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Response.

Donate to CERF

About the Community Emergency Relief Fund

CERF (Community Emergency Relief Fund) is designated for broad-based community emergencies in Southwest Colorado. Established in 2008 in response to the Season’s Restaurant fire, CERF has been activated for:

  • Gold King Mine spill in 2015 | Report
  • Adobe Building fire in Pagosa Springs in 2016
  • 416 Fire in 2018 | Report
  • COVID-19 pandemic 2020-2021 | Report
  • Pagosa Springs and Vallecito Floods in October 2025
  • Federal SNAP Delays in November 2025 | Report

The Community Foundation activates the Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) when needs arise in SW Colorado.

Community stakeholders, including representatives from public health, local governments, school districts, businesses, and nonprofits, prioritize available funds to meet immediate needs in our region, including public health & safety and economic impacts.

Thank you for your generosity in supporting one another during community challenges!

If you prefer to donate by check: make checks payable to the Community Foundation, with CERF in the memo line, and mail to P.O. Box 1673, Durango, CO 81302.