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The purpose of this newsletter is to serve as a resource for the nonprofits we support, helping you stay informed and connected to opportunities that can strengthen your organization. While not all the trainings, webinars, or resources highlighted are hosted by the Western Colorado Community Foundation, we will use this platform to share information about opportunities available to nonprofits in our community.
Whether it’s updates from us, or events and resources from other organizations, we aim to keep you informed and equipped to make a lasting impact.
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Quick Links:
(more details below)
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April 16 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | Zoom
Hosted by: Community Resource Center
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April 20 | 2:30pm - 3:30pm | Zoom
Hosted by: Western Colorado Community Foundation
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May 5 | 3:00pm - 4:30pm | Zoom
Hosted by: Rocky Mountain Health Foundation
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Upcoming Learning Opportunities | | | |
Course Objective: Community Resource Center Funder Connections are an opportunity for peer-learning and networking for those who work and volunteer in the nonprofit community.
Participants will gain insight and information on the following:
- History and priorities of Next50
- Funding initiatives and opportunities
- Funding application submission and review process
- Tips for success from the foundation officer
- Opportunity for open dialogue and questions with the guest speaker
The mission of Next50 shall be to promote independence and dignity for the aging population, to include the needs of low and moderate income persons encompassing individuals with physical, cognitive and/or behavioral disabilities, by encouraging and supporting innovative, affordable and coordinated services and initiatives. To learn more about Next50, click here.
Guest: De Andra Sharp, Senior Manager of Community Impact, Next50 Foundation
Facilitator: Marcy Mitchell, Manager of Programs and Communication, Community Resource Center
When: Thursday, April 16th at 10:30am on Zoom
Register here.
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Join us on April 20 for a virtual meeting to learn more about WCCF’s 2026 Community Grants and what to expect throughout the application process. The funding cycle runs April 13 through July 17 and supports organizations providing essential safety-net services across our seven-county region, with a focus on basic needs such as food security, housing and shelter, physical and mental health care, and safety services. During the webinar, we will walk through the two-step application process beginning with the Letter of Interest, review eligibility considerations, and share key dates and notification timelines to help you prepare a strong and timely submission.
When: Monday, April 20 from 2:30pm - 3:30pm on Zoom
Register here and link to the Zoom meeting will be sent to you.
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Join nonprofit strategist Mary Beth McIntire for a free interactive session designed for nonprofit leaders, development and finance staff, and board members who are ready to move beyond “chasing the next grant” and build a stronger, more diverse funding base.
In this webinar, you will:
- Learn what revenue diversification is and why it matters for long-term financial health.
- Look at your current funding picture and identify gaps and new opportunities.
- Explore five key revenue streams: grants, individual giving, earned income, events, and investments/endowments.
- Work with peers on real-world scenarios and walk away with 2–3 concrete next steps for your organization.
When: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 3:00pm on Zoom
Register here.
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The strength of our region is rooted in the people and organizations working every day to serve others. On March 31, Community Impact Council of Mesa County hosted their annual Impact Breakfast to recognize outstanding members of our nonprofit community. Awards honored a volunteer, staff, management leader, and board member who have demonstrated exemplary service and leadership in their organizations and community.
The theme of the event, Stronger Together, was reinforced by speakers John Marshall, President of Colorado Mesa University, and Zebulon Miracle, Executive Director of Roice Hurst Humane Society, who connected significant events from our region’s history to the thriving community we know today, including the strong network of nonprofits in Mesa County.
| | Colorado Nonprofit Association Membership | | Colorado Nonprofit Association (CNA) membership is tiered based on your organization’s size, making it accessible for nonprofits at every stage. Members can access valuable resources, including legal support services. Explore available support here. | | Furniture Giveaway for Early Childhood Organizations | | On April 11 from 8:00am to 2:00pm, furniture will be available for pickup and ready for a new home at Scenic Elementary, 451 W. Scenic Dr. | | Advocating for Federal Spending | | The National Council of Nonprofits offers a practical guide to help organizations effectively engage in federal funding advocacy. This resource provides clear, actionable steps to strengthen your voice and impact. Learn more here. | | |
We’re excited to introduce Emily Orbanek, who serves as our Vice President! Emily first joined WCCF in 2020, bringing with her over a decade of philanthropic experience, including time with Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), El Pomar Foundation, and conservation-focused work in southwest Colorado. Born and raised in Grand Junction (go GJ High School Tigers!), Emily brings both deep local roots and statewide perspective to her work. Over the past five years, she has helped shape WCCF’s grantmaking and program strategy, and today she leads key initiatives and special projects that strengthen our work across western Colorado.
When she’s not at work, Emily can usually be found casting to rising trout in a high mountain stream. At home, she and her husband, Bill, have been known to bake and decorate extraordinary birthday and wedding cakes. She’s also been a certified wilderness first responder since 2010 and is a dedicated Taylor Swift fan.
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