Western Colorado Community Foundation

Promoting Philanthropy in Garfield County

For nearly twenty years, the Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) has worked closely with local leaders to identify and address community needs in Garfield 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 areas.

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 $7.5 million to organizations that serve these communities.

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.

In 2024, the Two Rivers community lost two long-time, generous philanthropists who committed to including plans in their estates to support the citizens of Garfield County.

Ken Kriz was a successful businessman and real estate investor in this area. During his lifetime, he worked with WCCF to set up a fund and establish a charitable plan aimed at supporting organizations in Glenwood Springs through an endowment. Thanks to this endowment, Ken has ensured that local nonprofits receive funding to do their important work. His commitment to the community stands as an inspiring testament to how thoughtful charitable planning can forge a lasting legacy. This effort impacts countless lives and enhances Glenwood Springs for generations to come.

Hjalmar “Hal” Sundin was another cherished figure in the Glenwood Springs community. By partnering with WCCF, Hal ensured his lasting legacy by allocating a portion of his estate to benefit students of Garfield County and the T.R.U.E. Grants Fund. The T.R.U.E Grants Fund is an endowment dedicated to serving the communities of New Castle, Glenwood Springs, and Carbondale. Hal's foresight and dedication will continue to leave a mark, and his contributions serve as a tribute to the power of thoughtful philanthropy and community spirit.



Ken and Hal's proactive approach to philanthropy demonstrates the lasting influence of careful estate planning and the importance of working closely with trusted advisors to fulfill charitable visions. Their legacies continue to inspire others to consider how they too can make a meaningful difference through planned giving, ensuring that their contributions support causes they care about well into the future. In this way, Ken and Hal have set a profound example of stewardship and generosity, leaving a legacy that will benefit future generations.

In early 2024, WCCF worked with local donors, John Savage and Sally Brands, to establish the West Garfield Community Projects Fund. This endowed fund provides grants for organizations involved in capital projects, one-time initiatives, or start-ups that benefit the communities of Rifle, Parachute, and De Beque.

This fall, the fund awarded its inaugural grants, totaling $30,000, to support various local initiatives. These included expanding FocusKids' services into Parachute, acquiring a new electric vehicle for Meals on Wheels, and enhancing the New Ute Theatre Society’s efforts to upgrade Rifle’s premier venue for live events.

By creating an endowment, John and Sally are ensuring a lasting impact for years to come. Their generosity not only addresses immediate needs but also establishes a sustainable source of funding that will empower community projects far into the future. The West Garfield Community Projects Fund exemplifies a commitment to fostering growth and development in these areas, ensuring residents have access to resources and opportunities that enhance their quality of life.

T.R.U.E Grants Fund

Your Local Vehicle for Community Good

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.

In 2017, the Two Rivers Community Foundation in Glenwood Springs, worked with WCCF to establish a Local Community Fund known as the T.R.U.E. (Two Rivers Unrestricted Endowment) Grants Fund. Since its inception, this fund has granted nearly $100,000 to 36 organizations across Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, and New Castle.

2023 T.R.U.E Grants Fund awardees and committee members

If you are interested in promoting local philanthropy and supporting a number of worthy projects benefiting your community, consider giving to your Local Community Fund, the T.R.U.E Grants Fund! 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. If giving to T.R.U.E Grants Fund, please include the name in the memo line, or donate online.

Mail to

WCCF

P.O. Box 4334

Grand Junction, CO 81502

If you'd like to learn more about setting up your own charitable fund please contact our experienced 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 since 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 our holiday hours here.

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.