City of Bozeman set to distribute over 2.1 million dollars in Coronavirus Relief grants to local non-profits

The City of Bozeman City Commission is expected to review $2,145,167 dollars in total grant awards to Bozeman non-profits on Tuesday, February 2nd at their regular meeting. If approved, the recommended grant awards would distribute Coronavirus Relief funding to 48 different grants.  Of the grant dollars being allocated more than three-quarters of the total funds are expected to be allocated toward housing, medical/basic needs, and behavioral health service providers and programs.

 
In November 2020 the City Commission approved Resolution 5230 which allowed for the funding of grants to non-profit entities. The funds used for the grants are from the State of Montana’s reimbursement program from the Coronavirus Relief Fund. Currently, the $2,145,167 recommended grant amount will distribute the entire amount of funding made available to the City by the State. 

 
City Manager Jeff Mihelich says, “The Bozeman community is still hurting from the effects of this pandemic. We know that it’s critical to get money to those needing it most. Our choice as a City is to get support directly to those folks most impacted by intentionally and strategically getting money to our non-profits.”

 
Assistant City Manager Anna Rosenberry adds, “We are proud to recommend grant distributions in support some of our most critical sectors like housing and health care. Funding grants that provide things like new behavioral health emergency rooms, assistance for those experiencing housing challenges, and even supporting additional affordable housing projects – these dollars will go a long way.”

Applications for the grant dollars were accepted in December and were open-ended for non-profits impacted by the pandemic. Grant applicants were evaluated primarily on how their services impact Bozeman residents. Application materials can be found online. A full breakdown of the primary categories receiving funding is below.
 
If approved the City will move forward to engage all applicants in a grant agreement. Applicants will be required to adhere to non-discrimination in service delivery under the City’s non-discrimination code, acknowledge equal pay requirements, commit to operate within accordance with local, state and federal health rules for COVID-19, and report back to the City on use of funds.