Western Colorado Community Foundation Awards $82,500 Through CORE Giving Circle
Funding supports 13 projects focused on conservation, outdoor recreation, and environmental education across western Colorado
The Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) has announced $82,500 in grants to 13 projects through its CORE (Conservation, Outdoor Recreation, and Environment) Giving Circle. The 2026 grant cycle drew 34 applications requesting more than $266,000 in funding, reflecting strong interest in projects that protect natural resources, expand outdoor opportunities, and support environmental education across western Colorado.
Since 2019, the CORE Giving Circle has brought together donors who care deeply about the lands, waters, and outdoor opportunities that define western Colorado. Through shared learning experiences and an annual grantmaking process, members help direct funding to projects focused on conservation, restoration, recreation, and environmental stewardship.
“CORE brings together people who care about western Colorado’s natural resources and want to make a meaningful investment in their future,” said Emily Orbanek, Vice President at WCCF. “The range of applications we received this year speaks to the important work happening across our region, and we’re grateful to our CORE members for making these grants possible.”
2026 CORE grant recipients and funded projects include:
- Aspen Valley Land Trust — Silt River Preserve Habitat Restoration
- Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies — Dust-on-Snow and Hydroclimate Monitoring
- Colorado Canyons Association — Canyon Club
- Colorado Pheasants and Quail Forever — Snyder Wildfire Restoration
- D51 Foundation — Outdoor Wilderness Lab
- EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum — Environmental & Outdoor Education for Spanish-Speaking Families
- National Forest Foundation — Lands End Observatory Infrastructure Update
- Partners Youth Mentoring of Delta, Montrose & Ouray — Adventure Partners
- RiversEdge West — River Stewardship and Education Program
- Riverside Education Centers — Seeds to Summits: Planting Opportunities for Outdoor Student RECreation
- Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center, CMU — Colorado Water Fellows Program at CMU
- Two Rivers Wildfire Coalition — Neighborhood Ambassador Program
- Western Slope Conservation Center — The Next 25 Years of River Watch
The funded projects reflect a broad range of priorities, from wildfire recovery and habitat restoration to water monitoring, outdoor recreation, and hands-on environmental education. Several projects also focus on creating opportunities for young people and families to connect with the outdoors, while others support the research, infrastructure, and community partnerships needed to care for western Colorado’s natural resources.
About the CORE Giving Circle
Founded in 2019 by a group of passionate donors, CORE is WCCF’s first giving circle, bringing together individuals and households who want to learn about and invest in conservation, outdoor recreation, and the environment across western Colorado.
Members make a $5,000 commitment per individual or household and participate in field trips, educational experiences, and an annual grantmaking process in which they review proposals and select projects for funding.
Through CORE, members combine their charitable giving with opportunities to learn, connect, and support projects addressing environmental needs and opportunities across the region.
To learn more about the CORE Giving Circle or becoming a member, contact Emily Orbanek at eorbanek@wc-cf.org.
