Surprise Grants
As part of our 25th celebration, we plan to award 16 ‘surprise’ grants to nonprofit organizations across seven counties to recognize the work and impact of nonprofit partners across western Colorado.
Canyon West Church Food Bank
In February we presented the first ‘surprise’ grant to Canyon West Church Food Bank. Their food bank distributes food to 180 families and will use these funds to help purchase a new freezer and add capacity to avoid food waste in its food recovery efforts.
Grand Mesa Arts and Education Center
In March, WCCF board member, Bill Welch, presented the second ‘surprise’ grant to Grand Mesa Arts and Education Center. The $2,500 award for GMAEC is intended to help cover the costs of materials and other expenses for GMAEC’s STEM Camp for youth this summer.
Center for Children
During our Nonprofit Week Celebration Event: Inspiring Nonprofits to Dream Forward, WCCF board member, Dan Prinster, presented our third ‘surprise’ grant to Center for Children. . The Center for Children provides advocacy, healing and justice for many of these children, and for their non-offending family members. Prevention and training programs are offered through their Stewards of Children Community Education programs
Pomona Elementary School
Western Colorado Community Foundation’s board members, Joey Boese and Carlton Mason presented a ‘surprise’ grant to Pomona Elementary School’s Affective Needs Program. The grant will provide funding for Mr. Foach’s, Affective Needs students to attend Equine Experiential Learning through Metaphorse, a local nonprofit, This program is essential for a child’s physical and emotional development.
Colorado Canyons Association
On May 17, 2022 Western Colorado Community Foundation’s board member, Katie Steele presented a ‘surprise’ grant to Colorado Canyons Association during their monthly board meeting. ‘It’s so important that our children learn how to love and respect our public lands, and Colorado Canyons Association (CCA) offers these opportunities through both hiking and rafting in our National Conservation Areas in Mesa, Delta, and Montrose Counties.’ said Katie Steel, WCCF and CCA board member, ‘these are adventures and learning experiences they may not have access to without CCA.’
YouthZone
Western Colorado Community Foundation’s board member, Robin Tolan presented a ‘surprise’ grant to YouthZone in June. YouthZone aligns well with WCCF’s strategic initiatives with YouthStong, as YouthZone diverts youth from the juvenile justice system. YouthZone works directly with schools from Aspen to Parachute to intervene and provide comprehensive wrap around services including mental health. The organization provides a youth advocate for each youth with a holistic approach and focuses on the youth’s strengths.
The Western Region One Source
Kim Giannone, Chair of the Board for WCCF makes a ‘surprise’ grant visit to the Western Region One Source. Kim and her family have a long history of military service, including her Dad, Richard Johnson, in whose memory the grant was made to honor and support veterans who have served our country. The Western Region One Source is a “one stop shop” to connect veterans and their families with services and support.
Middle Colorado Watershed Council
‘Surprise’ grant given to Middle Colorado Watershed Council to support their work to protect and enhance the health of the middle Colorado River through the cooperative efforts of watershed stakeholders.