Thirty Western Slope nonprofit organizations received a total of $468,300 for the first cycle of 2019 grant awards from Rocky Mountain Health Foundation. These awards bring the total amount of grants distributed through the Foundation since inception to over $1.8 million, benefitting 90 organizations. General Operating and Programmatic Grants were awarded to organizations that addressed Basic Needs, Access to & Affordability of Physical, Oral & Visual Health and Mental Health, and Community-Based Health Projects that: 1) Support the marginalized, the socially and economically disadvantaged, 2) Provide resources for achieving and maintaining healthy, independent lives, 3) Maintain, nurture and strengthen healthy minds and bodies, and 4) Offer opportunities for well-being and quality of life. “We are excited to support organizations from across the Western Slope who are working to positively impact their communities through a wide variety of approaches to health and wellness. It is a privilege to partner with effective local community organizations who are making a difference every day,” said Michaelle Smith, Executive Director.
The recipients are Advocates of Routt County (Routt), Aspen Hope Center (Eagle), Baby & Me Tobacco Free (Statewide), Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Colorado (Moffat), Bright Future Foundation for Eagle County (Eagle), CASA of the Seventh Judicial District, Inc. (Montrose), Community Options, Inc. (Montrose), Compañeros: Four Corners Immigrant Resource Center (La Plata), EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum (Mesa), Garfield County Public Health (Garfield), Get Outdoors Leadville! (Lake), Gunnison Country Food Pantry (Gunnison), Hispanic Affairs Project (Montrose), Keystone Science School, Inc (Summit), KSUT (La Plata), Mountain Mentors (Summit), Partners in Routt County (Routt), Project Hope of Gunnison Valley (Gunnison), Reaching Out to Community and Kids (Dolores), Roundup River Ranch (Eagle), Sharing Ministries, Inc. (Montrose), Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports (Routt), The 7th Judicial District Child Advocacy Center/Dolphin House (Montrose), The Bridge Emergency Shelter (Montezuma), The Emerald City Opera (Routt), The Summit Foundation/PEAK Health Alliance (Summit), Town of Oak Creek (Routt), Vail Valley Charitable Fund (Eagle), Western Colorado Area Health Education Center (Mesa), and WindWalkers Equine Assisted Learning and Therapy Center (Garfield).
Rocky Mountain Health Foundation was established in 2017 to improve the health of Western Slope Coloradans by being a catalyst and collaborator for innovative healthcare approaches and promoting the health and well-being of Western Slope communities. This cycle, the Foundation received requests for over $1.3M from 53 agencies. It is anticipated that $900,000 will be distributed in 2019. Proposals for the next funding cycle are due October 4. Funding guidelines are available at www.rmhealth.org. Prospective grant applicants may inquire with questions to Kim Lewis, Program Officer, at 970-697-1038 or kim@rmhealth.org.