The Yampa Valley Community Foundation’s 2024 Community Grant Cycle has awarded a record $661,068 through grant awards to 80 nonprofits serving the Yampa Valley. This was an increase of 22% over the amount awarded in 2023. The maximum possible grant award was raised to $10,000 from $7,500 in this year’s cycle, generating the highest ever total requested amount. Eighty-two of eighty-six applications were awarded and 78% of the total requested amount was met.
Community Grants fall into three categories: unrestricted General Operating grants which allow grantees the flexibility to determine where grant dollars are most needed, Program Grants for specific programming within Routt and Moffat Counties, and Impact Grants for up to $30,000 for projects making a significant difference in the region.
Aligned with the Foundation’s philosophy of trust-based philanthropy, the Community Grant program emphasizes unrestricted funding, and half ($340,325) of the total dollars was allocated to General Operating grants. Candice Bannister, the Executive Director of grantee Tread of Pioneers Museum states, “There is so much work to be done to accomplish the mission and vision of our organization, and the flexible support helps us direct those dollars where they are needed most. We are so grateful for YVCF serving as a vehicle and catalyst for local donors and philanthropy.”
Thirty-three Program Grants were awarded for a total of $270,743 (41%). A few examples of projects funded include a Yampa River restoration project by the Colorado Water Trust, funds to increase health equity through The Health Partnership’s Community Impact Program, and support for youth programming at Rocky Mountain Youth Corps.
Two Impact Grants for a total of $50,000 were awarded to BookTrails for a solar array at its Reading Ranch and to Steamboat Montessori in support of a free school lunch program for all students.
Funding was distributed by sector as follows: 27% Health & Human Services, 20% Education, 15% Arts & Culture, 15% Environment, 11% Recreation, 7% Youth, 4% Animals and 2% Other. The full list of grantees can be found at yvcf.org/past-grant-recipients
A volunteer grant committee made up of community members and YVCF staff reviews each organization’s finances and completes in-person site visits. This robust process ensures a fair and objective allocation of funding and helps the Foundation engage deeply with and understand the needs of local nonprofits. Committee member Heidi Shurtleff states, “The review process is definitely time consuming but worth the effort as these organizations are doing such good work and they deserve time being reviewed.”
The annual grant cycle is funded by generous donations from community members and Donor Advised Fund advisors, the Foundation’s granting endowments, and a longstanding partnership with the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. To learn more about how to support Community Grants, visit our website or contact Program Officer Greg Hamilton, greg@yvcf.org
