DoorDash To Donate $500,000 to Connecticut Restaurants

CONNECTICUT — Popular food deliver company DoorDash will be donating $500,000 to the Connecticut Restaurant Association's Connecticut Restaurant Relief Fund as part of a new partnership between the organizations.

The contribution is part of DoorDash’s $200 million, 5-year Main Street Strong Pledge, which includes a $10 million grant program to help restaurants in select cities across the United States and Canada. The partnership between DoorDash and the CRA will enhance the lines of communication between restaurants and DoorDash, as well as allow DoorDash to share updates on products and services available to help restaurants grow sales and meet new customers.

"DoorDash has been a partner with our state since early in the pandemic, working with our agencies and communities to help provide meals for those who needed them," said Gov. Ned Lamont. "Our small businesses, especially our restaurants, are part of the fabric of our communities and I'm thrilled to see this corporate partner provide this new aid."

The purpose of the Connecticut Restaurant Relief Fund is to provide restaurants who have faced significant financial hardship the opportunity to apply for a grant to help keep their business open and their workers employed. Pending the review of the Foundation and verification that the submitted application meets the prescribed guidelines, a one-time grant of up to $5,000 will be disbursed directly to each recipient. Availability of awards will be based on available funds and will be limited to one per restaurant group.

"In the midst of historically challenging times for local restaurants, DoorDash’s contribution to the Connecticut Restaurant Relief Fund will provide much needed financial support for local businesses throughout our state," said CRA Executive Director Scott Dolch. "Throughout the pandemic, restaurants have worked tirelessly to stay in business while keeping their customers and staff safe. We look forward to growing this fund, so we can help even more restaurants as they fight every day to survive this pandemic, so they can be part of our economic recovery in the months and years ahead."

Connecticut restaurants looking to apply can do so online here.