Applications will be accepted through Feb. 28 for grants designed to support pandemic recovery for outdoor recreation businesses and nonprofit organizations in Colorado.

The Outdoor Recreation Industry Impact Fund will provide funding to help outdoor recreation industry employers across the state hire and retain staff.

“Colorado has seen one of the fastest recoveries in the nation, and the opportunity to direct these funds to the outdoor recreation industry will help ensure that this important sector continues to thrive and add jobs across the state,” said Eve Lieberman, executive director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

The fund will provide $1.8 million in state and local fiscal recovery funds, part of the American Rescue Plan Act, to support payroll needs.

Grants of up to $100,000 are intended to cover hiring and staff retention for outdoor recreation industry businesses and nonprofits that demonstrate economic harm from the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions.

“The outdoor recreation industry is a huge economic driver in Colorado and an important source of jobs for Coloradans. While we have seen significant growth in outdoor recreation employment, we have also observed a consistent need for support among outdoor recreation employers as they continue their efforts to steward our natural resources while also creating more equitable employment in the outdoors,” said Conor Hall, director of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

For more information about the fund and grants, visit the website located at  https://oedit.colorado.gov/oriif.