One Lafayette Fund Awards $29K to Local Nonprofits Amid Changes

UPDATE: The Community Foundation Boulder County has just awarded approximately $29,000 to 12 local nonprofits as part of the One Lafayette fund, marking a significant shift in grant administration away from the city of Lafayette. This transition comes after the city officially handed over the management of the One Lafayette grants to the foundation in December 2024.

The funding aims to bolster essential services including food assistance, safety-net programs, youth support, and community initiatives right here in Lafayette, Colorado. The recipients of this year’s grants include notable organizations such as Coal Creek Adult Education Center, Community Food Share, and the YMCA of Northern Colorado, among others.

The One Lafayette fund, which began as a city-run initiative in the early 2000s, was formalized in 2008 with a city contribution that established an endowment managed by the Community Foundation. This year’s grant distribution marks a new chapter in its evolution, following the approval of a dedicated mental health and human services sales tax by Lafayette voters in 2021. This tax, now in effect, provides a consistent revenue source for community grants.

According to Natalie Miller, a city spokesperson, Lafayette’s City Council approved an ordinance in October 2024 that eliminated the requirement for a mandatory contribution to the One Lafayette fund in the city’s annual budget. This decision reflects the changing landscape of community support and funding mechanisms.

Kady Doelling, Lafayette’s City Manager, emphasized the importance of adapting the fund to meet evolving community needs: “Much has evolved since the creation of the fund in 2008. Including the passage of a new sales and use tax in 2021 that is dedicated to providing similar support through a city-managed grant program to further expand impact for our residents.”

The distribution of grants this year was carried out through the Community Foundation’s Community Trust process, which involves over 80 community members who volunteer to evaluate proposals and recommend funding. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the grants have a meaningful impact on local residents.

This year’s grant breakdown is as follows:
– 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

As the fund continues to grow, contributions remain vital. Community members can support the One Lafayette fund by mailing donations to the City of Lafayette.

The Community Foundation expressed gratitude for its partnership with local municipalities, with Sarah Harrison, vice president of programs, stating, “We are honored to carry on the work of the One Lafayette fund.” Looking ahead, the foundation anticipates that future grant distributions will maintain a similar level, reinforcing its commitment to supporting local nonprofits.

Stay tuned for updates on how these funds will impact the Lafayette community and further developments in the One Lafayette program.