The federal government shutdown is already sending ripples across Colorado, and our valleys are not immune. Families, nonprofits, and local businesses in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River regions are feeling the strain. While no one knows how long this shutdown will last, we do know that moments like these reveal both the vulnerabilities and the extraordinary strengths of our communities.
Aspen Community Foundation (ACF) exists to bring donors and nonprofits together to meet challenges head-on. Below are some of the key areas where the shutdown is touching our region, and how we can come together to respond:
Nonprofits on the Front Lines
Many of our rural and mountain nonprofits rely on federal grants or reimbursements to sustain essential services. Delays in payments, combined with rising requests for food, housing, and emergency assistance, place enormous pressure on already lean organizations.
- What helps most right now: consider making gifts earlier than planned to ease cash flow, and sign up to volunteer with nonprofits meeting basic needs. To volunteer, contact High Country Volunteers.
Public Lands and Outdoor Economy
Our communities are deeply tied to public lands. With land management agencies operating on skeleton crews, local nonprofits are stepping up to steward trails, educate visitors, and mitigate impacts. Tourism and small businesses that depend on a steady outdoor economy also feel these disruptions.
- How to support: back local stewardship nonprofits, shop with local businesses, and recreate responsibly to minimize additional strain on land and watersheds.
- Nonprofit on the frontlines:
Families Depending on Assistance
For many across Garfield, Eagle, and Pitkin counties, programs like SNAP, WIC, and rental assistance are lifelines. While state agencies are keeping benefits flowing in the short term, prolonged uncertainty is unsettling for families already balancing high costs of housing, food, and childcare.
- How to help: donate to or volunteer with food banks, family resource centers, and nonprofits providing direct support. A simple check-in on a neighbor or coworker goes a long way.
- Examples of local nonprofits providing food security:
Federal Workers and AmeriCorps Members
Federal employees, including those at local agencies and airports, are either working without pay or furloughed, creating real financial stress for households in our valleys. Some AmeriCorps programs supporting schools and nonprofits may also be disrupted.
- Ways to show care: if you are a landlord, business owner, or service provider, consider extending flexibility to those directly impacted. Support nonprofits offering rental, food, and emergency assistance. To learn more about local nonprofits providing emergency assistance, family services, housing assistance, and more, please visit our Nonprofit Directory.
These valleys are known for neighborliness, generosity, and collaboration. The shutdown reminds us that our resilience comes not only from enduring hardship, but from how we show up for one another.
Aspen Community Foundation is here to connect donors, nonprofits, and partners with the most effective ways to respond. Together, we can lessen the impacts and continue to build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
We are here for you.
