The West Elk Community Fund, in partnership with the Western Colorado Community Foundation, aims to serve as a permanent charitable endowment benefiting the people of Paonia, Crawford, Hotchkiss, and the surrounding regions. It focuses on fostering community growth and support by funding local nonprofits and improvement projects, ensuring long-term investment in the area's welfare.
The grant program of the Ouray County Community Fund is designed to support local nonprofit organizations and community improvement initiatives within Ouray County through a competitive application process. It runs annually, with decisions made by a local steering committee of community leaders. Funding is allocated in November for use in projects the subsequent year, emphasizing a deep-rooted connection to the community and a shared vision for its betterment. This initiative addresses the lack of a centralized community funding source in Ouray County, providing a structured, impactful, and enduring avenue for philanthropy at the local level. Since its inception in 2016, OCCF has contributed $276,838 in grants to the nonprofit sector in the area, demonstrating its commitment and impact to the community's ongoing development and well-being.