(CHAFFEE COUNTY, CO) March 31, 2025 – The Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF) is pleased to announce its recommendation of grant awards totaling $146,592 to 35 local nonprofit organizations following the conclusion of its Spring grant cycle. Open from January 13th through February 14th, 2025, this competitive grant round saw 90% of applicants recommended for funding, with an average award of $4,118. These grants are made possible through strong partnerships with the Town of Buena Vista and the City of Salida.

A Collaborative, Transparent Grant Process

CCCF plays a crucial role in managing the grant application and review process, ensuring an efficient, fair, and high-impact distribution of funds. Its services include operating the grant portal, reviewing applicant eligibility, providing technical support, assembling an independent review committee, and facilitating the scoring and decision-making process.

Recommendations from the volunteer review committee will be presented to the Buena Vista Trustees on April 8th and to the Salida City Council on March 31st for final approval. Once approved, grant agreements will be issued, and funds are expected to be distributed the week of April 21st.

Commitment to Equitable and High-Impact Grantmaking

At the core of CCCF’s approach is a commitment to a transparent and equitable grantmaking process. By sharing application questions and evaluation criteria in advance, offering follow-up interviews for clarification, and employing a combined scoring and discussion model, CCCF ensures that funding decisions are based on the strength of the projects rather than just the quality of grant writing. Additionally, to uphold fairness, a recusal process is in place to prevent conflicts of interest within the review committee.

“We are honored to partner with the City of Salida and Town of Buena Vista to strengthen the nonprofit sector through this grant process,” said Betsy Dittenber, Executive Director of CCCF. “Our local nonprofits are at the heart of what makes Chaffee County a thriving community, and these grants help them continue their vital work.”

Supporting Nonprofit Growth Beyond Grantmaking

With increasing demand for limited funding, CCCF is dedicated to helping local organizations build their capacity beyond grant applications. In addition to administering grants, CCCF provides ongoing support such as grant writing workshops, individual narrative reviews, and consultation services.

“The quality of applications continues to rise each year, making the process more competitive,” Dittenber noted. “It’s encouraging to see local organizations improving their grant writing skills, and we

are proud to be part of that growth. I encourage anyone looking to strengthen their grant writing to join us at the upcoming Community Summit.”

Community Summit: Strengthening Nonprofit Leadership

The Community Summit, scheduled for April 29th and 30th at the Chaffee Fairgrounds, is a two-day learning opportunity designed to help nonprofit leaders develop essential skills and collaborate across sectors. Registration is open to nonprofit professionals looking to expand their expertise and build connections. Find out more and reserve your ticket at www.chaffeecommunity.org/summit

Acknowledging the Dedication of Review Committee Volunteers

CCCF extends its gratitude to the eight dedicated volunteers on the Grant Review Committee, each of whom contributed over 30 hours to reviewing applications and making thoughtful funding recommendations.

“The time and commitment of our volunteer reviewers are invaluable,” Dittenber added. “Their dedication ensures that available funding is stewarded toward the programs and organizations that will have the greatest impact.”

About Chaffee County Community Foundation Founded in 2018, Chaffee County Community Foundation is a public, nonprofit organization established to promote and facilitate philanthropy in Chaffee County, created by and for the people in that area. CCCF acts as a catalyst to inspire positive change through the power of philanthropy to enrich the lives of all people within the county. Its goals are to make informed philanthropy accessible to all, build local nonprofit capacity, and enable community conversations. Since 2018, CCCF has actively supported nonprofit organizations for the betterment of Chaffee County and the local communities. To learn more, visit www.chaffeecommunity.org.

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Addendum

Grant Awardees:

The organizations receiving funding from the 2025 Spring grant cycle are:

The Noteables

Boy Scouts Troop 60

Chaffee County Council for the Arts

Justis Theater Works

Friends of the Buena Vista River Park

BV Made

Chaffee County Public Health – Safer Together Empathy Equals Safety

Buena Vista Singletrack Coalition

Alpine Orchestra, Inc.

Colorado Theater in Non Traditional Spaces

Synergy in the Service Industry

Places to Age

Blue Elements

Mini-Blessings

KHEN 106.9fm Community Radio

Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce

Salida Cyclones Swim team

Salida Aspen Concerts

Chaffee County Early Childhood Council

Chaffee Housing Trust

High Country Fine Arts Association

Salida Montessori Charter School

Salida Circus Outreach Foundation

Chaffee County Hospitality Inc.

Achieve, Inc.

Colorado Farm To Table Inc

elevateHER

Ark-Valley Humane Society

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chaffee County

Mountain Valley Transit

Salida Mountain Trails

Greater Arkansas River Nature Association

Guidestone Colorado

Chaffee County Public Health – Aging Well

Full Circle Restorative Justice