The Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF) has proposed the creation and administration of a two-pronged Coronavirus Relief Fund (CVRF) program, to be administered in cooperation with Chaffee County and the county’s three municipal governments.
The program is intended to accomplish three main goals:
- Support and fund the full recovery for Chaffee nonprofit organizations impacted by COVID-19.
- Provide an avenue for organizations of all types to request reimbursement for direct expenses related to providing programming and care options to Chaffee children in case of COVID-19 related school closure or partially remote learning
- Ensure maximum utilization of Coronavirus Relief Funds for local governments aimed at ensuring a holistic and dynamic pandemic recovery.
Logo courtesy Chaffee County Community Foundation
According to an announcement from CCCF, this program will honor and utilize CVRF funds as approved by each of the four local governments; the county and the three municipalities. The goal would be to provide applicants and governments a unified set of criteria, a process, and simplified paperwork. CVRF is meant to support nonprofits and COVID-19 programming reimbursement.
In order for nonprofit organizations ((NPOs)to be considered, they would need to be a Chaffee County NPO in good standing and able to document COVID-19 related losses or expenses clearly. The proposed budget for the NPOs is $150,000 with a grant award cap of 7,500 or 20 percent of the NPOs budget, whichever is less. NPOs serving basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and safety will be given priority through a weighted scoring matrix.
The CCCF notes that as schools reopen, plans may shift, and may include significant possible closures or pivoting to remote learning, therefore the need for alternative programming facilities and youth care capacity is important for the community.
The allocation within the program called the Youth Needs Reimbursement program is intended to create an avenue to allow a variety of organizations to cover costs related to providing safe, nurturing and educational opportunities for youth during school closures or remote learning. This effort will support families, so they don’t have to choose between working or caring for their children. The proposed budget is $150,000. The allowable expenses could include:
- Staffing and labor costs
- Insurance and liability protection
- Cleaning supplies and PPE
- Warm clothing for youth for winter activities
- Facility costs
- Material and supplies for activities
- Background checks for staff and volunteers
To be eligible for the Youth Needs Reimbursement program applicants must be a Chaffee entity, demonstrate safety protocols (including background checks) and provide liability coverage as well as receipts for allowable expenses directly tied to specific dates that schools are closed or on remote learning.
This community support plan was proposed to the Salida City Council during their Monday, Aug. 17 work session will co. Representatives of the CCCF will now move on to make presentations to the Town of Buena Vista, Town of Poncha Springs, and Chaffee County Commissioners.
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