What is CollierCARES?

12/17/2020

CollierCARES is the program through which Collier County is rolling out the more than $67 million in recently allocated coronavirus relief funds. This funding is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act federal stimulus package.

The funds include six broad initiatives:

  • $20 million for community health and services initiatives. This includes nonprofits, community health and public safety providers as well as 501(c)(19) veterans organizations.
  • $5 million food pantries/food banks administered through the Community Foundation of Collier County.
  • $15 million for individual assistance. These funds will be distributed to qualified residents for assistance with past due rent, mortgage, childcare, and utility payments.
  • $10 million for small business relaunch and rehire grants. This includes hospitality marketing efforts for those in the hospitality sector.
  • $5 million for personal protective equipment (PPE). This involves providing kits to small businesses, health and public safety and nonprofits in Collier County that are heavily involved with public interaction.
  • $5 million for childcare facilities.
  • $7 million in community reserve and replenishment.

How can the money be spent?

Relief funding must be used on incurred expenses related to COVID-19 between March 1 and December 30, 2020. Some examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Medical Expenses – Emergency medical response expenses;
  • Public Health – Communication and enforcement, medical and protective supplies, and disinfection;
  • Payroll Expenses for Public Safety and Public Health Services – Employees whose job duties are substantially committed to the COVID-19 response; and,
  • Actions to Facilitate Compliance with Public Health Measures – Sanitation measures, food stability and unforeseen teleworking costs; and,
  • Past due rent, mortgage, utility, and childcare – Open to Collier County residents at-large.

collier cares pie chart

For more information about the CollierCARES program, call (239) 252-8999 or dial 311 within Collier County.

Applications Page
Frequently Asked Questions
CollierCARES Funding Allocations Presentation to the Board