Community Foundation starts first round of grants for flood support: Here’s what $75,000 of our community’s dollars are doing.
In the days and weeks since the flooding began, Southwest Colorado’s communities have come together in a tremendous way to help one another. The Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado is grateful for the first responders, neighbors, volunteers, and organizations doing this work, as well as the individuals and businesses who have organized numerous ways to support the Foundation’s emergency funds.
Raised so far, as of noon on November 6, 2026
- Archuleta County Flood Recovery Fund: $103,491
- La Plata County Flood Recovery Fund: $183,351
Word of Thanks with 9News has also helped raise $158,358 so far for flood recovery on swcogives.org. These dollars will be divided evenly between both counties in December when the funds are transferred to the Foundation.
The Foundation has been meeting with local officials and nonprofits to learn which needs are most immediate. With their insight, the first round of grants will be dedicated to organizations providing direct assistance for basic needs. This includes housing, financial assistance, food and supplies. Here are the organizations and services receiving the first round of grants:
Archuleta Flood Recovery Fund: $35,000 Total
- Friends and Neighbors in Need (FANIN): $5,000 for gas cards for individuals with extended commutes due to damaged and washed-out roads, including the closure of Highway 160. Cards will be distributed at Pagosa Catholic Community Church, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, and United Methodist Church.
- Pagosa Community Initiative: $10,000 to provide emergency financial assistance.
- Our Community Eats: $20,000 to restock the pantry with essential items, including protein.
La Plata Flood Recovery Fund: $40,000 Total
- Housing Solutions for the Southwest, CEAC (Supports Archuleta and La Plata): $25,000 to help with housing needs.
- La Plata Family Center: $10,000 for emergency assistance for those who have lost documents in the flood to help qualify for support services, as well as translation for Spanish-speaking residents needing resources.
- TARA Community Center (Supports Archuleta and La Plata): $5,000 to provide food and supplies for rural communities with limited road access around Arboles, Ignacio and Bayfield.
These funds are directed to organizations set up to provide support to individuals and families in the community, and they are not distributed directly to individuals.
The Foundation is continuing to work with local nonprofits and officials to help inform where these dollars will have the most impact. Updates will continue as new grants are made.
To support the Foundation’s Emergency Flood Recovery Fund, visit our CERF page.
