Are Propane Heaters The New Toilet Paper?

Grants for Propane and Winterizing

As temperatures drop and the days get shorter, restaurants are facing an entirely new set of challenges. Restaurants are ‘winterizing‘ to accommodate outdoor dining in the chilly months. And items such as propane heaters are in high demand and as a result, the prices are surging. As the temperature decreases, restaurants and shoppers alike are looking for ways to extend the use of their outdoor spaces, with outdoor propane heaters, fire pits, and outdoor lights. Retailers are reporting sales spike of up to 1150% on patio heaters especially in the Northeast region. In the Southwest, an increase of 816%, and in the West, an increase of 734%.

As many restaurants try to recoup the losses that resulted from the pandemic, they will continue to provide outdoor dining during the winter season. The resulting increased demand for outdoor heaters has lead to an increased demand for propane. According to Andrew Rigie, executive director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, 10,500 of the city’s approximately 25,000 eating and drinking establishments have been offering outdoor dining. Many will continue to do so in the winter but need to stock up on items to keep guests warm and sheltered.

These things all cost money when restaurants have little to no money, many have built up significant debt.

Andrew Rigie, executive director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance

8 Grants to Help with Winterizing

Here is a list of 8 grants that will help to alleviate the financial burden that has resulted from the pandemic.

1. In-kind support of vouchers to Oklahoma residents in eligible locations for support during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis. The purpose of the program is to offset the cost of utilities, including electric, gas and propane, and trash, water, and sewage. Applicants must be residents of the City of Coweta.
   
   
2. Grants of up to $45,000 to New York small businesses in eligible locations to mitigate the financial impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Funding is intended for business with 50 or fewer employees. The program will prioritize businesses that were denied other COVID-related aid. Businesses must be based in Erie County.
   
   
3. Rebates ranging from $1,000 to $3,500 to Delaware nonprofits, businesses, organizations, state and municipal governments, and individuals towards the purchase, lease, or upgrade of natural gas, propane, and electric-powered vehicles. Funding is intended to encourage individuals and businesses to lease or purchase clean vehicles in order to improve the State’s air quality.
   
   
4. Incentives to New Jersey small commercial and industrial businesses, local governments, schools, and nonprofits to implement energy-efficient retrofits in their establishments. Participants may receive up to 70% or 80% of the cost of early replacement of energy inefficient equipment.
   
   
5. Financial assistance and training for Texas low-income families in eligible locations to help pay utility bills and learn to control energy use and expenses. Funding is intended to address urgent energy needs and to empower disadvantaged families to become economically and socially self-sufficient. Eligible families must reside in El Paso County. Funding may be used for electric and gas or propane bills.
   
   
6. Awards of $25,000 to USA and territories Black-owned restaurants to provide relief during Coronavirus (COVID-19). The awards are intended to support Black-owned restaurants as part of the Funding Source’s commitment to fight systemic racism and drive change to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable place for people to work and live. 
   
   
7. Grants of $5,000 to New York, Illinois, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and California restaurants in eligible cities to meet challenges related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis. The goal of the program is to support restaurants in their efforts to recover and succeed, even as temperatures drop and the days get shorter, presenting restaurants with an entirely new set of challenges…
   
   
8. Grants of $10,000 and a grant of $25,000 to USA and Canada women-owned businesses and nonprofit organizations to achieve entrepreneurial or organizational goals. Previous recipients include food brands, and organic peanut butter producer, a music school, and a restaurant owner.