BREAKING: The Community Foundation Boulder County has just awarded approximately $29,000 to 12 local nonprofits through the One Lafayette fund, marking a significant shift in grant administration from city oversight to community management. This urgent funding supports essential services including food assistance, youth support, and safety-net programs in Lafayette.
This year’s grant recipients include notable organizations such as Coal Creek Adult Education Center, Community Food Share, YMCA of Northern Colorado, and Rise Against Suicide, among others. Each organization plays a crucial role in enhancing community welfare, addressing immediate needs, and providing vital support to residents.
The One Lafayette fund has evolved since its inception in the early 2000s. Initially managed by the city, the program transitioned to the Community Foundation Boulder County after Lafayette voters approved a dedicated mental health and human services sales tax in 2021. This new revenue stream enables the city to allocate funds more effectively, with the first taxes contributing to community grants starting in 2023.
According to city spokesperson Natalie Miller, the Lafayette City Council approved an ordinance in October 2024 to update the administrative structure of the grant program, removing the requirement for a fixed $25,000 contribution from the annual budget. This change reflects a broader shift in Lafayette’s approach to community funding, allowing for greater flexibility and responsiveness to local needs.
Kady Doelling, Lafayette City Manager, emphasized the significance of these changes, stating, “Much has evolved since the creation of the fund in 2008, including the passage of a new sales and use tax dedicated to providing similar support through a city-managed grant program to further expand impact for our residents.”
The One Lafayette fund operates on an endowment model, ensuring that the principal remains intact while a portion of investment income is allocated annually for grants. Although specific figures related to the fund’s total assets are not disclosed, the Community Foundation anticipates that future grant distributions will mirror this year’s funding.
This year’s breakdown of grants includes:
– 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
Community members are encouraged to support the One Lafayette fund through donations, which can be mailed to the City of Lafayette. The fund continues to strengthen local nonprofits, ensuring critical services remain available to those in need.
Next Steps: As the Community Foundation Boulder County takes the reins of the One Lafayette fund, the community eagerly anticipates future grant cycles and the ongoing impact of these vital programs. Stay tuned for updates on how these organizations will further enhance the quality of life for Lafayette residents.
