Mission
The mission of the Western Colorado Community Foundation is to promote charitable giving, build and manage charitable funds for community good, and provide grants, scholarships, and other resources to benefit the residents and communities of western Colorado.
History
The Western Colorado Community Foundation, a nonprofit public charity, was founded in 1996 by local community leaders in Grand Junction. It operates in a seven-county region, including Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, and Rio Blanco Counties.
Initially starting with committed citizens but limited funds, the foundation now oversees over 330 charitable funds and nearly $170 million in total assets. Annually, it distributes $6.6 million in grants and scholarships to benefit the region.
As part of its 2022 strategic plan, the foundation aimed to acquire its own office space to enhance services for donors, nonprofits, and communities. By 2023, a permanent home and the Center for Philanthropy were purchased, serving as a central hub for activities supporting nonprofit partners and the wider community.
In 2024, the foundation’s focus is on promoting healthy tech habits concerning cell phone and social media usage through various programs. This includes initiatives like the “Youth Outside and Offline” community grants theme, as well as new programs catering to ages 0-5 and grades K-12. Additionally, the foundation continues its leadership efforts in addressing hunger, and supporting conservation, outdoor recreation, and environmental projects through the CORE Giving Circle.
Vision
In 2022, our Board of Directors undertook a visioning and strategic planning process to chart a course for our future and define a vision for 2026. five broad organizational goals for 2026 came out of this planning process:
Donor Cultivation and Asset Development: We will provide highly effective donor relations strategies to further engage current donors and implement strategic donor cultivation efforts to build assets and engage donors, new and future.
Expand and Deepen our Regional Presence: We will be strengthening and deepen our work in local communities, through strengthening WCCF’s Local Community Funds and other donor development strategies.
Community Leadership Work: WCCF will strengthen, deepen, and expand Community Leadership Work as a way to broaden donor engagement in crucial community issues, facilitate collaboration across community sectors and organizations, and attract long term donors to WCCF.
Nonprofit Capacity-Building: We will invest in strengthening the governance, leadership, and management of our nonprofit organizations so our grantees are better equipped to fulfill their own missions providing direct services and improving life in the communities we serve.
Organizational Development and Sustainability: WCCF will strengthen and grow our own organization to meet the increased demands associated with being a $150+million Community Foundation. This will include a diverse and equitable board of directors; hiring and retaining strong staff; developing shared goals and clear accountability structures, right-sized processes and institutionalized operating procedures; and full use of technology in order to fulfill our vision.
Fast Facts
- Established in 1996
- Tax Status – WCCF is a classified as “tax exempt” under the section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
- Governance – 15 member volunteer board of directors
- Accreditation – Confirmed in compliance with national standards for U.S. community foundations
As of year-end 2023:
- $6.6 million in grants and scholarships distributed
- $6 million in new donations
- 14 new donor funds established
- $170 million in total assets under management, an 18% year-over-year increase
