Aspen, CO (Nov. 16, 2023) — Aspen Community Foundation is pleased to announce its 2023 Community Grantmaking recipients. The Foundation’s annual community grantmaking program is just one of several of its grantmaking vehicles. The 68 organizations, supported through its community grantmaking program, will collectively receive a total of $835,000 in funding. This annual program provides critical support for nonprofits in the Aspen to Parachute region, offering both operational and program support.
“It’s exciting to see the community grantmaking program grow,” said Erica Snow, president and CEO of Aspen Community Foundation. “This community grantmaking program is possible because of our partnership with Aspen Skiing Company and the incredible philanthropic spirit and commitment of this region’s donor community. We’re extremely proud to partner with these mission-driven nonprofits in our community and inspire philanthropists to make this region a place where all children and families can thrive.”
The selected organizations provide programs and services essential to the region’s education and human service infrastructure. They include organizations providing early childhood education, healthcare, mental health and substance abuse services, support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, educational and enrichment activities for youth, and empowerment for immigrant communities. Of the 68 selected nonprofits, 54% focus on youth services, 28% on safety net services, and 18% on early childhood support.
“We’re extremely grateful for the grant from Aspen Community Foundation,” said Aimee Yllanes, executive director of Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program. “Empowering youth is critical to our community, and we’re looking forward to reaching more students and offering more opportunities. This grant will allow us to expand our programs such as high school internships, classroom collaborations, the number of youth who participate in our live radio programs, and ultimately share what we do for young voices in our community.”
In July 2023, Aspen Community Foundation hosted “Connected,” an event to build awareness and raise funds for the region’s nonprofits. A portion of the “Connected” event proceeds went to support this year’s annual community grantmaking program, as well as additional grants to support mental health emergency assistance and a regional financial empowerment center.
“‘Connected’ event donors played a critical role in expanding our annual community grantmaking,” added Erica Snow. “They also allowed us to provide additional funds for mental health and innovative projects like the financial empowerment center.”
The Foundation announced its 2023 community grantmaking program in May followed by office hours for interested organizations, and applications officially opened in June. Organizations were required to submit their full applications by July to be considered for the 2023 funding round. A total of 109 nonprofits applied with requests totaling $2,571,650.
This year’s 2023 Community Grantmaking organizations are listed below:
A Way Out
Access AfterSchool
Advocate Safehouse Project
Alpine Legal Services
Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program
ARC of the Central Mountains
ArtBase
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
Aspen Family Connections
Aspen Hope Center
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s Folklorico
Aspen Science Center
Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club
Aspen Words
Aspen Youth Center
Blue Lake Preschool
Buddy Program
Carbondale Arts
CASA of the Ninth
Catholic Charities – Western Slope
Children’s Rocky Mountain School
Community Health Services
Cook Inclusive Company
Dance Initiative
Early Childhood Network
Early Learning Center of Aspen
English In Action
Family Resource Center, Roaring Fork Schools
Farm Collaborative
FocusedKids
Food Bank of the Rockies, Western Slope
Garfield County School District No. 16 School-Based Family Resource Center
Garfield School District RE-2 Family Resource Center
Grand Valley Resident Team
Great Expectations
Growing Years School
HeadQuarters
Highwater Farm
La Clinica del Pueblo
LIFT-UP
Literacy Outreach
Marble Charter School
Mount Sopris Montessori School
OUR School
Pathfinders
PFLAG RFV
Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains
Raising a Reader Aspen to Parachute
Response
River Bridge Regional Center
River Center of New Castle
Roaring Fork Music Society
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers
Roaring Fork PreCollegiate
Savings Collaborative
Stepping Stones of the Roaring Fork Valley
Summit54
The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW)
The Meeting Place
Theatre Aspen
Valley Settlement
Voces Unidas de las Montañas
Voices
West Mountain Regional Health Alliance
WindWalkers Equine Assisted Learning & Therapy Center
Yampah Mountain High School Teen Parent Program
Youthentity
YouthZone
Community Grantmaking is possible through annual contributions from donors and Aspen Community Foundation’s partnership with Aspen Skiing Company. To learn more about Aspen Community Foundation, visit www.aspencommunityfoundation.org.
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About Aspen Community Foundation
Aspen Community Foundation (ACF) builds philanthropy and supports nonprofit organizations by connecting donors to community needs, building permanent charitable funds, and bringing people together to solve community problems. ACF has been working since 1980 to improve the quality of life in the region. Based in Basalt, Colorado, the Foundation’s efforts have an impact in communities throughout the greater Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys. Through ACF’s broad perspective of the region, and depth and breadth of knowledge of community trends, issues, and needs, the organization directs funding where it is needed most to fill gaps in services and programming.
