Western Colorado Community Foundation awards grants to support Youth Outside and Offline

The Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) announced its 2024 Community Grants, awarding $125,000 to 14 Western Slope Nonprofit Organizations. This year’s awards focus on Youth Outside and Offline for programs designed to tackle the growing mental health concerns facing young people today.

Grants will support after-school and out-of-school programs to get youth off their devices and into fresh air and outdoor recreation. The funded programs will offer engaging activities while teaching critical skills for healthy technology use, reduced screen time, and safe social media engagement.

“We recognize the significant impact technology has on our youth”, explains Anne Wenzel, President and CEO of the Western Colorado Community Foundation, “This funding is part of WCCF’s larger commitment to address youth mental health and well-being by promoting healthy technology habits”.

Research continues to shed light on the detrimental effects of excessive screen time and social media use on young people’s mental health, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The Youth Outside & Offline grants are part of The Foundation’s multi-pronged approach to address these challenges and promote overall well-being in our youth. To learn more about WCCF’s youth mental health and healthy tech initiatives, visit wc-cf.org/youthstrong/.

  • Access AfterSchool
  • Eureka! McConnell Science Museum
  • Girls on the Run of the Grand Valley
  • Haven House of Montrose
  • District 51 OWL Camp
  • PEER Kindness
  • R-5 High School for OWL camp
  • Riverside Education Centers
  • Stepping Stones Roaring Fork Valley
  • Summit 54 Advantage Program
  • The Buddy Program
  • The Cycle Effect
  • The Nature Connection Olathe Schools
  • Voyager Youth Program

About Western Colorado Community Foundation: The Western Colorado Community Foundation serves seven counties in western Colorado, managing charitable funds for community good. Currently, the Community Foundation manages over 330 charitable funds totaling almost $170 million in assets, and awards over $6.6 million in grants and scholarships annually. Visit wc-cf.org for more information.