The West Elk Community Fund (WECF) is a charitable investment account to benefit the people of Paonia, Hotchkiss, and Crawford. Donations are used to support local nonprofit organizations and community improvement projects through a competitive grants application process.

West Elk community leaders partnered with the Western Colorado Community Foundation in 2018 to establish a permanent charitable endowment that distributes annual grants into the community for generations to come. Community-minded donors who share a connection to the place they live and a commitment to making their community better can make contributions of any size.

A local steering committee made up of community leaders reviews applications and awards grants once a year.

Since its establishment in 2018, the West Elk Community Fund has awarded nearly $300,000 in grants to nonprofits in North Fork Valley.

2026 Awards

The West Elk Community Fund (WECF)  awarded $46,375 in grants to 15 nonprofits serving the North Fork Valley. Made possible through the generosity of local donors, these grants support organizations working in arts and culture, education, youth programs, agriculture, outdoor recreation, and community services.

Established in 2018, the West Elk Community Fund brings local residents together to invest in the organizations and programs serving their communities. Guided by a local steering committee, the fund provides annual grants to nonprofits working throughout the North Fork Valley.

2026 West Elk Community Fund grant recipients include:

• All American Families
• Blue Sage Center
• Delta-Montrose Youth Services Inc.
• Grand Mesa Nordic Council
• Hotchkiss-Crawford Historical Society
• Mirasol Agrivoltaic
• Nature Connection / Delta County School District
• North Fork Senior Connections
• North Fork Valley Creative Coalition
• North Fork Valley Public Radio Incorporated
• Paonia Players
• The Learning Council
• UpRoot Colorado
• Valley Organic Growers Educational Alliance
• Valley Youth Orchestra

Your donation allows us to respond to a broad range of community issues, including supporting nonprofits to expand services and meet needs in Paonia, Hotchkiss, and Crawford…now and for years to come.

Donations of any size are appreciated and are tax deductible. You can write a check, donate appreciated stock, or make a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA to support the West Elk Community Fund.

You might want to consider leaving a gift as part of your will or estate plan. This can be as simple as naming WCCF/West Elk Community Fund as the charitable beneficiary of your IRA, other bank/investment accounts, or in your will.

By contributing to the West Elk Community Fund, you help invest in innovative solutions and respond to our communities’ unmet needs. Your donation makes a difference and changes lives.

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