Community Foundation Distributes $29K to Local Nonprofits NOW!

BREAKING: The Community Foundation Boulder County has just awarded approximately $29,000 to 12 local nonprofits through the One Lafayette fund, a significant shift in funding management. This urgent development marks a new chapter in community support, directly impacting organizations that provide essential services such as food assistance and youth programming in Lafayette.

This year’s recipients include vital community players like Coal Creek Meals on Wheels, Community Food Share, and YMCA of Northern Colorado, among others. The funding is designed to bolster services aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents in Lafayette.

The transition of the One Lafayette grant program from city oversight to the Community Foundation began in December 2024 after Lafayette voters approved a dedicated mental health and human services sales tax in 2021. This move allows the city to utilize its own revenue source for community grants, ensuring a more streamlined and effective distribution process.

Natalie Miller, spokesperson for Lafayette, stated, “The sales tax was ‘up and running’ in 2023,” paving the way for this significant funding boost. Previously, applications for the One Lafayette grants went through the city’s staff, but this year marked a pivotal change with the Community Foundation taking the helm of administration.

Kady Doelling, Lafayette’s City Manager, emphasized the evolution of the fund, noting, “Much has evolved since the creation of the fund in 2008,” highlighting the necessity of adapting to the community’s growing needs. The One Lafayette fund, which has seen its structure redefined, is now endowed, meaning that the principal amount remains intact while a portion of the investment income is used annually to support grantmaking.

According to a spokesperson from the Community Foundation, the exact amount in the fund remains undisclosed, but it is expected that annual grantmaking totals will be comparable to this year’s distribution. The foundation’s commitment to local support continues as they express gratitude for their partnership with the city.

Sarah Harrison, Vice President of Programs at the Community Foundation, stated, “We are honored to carry on the work of the One Lafayette fund,” reinforcing the foundation’s dedication to community enhancement.

For those looking to contribute, donations can be made by mailing a check with “One Lafayette” in the memo line to: City of Lafayette – One Lafayette, Attn: Deputy City Administrator, 1290 S. Public Road, Lafayette, CO 80026.

This year’s grants have already been distributed to the following organizations:

• Coal Creek Adult Education Center – $2,000
• Coal Creek Meals on Wheels – $3,500
• Community Food Share – $3,500
• Imagine! – $2,000
• Rise Against Suicide – $2,000
• Rocky Mountain Legal Center – $2,000
• Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence – $2,000
• Sister Carmen Community Center – $3,750
• Thorne Nature Experience – $2,000
• Arts Hub – $2,000
• WOW! Children’s Museum – $2,000
• YMCA of Northern Colorado – $2,000

This rapid redistribution of funds highlights a crucial response to community needs, making it clear that Lafayette is committed to enhancing the lives of its residents through dedicated support and funding. Stay tuned for more updates as this initiative continues to evolve.