Aspen, CO – January 18, 2023 – Aspen Community Foundation announced its Cradle to Career Giving Network distributed $420,000 to local nonprofits that support mental health in the Aspen to Parachute region. The Giving Network brings together local philanthropists to explore issues affecting the outcomes of youth and families.
“Pooling funds for a collective impact is really powerful,” said Ramona Bruland, Aspen Community Foundation Board Member and Chair of the Giving Network. “Community outreach tells us what is needed. We then rely on the staff at Aspen Community Foundation and experts in the region to present funding options for our network to pursue. The whole process of learning where to best allocate philanthropic dollars can be both emotional and thought-provoking. New members join the network every year and it’s exciting to educate the philanthropists in our community on real issues.”
The nonprofits selected strengthen Aspen Community Foundation’s Cradle to Career initiative by addressing disparities and inequities that prevent youth from thriving in the region. The pooled funds will directly support mental health initiatives through the addition of youth advocates, youth resilience coaches, social workers and mental health clinicians. In addition to these initiatives, the funds will help general operation and expansion at selected organizations.
The 2023 Giving Network funds will be allocated to the nonprofit organizations listed below:
Aspen Family Connections
Re2 Family Resource Center
Garfield 16 School-Based Family Resource Center
Family Resource Center of the Roaring Fork Schools
FocusedKids
Pathfinders
Stepping Stones of the Roaring Fork Valley
COMPASS for Lifelong Learning
YouthZone
Marble Charter School
Yampah Mountain High School
The Giving Network philanthropists meet several times a year to discuss issues impacting youth in the Aspen to Parachute region. They work directly with experts in various fields such as kindergarten readiness, youth social and emotional well-being, and post-high school success. In addition to meeting with experts, philanthropists participate in peer conversations with community members on the front line to discuss possible solutions. Since its inception in 2016, more than $1.9M has been donated to advance youth outcomes in various programs. 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.
