UPDATE: The Community Foundation Boulder County has just awarded approximately $29,000 to 12 local nonprofits as part of the newly restructured One Lafayette fund, marking a significant shift in the program’s oversight. This funding directly supports vital services in Lafayette, including food assistance, youth programs, and safety-net services.
This urgent announcement comes after the City of Lafayette officially transferred the administration of the One Lafayette grant program to the Community Foundation in December 2024. With this change, the city aims to enhance community support by allowing a broader volunteer committee to evaluate grant proposals, creating a more inclusive process.
The recipients of this year’s grants include key organizations such as Coal Creek Meals on Wheels, Community Food Share, and the YMCA of Northern Colorado. Each organization plays a crucial role in addressing the pressing needs of the Lafayette community. For example, Coal Creek Meals on Wheels received $3,500 to continue its mission of delivering meals to those in need.
“Much has evolved since the creation of the fund in 2008,” said Lafayette City Manager Kady Doelling. The city’s voters approved a dedicated mental health and human services sales tax in 2021, creating a new revenue source for community grants. The sales tax became operational in 2023, allowing Lafayette to expand its support for local organizations.
The One Lafayette fund has historically been a city-run initiative, but the transition to the Community Foundation aims to streamline grant distribution and enhance community involvement. According to city spokesperson Natalie Miller, the updated process gives Lafayette a more robust framework to allocate funds effectively.
This year’s grant recipients include:
– Coal Creek Adult Education Center: $2,000
– Rise Against Suicide: $2,000
– Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence: $2,000
– Sister Carmen Community Center: $3,750
The Community Foundation spokesperson noted that while the exact amount in the One Lafayette fund remains undisclosed, it is anticipated that future grant totals will mirror this year’s distribution.
“The Community Foundation is grateful for our long-time partnership with local municipalities like the city of Lafayette,” stated Sarah Harrison, Vice President of Programs at the Community Foundation. She emphasized the importance of continuing the work initiated by the One Lafayette fund.
Community members are encouraged to contribute to the One Lafayette fund. Donations can be made by mailing a check with “One Lafayette” noted in the memo line to: City of Lafayette – One Lafayette, Attn: Deputy City Administrator, 1290 S. Public Road, Lafayette, CO 80026.
As the program evolves, the community looks forward to the impact these grants will have on local organizations and the residents they serve. With the 2025 grants already distributed, the focus remains on how these funds will empower Lafayette’s nonprofits to address urgent community needs.
Stay tuned for more updates on the One Lafayette fund and its growing impact on Lafayette’s community landscape. This initiative highlights the critical role of local organizations in providing essential services and the community’s commitment to supporting their efforts.
