URGENT UPDATE: The Community Foundation Boulder County has just announced the distribution of approximately $29,000 to 12 nonprofit organizations in Lafayette, Colorado, through the One Lafayette fund. This significant funding shift marks a new phase as the program transitions from city oversight to community-driven management.
These grants are vital, supporting essential services such as food assistance, youth programs, and safety-net resources. Recipients include notable organizations like Coal Creek Meals on Wheels and YMCA of Northern Colorado, providing crucial support to residents in need.
Previously, grant applications were processed by Lafayette city staff. However, in a landmark move, December 2024 saw the city officially transfer administration of the One Lafayette fund to the Community Foundation. This change enhances community involvement, with over 80 volunteers now participating in grant reviews and recommendations.
Lafayette City spokesperson Natalie Miller explained that the city’s voters approved a dedicated mental health and human services sales tax in 2021, which now provides a new revenue stream for community grants. The sales tax initiative became effective in 2023, allowing more funds to be allocated for local support.
City Manager Kady Doelling emphasized the importance of evolving community needs: “Much has evolved since the creation of the fund in 2008,” she stated. “The new sales tax is dedicated to providing similar support through a city-managed grant program to expand impact for our residents.”
The One Lafayette fund is designed to remain sustainable, with the principal amount intact while annual grant distributions are based on investment income. Although the exact fund balance is undisclosed, the Community Foundation anticipates that future annual grants will be consistent with this year’s total.
In a statement, Sarah Harrison, Vice President of Programs at the Community Foundation, expressed gratitude for the longstanding partnership with Lafayette. “We are honored to carry on the work of the One Lafayette fund,” she remarked.
This year’s funding breakdown shows the diverse support for local needs, including:
– 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 interested in supporting the One Lafayette fund can do so by mailing checks with “One Lafayette” in the memo line to: City of Lafayette – One Lafayette, Attn: Deputy City Administrator, 1290 S. Public Road, Lafayette, CO 80026.
As this new chapter unfolds, the community will be watching closely to see how these shifts impact local services and support. Stay tuned for updates on the continued progress of the One Lafayette fund and its vital role in enhancing lives in Lafayette.
