The city of Cortez has announced the return of two community grant programs, Cortez Business Beautification grant and 81321 Launch, with slight modifications.
Through the Business Beautification Grant, businesses are able to apply for a “one-to-one matching grant” that will cover the purchase of supplies, materials and/or contracted labor utilized in the enhancement of a business’s exterior or “primary” public entrance. Some examples provided by the city include replacing or upgrading deteriorating exterior materials, new awnings, resurfacing, stucco, molding repair, new doors or windows and the purchasing of flowers or other landscaping.
The grant is a 50% match on projects up to $6,000, or a total city match up of $3,000. A list of previously awarded projects can be found online at https://tinyurl.com/mskxej7c.
Since it is a reimbursement grant, businesses that are approved must complete their projects and submit receipts and/or paid invoices to the city. The receipts must include photos of the finished project to receive the grant money.
The city added that projects must receive approval before the purchase of supplies and materials.
To be eligible, interested businesses and nonprofits must be located in Cortez city limits and must be in good standing with both the city and the state of Colorado. They must also have a “public-facing facade.” Businesses and nonprofits solely providing services are not required to have a city or state sales tax license to be eligible. Home based businesses are not eligible.
This year, the grant will have three rounds of applications. The first round’s application deadline is Saturday, March 1 with an award notification/project start date of Friday, March 14. Round 2 will have an application deadline of Thursday, May 1 and an award notification/project start date of Friday, May 16.
The last round will have a deadline of Tuesday, July 1 and an award notification/start date of Friday, July 18.
All applications are due on the date listed at or before 11:59 p.m.
More information and the application can be found online at tinyurl.com/bizbeauty25.
81321 Launch Grant
The second grant, 81321 Launch, will be administered in collaboration with the LOR Foundation and the city of Cortez Public Arts Advisory Committee.
81321 Launch may award nonprofits, businesses and individuals up to $4,000 for creative projects in Cortez, according to the city.
A few of the 81321 Launch projects funded last year include a Fairy Home Kit that was handed out to the public during Third Thursday events and the K-Line Rail painting done at the end of Tucker Lane by local high school students.
Creative projects must be based in Cortez, be free and open to the public, abide by all codes and regulations in the city and benefit the community.
Applicants are asked to consider the following questions when completing their grant request:
- Does the project make Cortez an amazing place to call home?
- Does the money produce something tangible that can be seen, felt or experienced?
- Does the project engage the broader community?
- Does the project bring something new, innovative and unique to Cortez?
Applications for this grant are due April 1, July 1 and Oct. 1.
“Individuals of all ages, for-profit and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply,” the city said.
More information and an application for an 81321 Launch Grant can be accessed online at www.81321launch.com
