The Yampa Valley Community Foundation’s (YVCF) annual Community Grant Cycle is awarding 89 grants to 87 organizations totaling $713,960 this year, an 8.8% increase in dollars granted and a 10% increase in organizations awarded over 2024.
The annual grant cycle is an opportunity for nonprofit organizations serving Routt and/or Moffat County to apply for up to $10,000 for general operations or programs, or for an Impact Grant up to $30,000. The program is funded through the generosity of community members, YVCF donor-advised fund advisors and granting endowments, and the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. The program is a robust process carried out by a committee of 45 community members and YVCF Board and staff. The rigorous evaluation of applications plus site visits with every applicant ensures an equitable allocation of funds and connects YVCF more deeply with those organizations who may benefit from capacity-building assistance or training to enhance their grantseeking skills.
Aligned with the Foundation’s philosophy of trust-based philanthropy, the Community Grant Cycle emphasizes unrestricted funding, and just over half ($379,440) of the total dollars are being allocated as General Operating grants to 49 organizations. The value of these unrestricted grants is in providing operational stability for organizations and a broader, as-needed allowable use of funds. For example, a $10,000 grant from the 2024 grant cycle to Yampa Valley Autism Program (YVAP) allowed them to address a tremendous growth in reach, services, and impact that they were experiencing. Heidi Mendisco, Executive Director, reports on how YVAP was able to utilize that grant saying, “In the past year, we expanded ABA therapy into five local school districts, provided over 1,700 hours of free therapy to uninsured families, and launched a full-day Extended School Year (ESY) program in Steamboat Springs, among other services. We are deeply grateful for [YVCF’s] partnership and look forward to continuing this essential work together.”
Organizations must apply for a Program Grant if they have an annual operating budget of $1 million and above or are faith-based (funds may not be used for religious activities). Thirty-eight applicants are receiving a total of $279,367 for programs, which accounts for 39% of the total grant dollars allocated. A few examples of the programs being funded this year include:
The Family Development Center is receiving funding for their Newborn Network Play and Learn Program which provides services for families with children up to age three across Routt County. The program focuses on those experiencing isolation and who have limited access to resources or developmental concerns. Colleen Miller, Executive Director, says “This grant addresses the need for accessible early intervention and parenting support and provides vital early support that can change a child’s life trajectory and reduce inequities in developmental outcomes.”
The Nursing Home Transition Program of Northwest Colorado Center for Independence is receiving a grant to provide transition coordination services for older adults with disabilities who are residents of skilled nursing homes. The program helps them explore options for successfully transitioning back into the community, to achieve greater self-sufficiency and live more independently.
The grant for CMC Foundation’s Sending Hunger Packing Program will help alleviate food insecurity among students at the Steamboat campus. Funding will help sustain their on-campus food pantry offering refrigerated, frozen, and shelf-stable food items and hygiene products, free of charge, to any student in need. Olivia Goldsworthy, Regional Development Officer for the CMC Foundation, points out that “Colorado Mountain College offers one of the most affordable tuition rates in the nation, which is fantastic for our students but requires additional fundraising for various student support initiatives. This grant helps us combat the food insecurity that is experienced by as many as 40% of college students. Our hunger relief efforts particularly target low-income and first-generation students, those experiencing housing instability, non-traditional students with families, and nursing students who cannot work due to academic demands, although they are accessible to anyone experiencing need.”
Impact Grants, for projects making a transformative difference in the region, were awarded to two organizations. Both applicants are receiving 100% of their requested amount, and these Impact Grants account for eight percent of the total grant dollars. Northwest Colorado Health is receiving funding to provide Alcohol Use Disorder Training for 54 staff members, while the Steamboat Soccer Club’s grant will fund a project to explore options for expanding playing field access.
Grants were awarded across all grant categories.
For a full list of organizations receiving grants, visit: https://yvcf.org/past-grant-recipients/
