The Colorado Restaurant Association is launching the “Dine Out to Help Out” campaign, providing Black-owned restaurants with funding for gift cards to give out to customers to incentivize repeat dining.

The campaign, in partnership with the Colorado Restaurant Foundation and Planterra Foods, will choose 20 Black-owned restaurants, giving $1,000 in $25 gift cards to each one.

“Black-owned independent restaurants are struggling fiercely in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis,” said Darcey Macken, Planterra Foods CEO. “These restaurants are a critical part of our communities and (we want) to make sure they survive.”

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Planterra Foods donated the $20,000 that is funding the gift card campaign.

CRF is accepting applications for the campaign from Black-owned restaurants until 11:59 p.m. on March 5.

To be eligible, restaurants must have at least one Black owner, be independently owned, be founded and located in Colorado and currently offer gift cards.

“Restaurants and their workers need your patronage to survive,” said CRF President Laura Shunk. “Support your favorite Black-owned restaurant or try someplace new, and you'll get a gift card for a return visit. It's a win-win.”

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CRF and Planterra Foods will evaluate applications and select restaurants to receive grants.

Once the restaurants are selected, customers at participating restaurants who spend $25 or more will receive a $25 “thank you” gift card to use at the same location during a return visit. Both dine-in and takeout orders are valid.

Full eligibility requirements and application materials are available at dineouttohelpout.com/ozo-grant.