A Successful Summer of Giving

This summer, the Grand Foundation brought the community together for two incredible fundraising events—the 23rd Annual Grand Gala and the 27th Annual Grand Classic Golf Tournament. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, golfers, and gala attendees, both events were tremendous successes, raising vital funds that will help the Foundation continue investing in the people, nonprofits, and programs that make Grand County thrive.

From an unforgettable evening at the Grand Gala celebrating philanthropy and community impact to a beautiful two days on the courses at the Grand Classic Golf Tournament, these events showcased the power of giving back. Every sponsorship, auction bid, raffle ticket, and round of golf directly supports the Grand Foundation's mission to strengthen our community through grants, scholarships, and charitable funds. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make these events possible and look forward to continuing this momentum as we work together to build an even stronger Grand County.

Grantee Highlight

Northwest Colorado Center for Independence

Thanks to Northwest Colorado Center for Independence (NWCCI) many local people with disabilities have built the skills, confidence, and resources they need to live independently. The organization empowers community members with disabilities to overcome barriers, connect with community resources, and achieve self-determined goals that foster independence, confidence, and inclusion throughout Grand County.

With support from the Grand Foundation, NWCCI has expanded opportunities for Grand County residents of all ages, from youth transitioning into adulthood to adults seeking greater independence. Grand Foundation grant funding has supported the organization's annual Life Skills Camp, home modifications that improve safety and accessibility, and individualized services that help participants gain employment, secure housing, access transportation, and connect with health care and community resources.

The impact of these programs is reflected in the lives they change. One participant who experienced blindness gained mobility training, learned to travel independently with a cane and the Lift bus system, built meaningful social connections, began skiing through the National Sports Center for the Disabled and even contributed to building additional pedestrian safety measures in Fraser. Other participants have gained the confidence to secure employment with local businesses, develop budgeting skills, and successfully transition to independent living.

"The Grand Foundation has been a vital support for NWCCI in serving youth in Grand County. Our partnership has facilitated working with youth with disabilities to become more civically engaged, developing skills for employment, and increasing independence," said Co-Director Mike Bertram. "We do an event every summer called Life Skills Camp. We bring youth from across Northwest Colorado together where they spend time together to work on self sufficiency, learn about the history of the Independent Living Movement, and some fun recreational events... They usually do not want to leave, feeling profoundly empowered and accepted through the social bonds they built together."

Northwest Colorado Center for Independence has created lasting opportunities and transformed lives for individuals with disabilities. We are proud to support their incredible work that supports an important demographic in Grand County.

Featured Fund

GAP Fund

Every child deserves the opportunity to discover their passions, build confidence, and create lifelong memories through extracurricular activities. The Grand Activities & Programs (G.A.P.) Fund for Youth helps make that possible by providing financial assistance for participation fees to full-time Grand County youth. Whether it's sports, music, art, camps, or other enriching activities, the G.A.P. Fund helps ensure that financial circumstances don't stand in the way of a child's opportunity to participate.

This important fund is made possible through the support of Grand County, the success of fundraising events like JazzFest, Craft, Corks & Cocktails, and many other local efforts throughout the year. Behind every dollar raised is a generous community of volunteers, donors, sponsors, and event participants who believe every child should have the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.