Thirty-four non-profit and privately-owned theaters in rural Colorado have been awarded grants totaling $307,500 in economic relief for rent, mortgage and utility hardships suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Rural Theaters COVID-19 Support Initiative was announced in December 2020 to provide financial assistance to remote theaters across Colorado, which constitute the heart of Main Street in so many rural communities. The new initiative was made possible by a partnership between Colorado’s Office of Film, Television and Media, Gates Family Foundation, Boettcher Foundation, the El Pomar Foundation, and the Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority.
“Our rural communities are essential to Colorado’s economy, and rural movie and stage theaters provide economic and cultural benefits that strengthen our communities,” said Governor Jared Polis. “This rent relief helps ensure that the iconic theaters that have brought rural communities together for generations will do so again when circumstances allow for safe group gatherings across our state.”
“Public-private partnerships like this rural theater grant program are proving vital to help ensure that these critical community assets survive the pandemic and thrive to serve generations to come,” said Tom Gougeon, President, Gates Family Foundation. “We’re glad to partner with our colleagues in philanthropy and the public sector to help make this support possible.”
| Paradise Theater | $12,500 |
| Ross Cinemas / Lamar Theater | $12,500 |
| 4 Mile Cinemas | $12,500 |
| Wildhorse Cinemas | $12,500 |
| Cover 4 Theater | $12,500 |
| Chief Theater | $12,500 |
| Fox 5 Theater | $12,500 |
| Steamplant Event Center & Theater | $12,500 |
| Foundry Cinema & Bowl | $10,000 |
| Capitol Theater | $10,000 |
| Sunflower Theater at KSJD | $10,000 |
| Comanche Drive-In | $10,000 |
| Grand Theater | $10,000 |
| Ute Theater & Events Center | New Ute Theater Society | $10,000 |
| West Twin Cinema | $10,000 |
| Fox Theater (La Junta) | $10,000 |
| Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts | $10,000 |
| Tabor Opera House | $10,000 |
| Historic Ute Theater | $7,500 |
| Liberty Theater | $7,500 |
| Mountaineer Theater | $7,500 |
| Lincoln Theater | $7,500 |
| Cliff Cultural Community Center | $7,500 |
| Flagler Theater | $7,500 |
| Egyptian Theater | $7,500 |
| Vali 3 | $7,500 |
| Sands Theater | $7,500 |
| Fox Cinema Center | $7,500 |
| Grand Mesa Arts & Event Center | $7,500 |
| Fox Theater (Walsenburg) | $7,500 |
| Gem Theater AKA Walsh Art Center | $7,500 |
| Crystal Theater | $7,500 |
| Star Drive-In | $7,500 |
| Midway Theater and Cultural Events Center | $7,500 |
Grant awards were distributed to rural theaters at $7,500, $10,000, or $12,500 levels depending on eligibility, need, and availability of funds. Award distribution was determined by the theaters’ rural/remote location, proximity to other theaters, use as a multi-purpose venue (i.e., also acts as a community center, classroom, events rental venue, etc.), historic status, and overall financial need.
“In rural communities all around Colorado, the role that movie theatres play in civic life and community building cannot be overstated,” said El Pomar Foundation President and CEO, Kyle H. Hybl. “As the state continues to navigate COVID-related challenges, we believe that propping up these pillars of our communities will be key to ensuring better recovery in our rural areas and are pleased to once again partner with the State of Colorado and other foundations on this innovative initiative.”
Colorado’s Office of Film, Television and media partnered with the Small Business Development Center network to certify each theater’s business model, and to provide additional business consulting for theaters in need. Award allocation was determined by a committee made up of three OEDIT staff members, an EDC member, and a representative from one of the supporting foundations.
“We are proud to be a part of this collaborative effort,” said Katie Kramer, Boettcher Foundation president and CEO. “Rural theaters are community hubs that serve as movie houses and more. They are gathering and event spaces for arts, cultural, and educational programming. Their viability impacts main streets and local businesses across Colorado.”
About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. Under the leadership of Governor Jared Polis, we strive to advance the State’s economy through financial and technical assistance that fosters local and regional economic development activities throughout Colorado. OEDIT offers a host of programs and services tailored to support business development at every level including business retention services, business relocation services, and business funding and incentives. Our office includes the Global Business Development division; Colorado Tourism Office; Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office; Colorado Creative Industries; Business Financing & Incentives division; the Colorado Small Business Development Network; Colorado Office of Film, TV & Media; the Minority Business Office; and the Colorado Innovation Network. Learn more at www.choosecolorado.com.
In 2019, the Community Development program committed $932,500 in strategic grants to 13 organizations and $465,000 in responsive capital grants to 12 organizations. New impact investments supporting vibrant communities in 2019 included a $500,000 MRI to 
Our Focus Landscapes initiative, a key element of our Natural Resources program, underwent a comprehensive review, revision, and re-launch in 2019. This initiative was launched in 2011 to help Colorado achieve landscape-scale conservation through the protection of private lands in specific geographies. A great deal of progress was made in North Park, southeast Colorado, and the San Luis Valley, resulting in more than 200,000 acres of farm and ranch lands conserved, along with their associated ecological values. The strategic review process was done in close partnership with the land trust organizations representing those geographies, providing lessons-learned and an exploration of emerging opportunities. The revised Focus Landscapes initiative will first focus on two geographies: