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Yampa Valley Community Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.7M
Grant Range
Up to $0.0M00
Decision Time
3mo
Success Rate
94%

Yampa Valley Community Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Total Assets: $88.4 million (2024)
  • Annual Giving: $713,960 (2025 Community Grant Cycle)
  • Success Rate: 94% (81 of 86 applications funded in 2024)
  • Decision Time: Approximately 3 months (June application to September notification)
  • Grant Range: Up to $10,000 (Community Grants), up to $30,000 (Impact Grants)
  • Geographic Focus: Routt and Moffat Counties, Colorado
  • Charity Navigator Rating: 4/4 Stars

Contact Details

Address: 348 Oak Street, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

Phone: 970-879-8632

Email: info@yvcf.org

Website: www.yvcf.org

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm

Director of Grantmaking: Greg Hamilton

Online Grant Portal: yvcfgrants.communityforce.com

Overview

Founded in 1979 and reorganized in 1996 with an expanded community-wide focus, the Yampa Valley Community Foundation (YVCF) has grown to become a significant philanthropic force in Northwest Colorado. With total assets exceeding $88 million and managing over 130 funds, YVCF awarded $713,960 through its 2025 Community Grant Cycle to 87 organizations, representing an 8.8% increase over 2024. The Foundation received national accreditation from Community Foundations National Standards, demonstrating its commitment to excellence in community philanthropy. YVCF's mission is "leading transformational change throughout the Yampa Valley by engaging donors in purposeful philanthropy, empowering local nonprofit organizations, inspiring impactful grantmaking, and collaborating to build vibrant communities." The Foundation embraces trust-based philanthropy principles, emphasizing transparency, dialogue, and streamlined processes. Recent strategic initiatives include a $2.5 million impact investment loan for affordable housing (2023) and launching a comprehensive mental and behavioral health survey across their service region.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Grant Cycle (Annual)

  • General Operating Grants: Up to $10,000 for unrestricted funding (49 organizations received $379,440 in 2025, representing just over half of total dollars)
  • Program Grants: Up to $10,000 for specific programming
  • Application Method: Annual cycle via online portal
  • Application Opens: May 5
  • Deadline: June 2 (11:30 PM MST)
  • Notification: September 5

Impact Grants

  • Grant Amount: Up to $30,000
  • Focus: Transformative projects that create significant change beyond standard operations; collaborative regional initiatives
  • Special Requirement: Must discuss idea with Director of Grantmaking before applying
  • Application Method: Invitation to apply after consultation
  • Timeline: Same as Community Grant Cycle
  • Note: Organizations can apply for both Community Grant and Impact Grant, but for distinct projects

Yampa River Fund

  • Awarded $278,945.60 in seven grants in 2025 (largest amount in the fund's six-year history)
  • Focuses on projects benefiting the Yampa River and its tributaries
  • Managed by separate steering committee

Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant Program

  • Substantial awards for organizational capacity building
  • In one cycle, awarded grants to 56 recipients, with ten fully funded and 46 receiving average of 72% of requested amount

Priority Areas

The Foundation supports nonprofits across multiple sectors serving Routt and Moffat Counties. Based on 2024 grant distribution:

  • Health and Human Services: 27% of grant dollars
  • Education: 20% of grant dollars
  • Arts and Culture: 15% of grant dollars
  • Environment: 15% of grant dollars
  • Recreation: 11% of grant dollars
  • Youth Programming: 7% of grant dollars
  • Animal Welfare: 4% of grant dollars

Current Strategic Focus Areas:

  • Mental and behavioral health resources expansion
  • Education support (including "Grow Your Own Educator Fund")
  • Affordable housing (designated as "the most significant challenge impacting the Yampa Valley")
  • Watershed protection and environmental stewardship
  • Early childhood education services

What They Don't Fund

  • Debt reimbursement
  • Retroactive grants (projects already completed)
  • Religious activities
  • Political campaigns or lobbying activities
  • Projects outside Routt and Moffat Counties

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

Executive Committee:

  • Kelly Landers, Chair – Former Development Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Colorado; Purdue University graduate
  • Rob Race, Vice Chair – Retired reinsurance executive; Middlebury College graduate; serving on YVCF Grants Committee since 2018
  • Nancy Mucklow, Secretary/Treasurer – Longtime local with agricultural roots; active in Girl Scouts and community organizations

Emeritus Members:

  • Paula Cooper Black – Former Steamboat Springs City Council member
  • Jim Bronner – Lawyer and sports agent with long-term board service

