We are proud to promote a culture of generosity while managing $186 million in total charitable assets to benefit the people and communities of western Colorado. Our donor funds and community donations allowed us to distribute $8.3 million in grants and scholarships in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year. This translates into awarding 276 scholarships to students and distributing over 1,000 grants to more than 500 organizations supporting hunger relief and housing, human services, youth mental health, outdoor recreation and environment, arts and culture, and so much more. (Note these year-end numbers are not audited.)

In 2024, we designed initiatives and mobilized resources to promote healthy tech habits through our Hold the Phone! and Heads Up Parenting campaigns - a new and timely area of work for us and one that we will continue to champion in the new year.

We deeply appreciate the hundreds of community members who understand how much can be accomplished when we work together. Thank you for engaging with us and trusting your contributions are well-used to benefit our communities! 

From time to time, our Community Foundation issues challenge match grants, with recent such grants made to the Colorado National Monument Association (CNMA) and Community Food Bank of Grand Junction.

Generally speaking, challenge match grants are made in special circumstances to raise last dollars needed for a special project or to celebrate a milestone anniversary. Matching grants inspire confidence in donors that our Community Foundation supports their work. Because many donors like to "double their impact," these challenges leverage more donations and larger ones.

Our staff work with each nonprofit to determine challenge match criteria such as a target goal and timeline that will work for them and lead to success.

The Community Food Bank was awarded a $50,000 challenge match grant for the 7th Street Community Café. This unique social enterprise aims to provide a revenue source for Community Food Bank while also providing skills training to community members. Read more here.

To celebrate the Colorado National Monument Association's 60th Anniversary, WCCF provided a $60,000 challenge match grant. Their campaign ran from September through the end of last year and greatly helped CNMA expand its supporter base for our local national park.

Kudo to both organizations for their success in reaching their fundraising goals.

David Price was a committed and generous donor, as well as a valued member of the community. He had a profound appreciation for nature and a strong passion for learning. In 2018, David began his relationship with WCCF, contributing over $125,000 over the years to organizations that aligned with his charitable interests. After his passing in 2023, he entrusted our Community Foundation with a charitable donation from his estate, providing advance instructions for distributing his funds to causes that were meaningful to him. Thanks to his generosity, his legacy will continue to significantly impact environmental conservation, educational programs, and community development initiatives that he cherished. Through his thoughtful planning and generosity, David has made a lasting impact in his community.

Feeling stunned or confused? Afraid of making the wrong decision, or losing your resiliency during turbulent times?

WCCF is hosting a live Watch Party to join this Zoom workshop led by Denise Clark, who will help you be better prepared no matter what the future brings. Improve decision making, inspire innovation, and respond quickly and efficiently when unexpected challenges arise. Best for Executive Directors, Finance Directors, Program Managers and board members who want to develop plausible alternatives, prepare for possibilities, and make informed decisions for the future.

Join virtually via Zoom or participate in-person at the Center for Philanthropy, 128 N 5th Street, Grand Junction (limited seating). Participants in the room at the Watch Party are invited to stay for a bite of lunch and conversation with colleagues after the Zoom training.

NOTE: This webinar will NOT be recorded.

March 10, 2025, 10:00 to Noon

We are excited to have Abraham join our team as our new Staff Accountant. Abraham Ruiz is a Colorado native from Gypsum in Eagle County. Growing up in the Rocky Mountains, he later pursued studies in Finance and Business Analytics at CMU, where he graduated this past December.

During his time at CMU, Abraham interned at the Business Incubator Center, where he decided to stay in Grand Junction to embrace the local lifestyle. While at the Business Incubator Center, he gained valuable experience working in the accounting department and assisting with the loan fund program.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with friends, bowling, playing soccer, and exploring the outdoors. Welcome Abraham!

As a convener, connector, and collaborator, we take pride in providing technical assistance and resources to local nonprofits and partners working in areas related to our impact work: Outdoor and Environment, Hunger Relief, and Youth Well-Being. These initiatives are supported by generous donor contributions that provide us flexibility to address a variety of current needs.

Outdoor Recreation & Environment:

Agrivoltaic Research

CORE Giving Circle Members recently visited the Western Colorado Research Center (WCRC) to learn about their Agrivoltaic (AV) research.

The cutting edge project aims to educate the community on climate change and agricultural sustainability, provide renewable energy, and train a workforce for AV installation. Findings will aid regional growers and can be applied in similar Southwestern U.S. areas.

Read more about this fieldtrip and Agrivoltaic here

Hunger Relief:

Blueprint to End Hunger Updates

Our Community Foundation was instrumental in establishing the Mesa County Hunger Alliance more than a decade ago and continues to support this collaborative effort. The Hunger Alliance comprises over 20 organizations, promoting collaboration to address hunger relief challenges.

In 2021, this group published the Mesa County Blueprint to End Hunger and has recently released their 2025 Strategic Plan. If you would like to learn more about their initiatives, click here.

Youth

Well-being:

Award Winning Campaign

Ad Club Colorado recently celebrated local creativity at The Fifty to honor outstanding creative work in our state.

The event recognized campaigns with Colorado roots, including our Heads Up Parenting campaign, which won a Gold Bar Judges Award. A special thanks to the Heads Up Parenting team for creating and promoting this important message.

Learn more about The Fifty here

The Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) is a nonprofit organization established in 1996 by community leaders. Covering seven counties in western Colorado, our Community foundation works to connect generous donors with causes that align with their philanthropic goals and interests.

With more than 330 charitable funds and over $186 million in assets under our stewardship, we distribute $8.3 million in grants and scholarships annually.