GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has donated $1 million to help 80 locally-owned small businesses in his hometown of Chico and Butte County, Calif.

Per a news release from North Valley Community Foundation on Monday, those 80 restaurants and retail businesses will receive grants to help cover rent for, on average, three months or longer and/or other operational costs through the Aaron Rodgers Small-Business COVID-19 Fund at North Valley Community Foundation in Chico. 

The grants will total more than $1 million.

“Small, locally owned businesses are the heart and soul of a community,” Rodgers said. “In the applications and the videos, it was heart-wrenching to hear about all the obstacles facing restaurants and retail establishments. So many of them are struggling just to stay in business but remain hopeful that there’s an end to this.”

Rodgers, who is a three-time NFL Most Valuable Player, began the move in early February with a $500,000 donation, which he then increased to $1 million. Nine of the business owners were notified personally by Rodgers and NVCF President and CEO Alexa Benson-Valavanis in video calls.

“Aaron is such an incredible person. He looked at everything, decided he wanted to do more, and doubled down on his original $500,000 commitment,” said Benson-Valavanis. “He is such a champion for his hometown.”

Restaurants and retail businesses with 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees could apply for help through the Aaron Rodgers Small-Business COVID-19 Fund. 

The 80 businesses that received Rodgers’ grant money can be found here.