September 3, 2020 – Durango, CO – The Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado announces Tech Gives Back, a fundraising effort spearheaded by philanthropist John Witchel, raising more than $300,000 for the foundation’s Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF).
The funds support food security in our region, engaging youth employment and general operating support for the nonprofit sector.
“Those of us working in the tech sector appreciate being in Durango, where we can work hard, play hard and raise our families,” said John Witchel, former GitPrime President. “We are honored to give back to a community that has been so supportive of our business endeavors. Partnering with the Community Foundation makes this a strategic gift, since they have the relationships and knowledge of the nonprofits in SW Colorado.”
“This donation will enable us to support the nonprofit community in new and creative ways,” said Briggen Wrinkle, Executive Director of the Community Foundation serving SW Colorado. “We are using some of these funds to coordinate with local nonprofits in all five counties to distribute perishables, including milk, bread and locally-sourced ground beef and vegetables through December. This effort supports our local agriculture businesses and nonprofits and increases food security for our region. It’s a win-win-win.”
Earlier this summer the Community Foundation granted Tech Gives Back funds to 11 nonprofits that have AmeriCorps members. In addition, Tech Gives Back supported grants to Southwest Conservation Corp and Sonlight’s youth employment program.
As a community facilitator, the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado works to increase efficiency, sustainability, and success for area nonprofits, while maximizing effective grantmaking for philanthropists in our region.
