We believe deeply in the power of place-based giving. When people invest where they live, meaningful change follows. Thanks to donors who have established a wide range of charitable funds with our regional Community Foundation, more than $3.5 million has been distributed to organizations serving Delta County since 2005.

This is the ripple of generosity in action!

If you’re inspired to join this legacy — by creating a fund of your own or contributing to one that already exists — we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence. Together, we can continue shaping a brighter future for Delta County and all who call it home. 

Giving Back to The Places They Love

Where love for community becomes a gift for the future

What began as a deep appreciation for libraries and national parks has become a meaningful charitable legacy for Cedaredge residents Sharon and Gary Coquillette through the Western Colorado Community Foundation.

Their introduction to WCCF began with Sharon’s volunteer work with the Friends of the Cedaredge Library. When the couple later started their estate planning, a planned gift to our Community Foundation felt like a natural next step. “We were working on our estate plans and realized that using the Community Foundation would make things much easier for our executor, who lives on the East Coast,” Gary shared. “It simplified everything.” 

But simplicity wasn’t the only reason. Lifelong admirers of the outdoors, Sharon and Gary chose to direct much of their estate to organizations that support national parks—places they’ve cherished for decades. “We’ve always loved the parks—the wildlife, the beauty, the experience,” Sharon said. “Just because we don’t have kids doesn’t mean we don’t want other people’s kids to enjoy them.” 



They also hope their story encourages others to think about their own charitable legacy. “We know people want to take care of their families first, but if you can set something aside for charitable causes, it can make a real difference. And working with WCCF has been so easy—it’s a great way to make your giving go further.” 

Through thoughtful planning and generous hearts, Sharon and Gary are ensuring that the places they love—and the values they live by—will continue to enrich lives well into the future. 

Expanding Access to Care Across the Western Slope 

Community Grants Strengthen River Valley Family Health Centers

River Valley Family Health Centers (RVFHC) provides essential medical, dental, and behavioral health services for families in Delta, Montrose, and Olathe. With discounted care available on a sliding fee scale, they ensure that quality healthcare remains within reach for all. 

Thanks to our generous donors, WCCF has awarded $61,600 in grants to RVFHC since 2020—including support for mobile clinics, improved outcomes for low-income patients, and a major investment in the new Delta Clinic. 



This year, RVFHC received a $25,000 Community Grant to implement an AI-assisted clinical documentation system—an innovation that frees up provider time and allows them to serve more patients. This grant reflects the theme of WCCF’s 2025 Community Grants: supporting practical steps that help nonprofits adapt to shifting federal and state funding. RVFHC’s new platform is a strong example of adaptation and forward-thinking, strengthening efficiency and long-term sustainability for essential healthcare across the Western Slope.

Across western Colorado, generosity takes root in many forms—but few are as locally driven as WCCF’s Local Community Funds. Built in partnership with community leaders, these permanent charitable endowments are designed with one purpose in mind: to ensure that the places we call home continue to thrive for generations. 

These funds make it possible for community members to support local nonprofits—strengthening everything from arts and culture to health and human services, youth programs, outdoor recreation, and more. And because they are endowed, the impact grows each year, creating a sustainable source of financial support for the future. 

WCCF now has six active Local Community Funds, three of which benefit Delta County: the Delta Community Fund, the Surface Creek Community Fund, and the West Elk Community Fund. Together, they are helping ensure that the communities of Paonia, Hotchkiss, Crawford, Austin, Cedaredge, Cory, Eckert, Orchard City, and Delta have the resources they need to meet local challenges—and take advantage of local opportunities. 

Since 2018, these three Delta County funds alone have granted more than $350,000 to over 60 nonprofit organizations, a powerful testament to what happens when neighbors invest in neighbors. 

The Delta Community Fund (DCF) Launched in 2023 with strong leadership from local champions who believe deeply in Delta’s future, DCF is quickly becoming a trusted resource for community nonprofits.

In just its second year, the fund awarded $12,090 to 14 organizations—a remarkable start that reflects both local need and the community’s commitment to meeting it.

Learn more...

The Surface Creek Community Fund (SCCF) was established in 2019 by residents dedicated to building something lasting for the Surface Creek valley. SCCF has grown into a steady source of support for nonprofits serving Austin, Cedaredge, Cory, Eckert, and Orchard City.

To date, the fund has awarded nearly $100,000 in grants—and this year, $23,290 supported 12 nonprofits working to enrich life throughout the valley.

Learn more...

The West Elk Community Fund (WECF) was created in 2018 through the vision of committed North Fork residents. WECF continues to expand thanks to the generosity of more than 30 local households. With an endowment now exceeding $250,000, the fund brings long-term stability to organizations serving Paonia, Hotchkiss, and Crawford.

This year, WECF granted $37,166 to 12 nonprofits, fueling programs that strengthen the entire North Fork community.

Learn more...

Grounded in Community 

Aaron Clay’s decades of service continue to shape local giving in Delta County 

For longtime Delta resident and community leader Aaron Clay, giving back has always been part of life. His early involvement with hospice care, children’s programs, land conservation, and the Abraham Connection homeless shelter eventually led him to Western Colorado Community Foundation—first as a grant seeker, then as a board member serving two full terms on our regional Community Foundation's Board of Directors.

Aaron played a key role in helping establish the Delta Community Fund, inspired by the impact he saw in neighboring counties. “I knew we could do the same in Delta,” said Aaron. “Local nonprofits can stretch a dollar like crazy, and local control ensures support goes where it’s needed most.” 

As a professional advisor, Aaron has guided many clients in their estate planning and shaping meaningful charitable legacies, often introducing them to WCCF as an easy and effective way to support the community they love. One memorable collaboration helped a Delta family create multiple charitable funds—supporting scholarships, their church, and future generations. 

When he’s not volunteering or advising, Aaron can be found on the tennis or pickleball court—sports he’s enjoyed for more than 50 years, now often alongside his grandkids and his brother. 

“My children and grandchildren live here.

I want Delta to continue to be a good place to live and raise a family.” 

~ Aaron Clay ~

Giving by Check or Donate Online 



Please make checks payable to Western Colorado Community Foundation and include the name of the Local Community Fund in the memo line. 

Mail to: 

WCCF 

P.O. Box 4334 

Grand Junction, CO 81502 

If you’re exploring the idea of creating your own charitable fund, please contact Vickery Hall at 970-243-3767, or email vhall@wc-cf.org.

Stock Gifts and Year-End Deadlines 



For gifts of stock or other securities, please initiate the transfer with your financial institution by December 12 to help ensure assets arrive by December 31. And please let our Development Team know a transfer is on its way. 

Learn more about our Year-End Giving Deadlines and Holiday Hours here. 

Learn more at www.wc-cf.org