News

The Community Emergency Relief Fund is set up for broad-based community emergencies in Southwest Colorado. In response to the 416 Fire, CERF’s goal is to raise $500,000 to directly support local people and relief efforts. These funds will help 750-1,000 people in La Plata and San Juan counties with bridge funding (immediate expenses) for food, transportation and shelter. These funds will provide assistance for people who have experienced a work interruption due to the 416 Fire.

Who are we going to help?

• The committee’s first priority is to assist core hourly wage workers (working 32-40 hours/week) who have lost their jobs and been evacuated due to the 416 Fire.
• The committee’s second priority is to assist core hourly wage workers (working 32-40 hours/week) who have lost their jobs due to the 416 Fire.
• The committee’s third priority is to assist flex hourly wage workers (working 25-31 hours/week) who have lost their jobs and been evacuated due to the 416 Fire.
• The committee’s fourth priority is to assist flex hourly wage workers (working 25-31 hours/week) who have lost their jobs due to the 416 Fire.

How do you request Funds?

1. Fill out the online application. You can find the application at https://swcoda.org/.
2. You will receive a verification of receipt after the application is submitted.
3. You will be notified whether or not you are approved for funding.
4. If you are approved, you will be given instructions on how to pick up your bridge funding.
5. Pick up your bridge funding; you will need your ID to verify your identity – no exceptions.

Proposed Timeline

The online application will open Monday, June 18 at noon. The committee will start reviewing applications on Friday, June 29, with our first round of distributions happenings on Tuesday, July 3 and again on Thursday, July 5. Depending on fundraising efforts, we may be able to do a second round of distributions.

The Community Foundation is currently receiving  donations for the Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF).  This fund is set up for broad-based community emergencies in SW Colorado. Our Advisory Committee is working with government agencies and local businesses to develop a strategy for distributing the funds raised. Our efforts will support local people and efforts related to the 416 Fire. To donate to CERF, you can send a check payable to The Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1673, Durango, CO 81302 (with CERF in the memo line) or donate online at www.swcommunityfoundation.org.

Feel free to call the office if you have additional questions. 970-375-5807.

A limited number of scholarships are available for qualifying applicants with financial need to cover $100 of the $155 registration fee for attending the 2018 Southwest CO Rural Philanthropy Days on September 12-14. Scholarship applications will be available on May 1, 2018. Priority consideration will be provided to online applications received by May 31, 2018.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Work for or represent:
  • a 501(c)(3) public charity
  • an organization using a Fiscal Sponsor that is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit
  • a tax-supported or quasi-governmental agency
  • a Start-Up organization that is not yet a 501(c)(3) but has filed Form 1023 (application for exempt status)
• Applicant’s organization must be based in Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma or San Juan County
• Applicant must be able to attend all three days of the conference, September 12-14, 2018 in Cortez, Colorado.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

 

The 19th Hole Concert Series grant opportunity for Archuleta County nonprofits opens on March 12 and closes on April 6.

The Ballantine Family Fund grant application closes on March 31.

The 12.4.2 grant opportunity for La Plata County nonprofits that support efforts in youth, environment or human services, closes on April 12.

 

Upcoming grant details, Making A Difference speaker series with Jenna Bush Hager, and Southwest Rural Philanthropy Days

Help create a valuable tool for Nonprofits in Southwest Colorado.

Participate in the 2018 Colorado Nonprofit Salary & Benefits Survey, available through the Colorado Nonprofit Association. Whether you have one part-time employee or 20, your salary data helps build a resource that many nonprofits rely on to determine fair, competitive compensation packages.

Participants receive a 50% discount on the survey publication, once complete. The survey is open through March 30. It takes about 15 minutes to complete, and asks questions about salaries, benefits, paid-time-off policies, and ED education and experience. You may save and submit later as well.

Click here to begin the survey now!

The deadline for the Economic Impact Survey (spearheaded by Colorado Nonprofit Association and partners) has been extended until Wed. Jan. 17.

It is so important for Southwest Colorado to be represented in this statewide economic snapshot of nonprofit impact.

If you haven’t already, please complete the survey. You will need financial data about your organization. You may find it helpful to have your current budget and financial statements available, as you won’t be able to skip some questions or return later.

 

Upcoming grant details, Making A Difference speaker series with Jenna Bush Hager, and Southwest Rural Philanthropy Days

Southwest Rural Philanthropy Days is Sept. 12-14, 2018 in Cortez.

Planning is underway for this important conference, and we want your voice to be heard so that we can plan the best conference possible for the needs and issues facing Southwest Colorado.

Please take 5 minutes to complete a 15-question survey about program interests. CLICK HERE FOR SURVEY. Responses are requested before December 15.

Upcoming grant deadline, SW CO Gives campaign & Making a Difference Speaker Series