(CHAFFEE COUNTY, CO) February 5 – The Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF), in partnership with Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA), is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 First Responders Grant Program. Designed to support first responders across Chaffee, Lake, Custer, Fremont, and Saguache counties, this program has successfully awarded $5,000 to enhance the safety and capabilities of emergency response teams in the region.
The 2025 grant recipients and their funded projects include:
● City of Leadville – Peer Support Program: $1,000 for initiatives promoting mental health support for first responders.
● Salida Fire Department – DOP Training: $1,000 to improve emergency response skills through advanced training.
● Lake County Search and Rescue – New Vacuum Mattress: $1,000 for critical medical equipment to aid in patient stabilization.
● Chaffee County Search and Rescue North – Replacement of Mission-Critical Equipment: $1,000 for essential equipment upgrades.
● Chaffee County Search and Rescue South – Vacuum Splint and Accessories: $999.77 for enhanced field medical response capabilities.
About the First Responders Grant Program
This annual program provides $1,000 grants on a rolling basis to eligible first responder organizations, ensuring they have access to funding for initiatives, equipment, and training critical to their mission. These grants are funded by SDCEA’s business partners and unclaimed or donated capital credits. No member bill payments are used for this program.
2025 Program Highlights:
This annual program offers $1,000 grants on a rolling basis to eligible first responder organizations, ensuring vital funding for training, equipment, and initiatives. Applications opened on January 13, 2025, and were reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Each submission underwent eligibility checks by CCCF staff and was processed within 14 days, making the program accessible and efficient for organizations serving critical community needs.
Program Impact: “This program is an investment in the safety and well-being of our communities,” said Chris McGinnis, Communications Specialist of SDCEA. “By providing resources for critical training and equipment, we empower our first responders to continue their exceptional work. We’re deeply grateful to CCCF and our business partners for their support to make this program possible.”
While applications for the 2025 First Responders Grant Program are now closed, CCCF and SDCEA encourage eligible organizations to stay informed about future opportunities to support their missions. For more information about this program and other CCCF initiatives, visit www.chaffeecommunity.org.
