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Western Colorado Community Foundation
Promoting Philanthropy
in Delta County
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For nearly twenty years, the Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) has worked closely with local leaders to identify and address community needs in Delta County. Our funding supports a range of basic needs and human services, youth development, arts and culture, environment, and other projects that have touched the lives of many in these communities.
We believe in the power of place-based giving and take pride in partnering with dedicated individuals and organizations that strive to make a difference locally. Thanks to the generosity of donors who have established charitable funds —including Donor-Advised Funds, Designated Funds, Field of Interest Funds, Nonprofit Agency Funds, Scholarship Funds, and Local Community Funds—the Western Colorado Community Foundation has distributed more than $2.5 million to organizations that serve this area.
We invite you to learn more about how you can become a part of this legacy of giving, whether through establishing your own fund or by contributing to an existing one. Together, we create a brighter future for all.
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Local Community Funds
Your Local Vehicle for Community Good
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Local Community Funds play an important role for the Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) in promoting local philanthropy. WCCF collaborates with local leaders to establish and build these funds, which provide support to nonprofit organizations and programs within specific geographic areas. These funds are permanent charitable endowments, distributing annual grants to the community for many generations to come.
To date, WCCF manages six Local Community Funds, three of which serve Delta County: Surface Creek Community Fund, West Elk Community Fund, and Delta Community Fund. Since 2018, these three funds have provided over $350,000 in grant funding to 60 organizations throughout Paonia, Hotchkiss, Crawford, Austin, Cedaredge, Cory, Eckert, Orchard City, and Delta.
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Community leaders have been instrumental in establishing the Surface Creek Community Fund (SCCF) in 2019, supports nonprofits benefiting the residents of Austin, Cedaredge, Cory, Eckert, Orchard City
Since its inception, the SCCF has awarded over $76,000 in grants to local nonprofits. This year, $16,950 was granted to 11 organizations.
View recipients
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The West Elk Community Fund (WECF) was founded in 2018 to support local nonprofits and community projects in Paonia, Hotchkiss, and Crawford through competitive grants. Initially established by a few North Fork residents, it has received funding from over 30 local households, with an endowment exceeding $200,000 to support nonprofits in the region.
This year, WECF granted $36,740 to nine nonprofits.
View recipients
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The Delta Community Fund (DCF) is the newest Local Community Fund, which launched in 2023 thanks to local leaders. DCF founders and committee members raise funds locally and make grants annually to support organizations that serve the City of Delta and surrounding areas.
2024 is the first year of grant distributions from this fund. This year, DCF awarded $10,000 to 11 nonprofit organizations.
View recipients
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The community is invited to attend the Grantee Award Ceremonies organized by the Delta Community Fund and Surface Creek Community Fund committees. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the impact of local grant making funding, connect with committee members, and find out how you can contribute to creating a more sustainable future for your community. | |
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Surface Creek Community Fund
Monday, November 18 at 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Stolte Shed; 388 S Grand Mesa Dr, Cedaredge
Delta Community Fund
Thursday, November 14, at 12:30 PM
Egyptian Theatre; 452 Main St, Delta
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Grantee Highlight:
Valley Organic Growers Association
Since 1992, the Valley Organic Growers Association (VOGA), located in the North Fork Valley, has been dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture through the support and education of both producers and consumers. VOGA represents the largest concentration of organic, sustainable growers in the state. This year, they plan to elevate the agricultural producers of the North Fork Valley with the help of a grant from the West Elk Community Fund (WECF) to establish a Resource Coordinator Program.
This position will assist producers in connecting with financial assistance, enhancing sustainability practices, and understanding regulations, while also offering mental health and family care resources. VOGA members supply fresh produce to local markets and restaurants, and this program will contribute to the success of North Fork Valley producers.
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"It helps us as a small organization to receive this funding, not only to keep doing what we’re doing, but to keep supporting our producers, including our ranchers, farmers, orchardists, and vintners. Our goal is to see our producers thrive, receive a living wage, and to make sure these farms stay in business."
-Emily Hartnett, Program Director of VOGA.
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WCCF Donor Spotlight:
Doris McGuire
Delta County Resident Carries Meaningful History with WCCF
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Doris McGuire resides in Cedaredge and engages with the Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) in a number of ways.
This year she joined WCCF's board of directors, however her involvement with the Community Foundation began in 2015 when she created the Richard W. McGuire Memorial Scholarship in honor of her late husband. She attributes her perspective on this meaningful charitable legacy to one of his favorite quotes: “Education is the gateway to peace.” To date, the scholarship has awarded over $58,000, significantly impacting the lives of students in western Colorado.
Additionally, Doris has been instrumental in founding and contributing to the Surface Creek Community Fund (SCCF) and currently serves as the co-chair of its committee. Recently, SCCF completed its fourth round of grants, and has contributed over $75,000 back to the community.
We are incredibly thankful for her dedication and engagement with our community foundation. She is an asset to both our foundation and the Cedaredge community she calls home.
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Friends of Youth And Nature
An Agency Endowment Dedicated to Providing Ongoing Funding
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This year, board members of Friends of Youth and Nature (FOYAN) voted to establish an endowed Agency Fund aimed at generating annual income to help support the organization's mission in Delta County. This mission focuses on eliminating barriers for Western Slope youth, allowing them to engage in nature experiences that promote resilience and a sense of stewardship.
"Sustainability for Friends of Youth and Nature is one of our priorities to ensure that our local youth stay connected to nature for their health and happiness,” stated Anita Evans, chair of FOYAN. “Thanks to WCCF, we are launching an endowment fund specifically for this purpose - we are grateful to WCCF!"
WCCF's knowledgeable staff are able to provide technical assistance to nonprofit staff or board committees in the planning and establishment of their endowment.
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Interested in learning more about Agency Funds? | |
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Contact WCCF's experienced Development team to discuss options for creating a constant, predictable stream of income for your nonprofit organization.
Call: (970) 243 - 3767
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Delta Hosts WCCF Staff & Board | |
The regional board of directors of the Western Colorado Community Foundation held their August quarterly board meeting in Delta. At the completion of the business meeting, the group toured the Delta Innovation Library Workspace and Egyptian Theater – both projects that have received generous funding from our Community Foundation. We also visited several colorful outdoor murals with local artist Seth Weber in downtown Delta. | |
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If you are interested in promoting local philanthropy and supporting a number of worthy projects benefiting your community, consider giving to one of your Local Community Funds! Gifts of any size are appreciated and are tax deductible. Learn more here.
Donations by check should be payable to the 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
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If you'd like to learn more about setting up your own charitable fund, please contact our Development Team at 970-243-3767.
To make stock gifts, please initiate the transfer by December 13 with your financial institution. This will help ensure that the stocks and other securities arrive to WCCF by December 31 as they can take some time to process. Please remember to notify the WCCF Development Team that a transfer is in progress.
Learn more about our Year-End Giving Deadlines and Holiday Hours here.
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The Western Colorado Community Foundation is a nonprofit, public charity established by local community leaders in 1996. We serve a seven county region that includes Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, and Rio Blanco Counties. We are growing steadily and now manage over 330 charitable funds totaling $184 million in assets and will award over $7 million in grants and scholarships this year. | | | | |