Additional Trustees:

  • Cathrine Blevins – Commercial loan officer at Yampa Valley Bank
  • Paul Ferguson – 2022 Philanthropist of the Year
  • Maren Franciosi – Communications Manager at Steamboat Resort
  • Jason Lacy – Attorney; former Steamboat Springs City Council member
  • Judy McGinnis
  • Kirstie McPherson – Entrepreneur and economic development professional
  • Gillian Morris – Business owner of TALON Grips; 2021 Individual Philanthropist of the Year
  • Harry Murray – Partner at Deer Park Road
  • Dave Hunter – President & COO at Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation
  • Mark Stevens – Founder of S-Cubed Capital

Staff Leadership

  • Tim Wohlgenant, Chief Executive Officer (tim@yvcf.org) – Extensive experience in land conservation and nonprofit leadership
  • Greg Hamilton, Director of Grantmaking (greg@yvcf.org) – Primary contact for grant applicants
  • Camille Sachs, Grantmaking Manager (camille@yvcf.org) – International development and economics background
  • Holly Wilson, Philanthropic Services Manager (holly@yvcf.org)
  • Traci Hiatt, Director of Philanthropy (traci@yvcf.org)
  • Jenny Campbell, Scholarship Program Manager & Communications Coordinator (jenny@yvcf.org)
  • Karen O'Connor, Finance & HR Director (karen@yvcf.org)
  • Carrie Douglass, Office Manager & Administrative Specialist (carrie@yvcf.org)

Leadership Insights

CEO Tim Wohlgenant on community engagement: "Our work is primarily meeting based, and we wanted a comfortable place for people to come and talk about their passions and philanthropy."

On data-driven decision making: "The intent is to conduct this survey every two years, which will give us baseline and ongoing data to validate what our communities and direct service providers have been saying anecdotally and to evaluate what new programs are working and what still needs to be addressed."

On community response: "We've been overwhelmed by the showing of support from our generous community. In a very short period, we secured many millions of dollars in commitments from over 300 members of our community."

Director of Grantmaking Greg Hamilton on the review process: "The committee does an incredibly thorough job vetting grant applications, including financial review and site visits to every applicant."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

  • Must be a 501(c)(3) public charity or fiscally sponsored organization
  • Must serve Routt and/or Moffat County
  • Organizations can receive only one Community Grant per year (but may also apply for Impact Grant for distinct project)

Step 2: Technical Assistance (Strongly Recommended)

  • Contact YVCF by May 28 for assistance with clarifying requirements, budget questions, or general inquiries
  • For Impact Grants: Must discuss idea with Director of Grantmaking Greg Hamilton (greg@yvcf.org or 970-439-4443) before applying

Step 3: Attend Grant Training (Optional but Recommended)

  • Training sessions held in early May (in Steamboat Springs and Craig)
  • Grant training videos available online
  • Review scoring rubric before applying

Step 4: Submit Application

  • Create account at online grant portal: yvcfgrants.communityforce.com
  • Application opens May 5
  • Deadline: June 2 at 11:30 PM MST
  • Applications submitted through online system only

Step 5: Financial Review and Site Visit

  • All applicants receive site visit from grant committee volunteer
  • Site visits scheduled July 31-August 21 (Community Grants) or July 30-August 19 (Impact Grants)
  • Committee reviews organization's finances

Step 6: Await Notification

  • Organizations notified September 5
  • In 2024, 78% of total requested amount was awarded across all applications

Decision Timeline

  • May 5: Applications open
  • May 6-7: Grant application training sessions
  • May 28: Deadline for technical assistance (application help continues after this date)
  • June 2 (11:30 PM MST): Application deadline
  • July 30-August 21: Site visits conducted
  • September 5: Grant award notifications sent
  • Total Timeline: Approximately 3 months from application deadline to decision

Success Rates

YVCF demonstrates one of the highest success rates among community foundations:

  • 2024: 81 of 86 applications received funding = 94% approval rate
  • 2025: 89 grants awarded to 87 organizations
  • While approval rate is high, funded amounts may be less than requested (78% of total requested amount awarded in 2024)

Reapplication Policy

  • Organizations that receive grants must submit a report on the previous year's grant before new applications are considered
  • The high success rate (94%) suggests unsuccessful applicants are likely welcome to reapply in subsequent years, though specific waiting period policies are not publicly documented
  • Contact Director of Grantmaking with specific questions about reapplication

Application Success Factors

YVCF's Explicit Guidance for Applicants

Read the Scoring Rubric First YVCF provides a detailed scoring rubric and describes it as "your key to how your answers will be evaluated." The Foundation encourages applicants to "think creatively about how your organization can score highly in all sections."

