’s nonprofits in various ways. Some of you have front-line programs and are working overtime. Some of you are working from home, as well as overseeing your children’s remote learning. Some of you have been impacted by the cancelations and actually have lots of extra time on your hands. If you fall into the last category, or if you just need a break from the crazy and would like to take some self-growth time… there are lots of professional development webinars available. Below are a few links you might find helpful:
Colorado Nonprofit Association: offers trainings and virtual events
TechSoup: includes tools to support for safe and effective remote work
Bloomerang: blog with expert insights on fundraising and donor communication during the crisis
Network for Good: check out these COVID-19 Response Resources, including fundraising strategies, timely blog posts and fundraising coach Q&As.
Nonprofit Finance Fund: COVID-19 Tools and Resources page, including tips to manage through uncertainty and find financial stability. Thoughtful blog insights and webinars also available.
Nonprofit Learning Lab: provides free nonprofit resources focused on fundraising, board development, volunteer management, diversity, equity, inclusion and more. Their resources are guidebooks, tip sheets, free webinars and activities.
