Standing Together for a Resilient Chaffee County
Alongside our community’s leaders, CCCF is working diligently to ensure that Chaffee County remains strong in the face of funding uncertainty. Time and time again, we are inspired by the resilience, creativity, and generosity of our local nonprofits and neighbors. This moment is no different.
We are taking proactive steps to support the entire nonprofit sector while ensuring that essential safety net services remain intact for those experiencing financial hardship.
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CCCF’s Response to Support Our Nonprofit Sector:
CCCF is committed to equipping local organizations with the tools they need to navigate uncertainty and continue serving our community. Below are the resources we have made available:
- Financial Planning Consultations: Need guidance on financial planning during uncertain times? CCCF can connect your leadership team with staff members or mentors to help you strategize for the next six months—ensuring you are prepared should federal funding be reduced or cut.
- Volunteer Capacity Support: We’re helping nonprofits expand their reach by connecting them with volunteers through ChaffeeVolunteers.org, a free resource for all local organizations.
- Federal Funding Awareness: CCCF is compiling and sharing critical information about federally funded services in our community, helping residents understand how policy changes at the national level impact their daily lives.
- Advocacy with State Representatives: We are actively engaged with state representatives to track funding developments and advocate for our community’s needs.
To access these supports along with our full suite of the capacity building, visit https://www.chaffeecommunity.org/npcapacity
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Strengthening Our Community’s Safety Net:
Over $30 million in federal funding flows into Chaffee County annually, supporting youth services, environmental conservation, fire mitigation, crisis response, transportation, health programs, human services, and housing. Additionally, approximately 140 full-time nonprofit sector jobs depend on these dollars.
While not all funding is currently at risk, we must be prepared for an increase in demand for financial hardship services. CCCF is leading the Safety Net Subgroup of the Leadership Roundtable, hosted by the Chaffee County Board of County Commissioners. Initial action steps include:
- Updating Service Provider Listings: Ensuring immediate needs service providers have up-to-date information on ChaffeeResources.com, a comprehensive, searchable resource for those seeking assistance.
- Training Service Navigators: Hosting a free training at the Community Summit on April 29 (1 PM – 2 PM) to help nonprofit and government service navigators effectively use ChaffeeResources.com. Register with promo code FULL to attend.
- Emergency Response Fund Activation: Preparing to deploy emergency grants to local service providers to prevent gaps in critical services.
- Community Support Portal: Launching an online portal in partnership with the County, making it easy for residents to find help, volunteer, donate, or support essential services.
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How You Can Help
We need to lay the groundwork now so our community can respond swiftly and effectively when challenges arise. Here’s how you can take action today:
- Nonprofits & Service Providers: Ensure your services are up to date at ChaffeeResources.com and post volunteer opportunities at ChaffeeVolunteers.org.
- Donate: A gift to the Emergency Response Fund will allow us to respond quickly to funding gaps and ensure vital services continue uninterrupted. Donate Here.
- Volunteer: Sign up at ChaffeeVolunteers.org to stay informed about urgent community needs and opportunities to make a difference.
Together, we can strengthen Chaffee County and ensure that no one is left behind. Thank you for standing with us. Let’s rise to the challenge—together.
Participants in the Safety Net Subgroup of the Community Leaders Roundtable assess immediate needs services and connect on opportunities to reinforce our local safety
As our community faces fluctuations in funding, an increase in local volunteerism is going to be part of the solution. To help interested volunteers connect with those in need of help, CCCF hosts ChaffeeVOLUNTEERS.org.
New in 2025, ChaffeeVOLUNTEERS is free for all Chaffee area nonprofit organizations! See below for how to sign-up and start connecting with volunteers for your programs.
- Step 1: Select a Membership Option – ChaffeeVOLUNTEERS has five options to recruit volunteers. Connect with our team to review the options to find the best fit for your needs:
- Step 2: Sign-Up: Share a few details about your organizations, select your membership option, and hit submit! Once we receive your details a representative from CCCF will be in touch to build your page or posting on ChaffeeVOLUNTEERS.
- Step 3: Connect with Volunteers: Depending on your membership option you will receive login info and/or notifications when someone signs-up for your posting.
