January 2026
The Yampa Valley Community Foundation (YVCF) manages two Giving Circles that assist nonprofits in their work supporting individual clients with urgent financial assistance and give philanthropists a way to connect with other community-minded neighbors. These giving circles are groups of passionate people who pool tax-deductible donations and grant the funds into the community where they can have a meaningful impact. In 2025, the giving circles received a record number of requests and granted a combined total of $306,981 to help community members in need. This new record amount of granting reflects the significant and increased need in our community – as well as the generosity and compassion of our giving circle members.
The Women’s Giving Circle accepts proposals on an ongoing basis, year-round, from nonprofits and churches who know of community members in need of immediate assistance. A steering committee reviews the proposals throughout the year, and the group meets socially at least twice a year to learn more about giving and community issues and to meet new friends. The group funded 119 requests for a total of $214,504 in 2025, a 58% increase over the prior year.
Examples of nonprofit client needs that were supported include:
- A portable oxygen tank for a student to allow them to go to school (The Health Partnership)
- Rent assistance for a family who fell behind on bills while supporting a family member with hospice care (LiftUp of Routt County)
- Reliable tires for a single grandmother caring for her teenage grandchildren on a fixed income (The Health Partnership)
- Rent assistance for an individual temporarily out of work due to a heart attack (Integrated Community)
- Rent and basic needs support for an individual left with all of the bills for their family after an incident of domestic violence (Advocates of Routt County)
Traci Hiatt, Director of Philanthropy at YVCF reflected on the impact of the program, stating “This funding is a lifeline, a beacon of hope, and a turning point for the people helped. The impact of the giving by the Women’s Circle cannot be overstated.”
Patty Lundy, a member of the Women’s Giving Circle says, “Participating in the Women’s Giving Circle has helped me appreciate how much good can be done by a small group of caring people – and getting to do it while meeting new friends is icing on the cake!”
Members of the WZ Giving Circle donate to a collective giving fund and meet twice a year to hear from nonprofits who present proposals for up to $5,000 on behalf of anonymous clients in need of a helping hand. The WZ Giving Circle has grown from an initial group of approximately 15 couples to over 25 members (couples and individuals).
In 2025, WZ Giving Circle members reviewed 27 funding proposals from nonprofit organizations. All proposals were funded at some level, resulting in more than $92,500 in financial support directed to support Yampa Valley residents facing hardships.
Examples of some of the proposals include:
- Fees to train a service dog for an individual living with a disability, to give him more independence in living alone (Advocates Crisis Trauma & Survivor Services)
- Ceiling repairs for a retiree living alone whose living room ceiling was close to collapse (The Health Partnership)
- Two months’ rent for a mother and her three children after leaving an abusive situation (Northwest Colorado Health)
Camille Sachs, YVCF Grantmaking Manager states, “Throughout the WZ Giving Circle process, it’s evident the members feel great care for this community and a strong passion for helping people experiencing crisis who need assistance. The grants they make can have a transformational benefit to the recipients.”
Giving Circles are a wonderful way to support community members in crisis, learn about the work of local nonprofits, and meet other like-minded philanthropists. New members are always welcome.
For more information about the WZ and Women’s Giving Circles or to inquire about becoming a member, contact Traci Hiatt at traci@yvcf.org or 970-879-8632.