WEPIFT OFFERS COMMUNITY GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR $6,700
Local Endowment Fund to Provide Second Grant with the Aim of Benefiting the Community
NATURITA, Colo. – (August 25th, 2019) – As the result of successful fundraising efforts and a growing endowment, The West End Pay It Forward Trust, working in partnership with the Citizens State Bank of Ouray-Montrose County Branch, is excited to announce that it has offered a flexible community grant of up to $6,700. This grant has been made available to any nonprofit organization, local taxing entity or organization working under the umbrella of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that strives to benefit the community and its residents. Grants will be awarded to organizations for projects that focus specifically on the West End communities of Nucla, Naturita, Bedrock and Paradox.
Organizations were encouraged to apply for a minimum of $500 up to a maximum of $6,700, and submit their application by September 30th. For downloadable applications, please click the link here: Grant Application. The Board will come to a decision on these grant applications by early November 2019. For questions, please contact the Board at westendpift@gmail.com.
WEPIFT was created in 2013 with the mission to improve the West End communities now and for future generations. Its purpose is to create and grow a permanent, locally controlled endowment fund to support community and economic development projects. Interest generated from the endowment supports community projects and charitable causes. WEPIFT policy states that it will use 5% of the total endowment each year for grants to the community. Starting with only $400 in July of 2015, the WEPIFT board has raised over $80,000 to date. With the help of a $10,000 matching grant and numerous generous individual and business donors, WEPIFT is now at the point where it can make grants every year from the endowment fund. This year WEPIFT is partnering with Citizens State Bank of Ouray-Montrose County Branch, whose generous support has made this $6,700 grant possible. WEPIFT’s board includes Jane Thompson, Susan Rice, Paul Koski, Sara Bachman, Hank Nelson, and Amanda Tomlinson.
By the end of 2020, WEPIFT’s goal is to have raised $100,000. To make this possible, they hope to increase their number of donors who give monthly. Currently, WEPIFT is collecting approximately $200/month from monthly donors. Through coordination with Citizens State Bank of Naturita or using other avenues with their primary bank, residents can pledge monthly donations directly from their bank account. Donations of $10 per month make a huge difference! The West End Pay It Forward Trust is a simple and lasting way for residents of the West End to make a difference in their community by paying it forward to help the community now and for future generations.
If you are interested in learning more about WEPIFT or joining the Board, please contact westendpift@gmail.com. The Board also invites anyone interested to attend their meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at the Naturita Community Library at 5:00 pm.