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We hope you're enjoying this beautiful fall and the chance to slow down and savor the cooler, shorter days.
Here at the Foundation, our work continues in full swing. We celebrated our Philanthropists of the Year in August, nearly wrapped up spring/summer scholarships (just one of 213 awards left to send!), awarded $713,960 in Community Grants, and continued partnering with our three giving circles as they provide generous support to neighbors in need.
At the same time, we've expanded our support for nonprofits facing budget challenges, through our Nonprofit Education Series and Emergent Needs Program. We also established - and granted from - our Disaster Recovery Fund, and are collaborating with our nonprofit partners to educate donors about critical community issues such as mental health and food security.
Looking ahead, in the next few months much of our focus will on helping donors with year-end charitable giving. As your partner in philanthropy, our goal is to help make giving easy and strategic, and to connect you with causes that fulfill your personal giving goals. Whether you're seeking guidance on local needs, considering opening a donor-advised fund, or exploring legacy giving, we are here to work alongside you. Call 970-879-8632 or email Traci to schedule a personalized session with our donor services team.
Read on to learn more about what we've been up to and upcoming events.
| | WILDFIRE DISASTER RECOVERY GRANTS ISSUED | | Photo credit: Lee Fire InciWeb | | |
We’re pleased to announce that initial grants have been issued from the Lee & Elk Wildfire Recovery Fund. A committee consisting of YVCF's CEO, a Trustee, and four community or subject‑matter experts are reviewing applications and recommending grants for Board approval.
United Way of the Yampa Valley has received three grants: funding to help cover gift cards and basic supplies for residents forced to evacuate and basic needs requests for seven families.
A client of Love INC of the Yampa Valley received assistance with a rent payment diverted to an evacuation-related lodging expense.
A grant to Connections 4 Kids will support Firm Foundation Childcare impacted by loss of income from emergency closure of the facility and student absences due to evacuation.
The fire will have ongoing impacts for the local community, businesses, agricultural and environmental resources, and funding will continue to be deployed to support these needs as they arise. We are aware of additional grant requests in the works, and the grant committee will continue to meet regularly to review applications.
Donations to the fund in excess of what is needed to address relief and recovery from the recent fires will remain in the Yampa Valley Disaster Recovery Fund to assist with future disasters.
| | CATAMOUNT RANCH & CLUB SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED | | |
Members of Catamount Ranch & Club have once again generously supported their employees with scholarships for post-secondary education. The scholarship is funded by club members and applications are reviewed by an eight-member volunteer committee.
Seventeen students were awarded a total of $112,000 in the 2025 summer cycle.
Catamount members enjoy supporting dedicated employees and helping them achieve their educational goals. Committee member Kristina Tober states, "Reading [the students'] thank you notes reminds me of the difference these funds make in these kids’ lives. I also had many of the recipients say thank you in person. This is really something the club should be proud of."
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SOUTH ROUTT EDUCATION ENDOWMENT
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EMERGENT NEEDS FUNDING
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SOROCO TITLE I TEACHER ROLE SAVED
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When Title I budget cuts recently threatened to leave the South Routt School District without a vital teaching position, the South Routt Education Endowment decided it was time to make history. For the first time since its creation in 2012, the endowment issued a $14,000 grant which, along with a matching grant from the Community Foundation's Emergent Needs Funding program, secured funds to retain their Title I reading teacher. The role provides specialized instruction and targeted support for the kids who need it most.
For years, the South Routt Education Endowment has quietly grown through donations large and small, building strength for moments just like this, and proving the value of an endowed fund.
“An endowment works like a never-ending savings account,” said Russ Garrity, longtime fundraising volunteer and founding donor to the endowment, in the statement. “The fund (now over $500,000) is invested by Yampa Valley Community Foundation, and the interest and earnings can be used to support programs. That way, the gift keeps giving — forever.”
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FEATURED NEW FUND
BEST DAY EVER FUND
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Scan for Best Day Ever Fest info | | |
To honor the incredible spirit with which Pete Van De Carr lived, the primary purpose of the Best Day Ever Fund is to provide youth (ages 5-18) with the resources needed to live their “Best Day Ever” through sports, education, adventure and other activities that promote a happy, healthy and active lifestyle. Funding will be used for youth in need of gear, tuition, supplies or other necessities that allow them to participate in positive activities.
Celebrate the launch of this fund at the Best Day Ever Fest on Sunday October 12th from 4 to 7pm. Live like Pete and have your best three-sport day, then head to Mountain Tap for:
- Live music
- Door prizes
- Food specials
- The debut of Best Day IPA
- And more!
The Best Day Ever Fund is a Donor Advised Fund of the Yampa Valley Community Foundation. Grants from the Fund may be made, upon recommendation from the Donor Advisor, for other purposes that would align with Pete's interests and passions.
| | | | NONPROFIT EDUCATION SERIES | | |
Our Sustaining Nonprofits Training Series is off to a rollicking start! These sessions help nonprofit professionals and board members build skills and knowledge around effective nonprofit management.
Sessions completed:
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Scenario Planning - with strategic planning consultant Jeremy Anderson
- Donor Cultivation - with Traci Hiatt & Kelly Landers
Don't miss upcoming sessions:
- Nonprofit Finance Fundamentals - Oct 7
- Nonprofit Board Fundamentals - Oct 27 (Steamboat) & 30 (Craig)
- Marketing for Nonprofits - Nov 13 (Steamboat) & 14 (Craig)
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Tuesday, September 30
WZ Giving Circle meeting
8:30-11:30am, YVCF Office
The WZ Giving Circle will hear proposals from nonprofit case managers requesting funding for individual clients in need of urgent but not chronic financial assistance. Email Traci to inquire about joining this giving circle.
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Wednesday, October 1
Casey's Pond 1st Anniversary Celebration
2:30-3:30pm, Casey's Pond
Join us for the one year anniversary celebration of Casey's Pond being saved and becoming a a Northwest Colorado Health Community.
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Wednesday, October 15
IMPACT100 Final Voting Event
5-7pm, STARS Ranch
Three organizations selected as finalists will present how they would benefit from funding. Paid members vote to determine how their IMPACT100 funds will be allocated among the finalists. Awards are announced live at this event!
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October 23 & 24
Donor Education Event
Legacy Giving & Estate Planning
Time TBD, YVCF Office @ 348 Oak Street
Our next donor education event will discuss the power of estate planning for maximizing philanthropic giving. Check in HERE for details TBD or email Holly
to be added to the mailing list.
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Tuesday, December 9
Yampa Valley Gives Day
Get ready for the day to LIVE HERE GIVE HERE, where record amounts are raised for local nonprofits in Routt and Moffat Counties and your giving can be streamlined on one platform!
Community Rally dates
10am, December 2 - Craig Chamber of Commerce
12pm, December 4 - Routt County Courthouse
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Did you get to the end of this newsletter? Did you learn anything interesting or useful or wish for other content?
Email jenny@yvcf.org with feedback (or just to say hi)!
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