Emphasize Both Need AND Impact "Make the case for why funds are needed and demonstrate how that funding is likely to make a positive impact." Applications must show not just what you'll do, but why it matters and what will change.

Back Up Plans with Evidence Use "past impact data, testimonials, case studies, research, or other compelling arguments." The 45-person review committee is thorough and appreciates concrete evidence over aspirational statements.

Write for Community Volunteers "Explain jargon and acronyms" – remember that your application will be reviewed by community members who may not be familiar with your sector's terminology.

Anticipate Reviewer Questions Think about what questions reviewers might have about your proposal and address them proactively in your application.

Prepare Documents in Advance Required financial documents and supporting materials should be ready before starting the online application.

What the Foundation Values

Trust-Based Philanthropy Approach YVCF commits to "building relationships based on transparency, dialogue, and mutual learning" and seeks to "streamline applications and reporting." This means they value honest communication over polished perfection.

Collaboration and Regional Impact For Impact Grants specifically, organizations must show they are "working collaboratively to make a regional difference in the Yampa Valley." Partnership and collective impact resonate strongly.

Organizational Sustainability With over half of 2025 funding going to general operating grants ($379,440), YVCF recognizes the importance of organizational health and sustainability, not just programs.

Community Connection The requirement for site visits with every applicant demonstrates YVCF's commitment to understanding organizations in context. Be prepared to show, not just tell, your work's impact during the site visit.

Recent Funding Examples

2024-2025 Impact Grant Recipients:

  • BookTrails: Solar array at Reading Ranch
  • Steamboat Montessori: Free school lunch program for all students
  • Colorado Water Trust: Yampa River restoration project
  • The Health Partnership: Community Impact Program for health equity
  • Rocky Mountain Youth Corps: Youth programming

Notable Funded Projects:

  • Community Budget Center: Roof and structural repair funding
  • Early childhood education services preservation
  • Casey's Pond Senior Living Community stabilization (community raised millions in short period)

Committee Review Process

The review process is intensive and thorough:

  • 45-person committee of community volunteers, YVCF Board, and staff
  • Written application review with standardized scoring rubric
  • Financial review of organization's health
  • In-person site visit with every applicant
  • Rescoring after site visits
  • Allocation meeting to make final decisions

A committee member noted: "The review process is definitely time-consuming but worth the effort as these organizations are doing such good work and they deserve time being reviewed."

Grant Type Strategy

General Operating vs. Program Grants:

  • In 2025, just over half of funding went to general operating support
  • Consider whether organizational capacity building (general operating) or specific project expansion (program grant) better fits your needs
  • General operating grants provide flexibility; program grants require demonstrating specific project impact

Impact Grant Distinction: Impact Grants require showing "progress that exceeds the scope of standard operations" and making "a case for how their program is an exceptional one-time boost in capacity and/or reach." These are for truly transformative initiatives, not incremental improvements.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Exceptionally High Success Rate: With a 94% application approval rate, YVCF is highly supportive of local nonprofits. However, organizations may not receive their full requested amount (78% funding rate), so build budget flexibility into proposals.

  • Site Visits Are Critical: Every applicant receives a site visit. This is your opportunity to bring your application to life. Prepare to demonstrate impact visually and through direct interaction with staff, clients, and facilities.

  • Study the Scoring Rubric: YVCF explicitly provides the rubric by which applications are evaluated. Use it as your application checklist and "think creatively about how your organization can score highly in all sections."

  • Leverage Technical Assistance: Contact YVCF staff before May 28 for help with your application. For Impact Grants, consultation with the Director of Grantmaking is mandatory – use this as an opportunity to refine your proposal before submission.

  • Trust-Based Philosophy: YVCF values transparency and authentic relationships over polished perfection. Be honest about challenges and uncertainties. Their streamlined approach suggests they want to reduce administrative burden for applicants.

  • Consider General Operating Support: Over half of funding goes to unrestricted general operating grants. If your organization needs core support rather than program expansion, don't hesitate to request general operating funds.

  • Demonstrate Evidence of Impact: Applications backed by "past impact data, testimonials, case studies, research, or other compelling arguments" score higher. Collect this evidence before starting your application.

References

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