Rebecca’s Fund Grant

The Art in the Valley: Rebecca’s Fund Grant is administered by the Wet Mountain Valley Community Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting local nonprofit initiatives that enrich life in the Wet Mountain Valley, particularly in Custer County, Colorado. The foundation has a track record of promoting community engagement, supporting grassroots efforts, and fostering collaboration among local nonprofits. The Art in the Valley grant, named in memory of Rebecca, is an extension of these goals with a specific focus on the arts as a means of building and celebrating community. The primary objective of the Art in the Valley: Rebecca’s Fund Grant is to fund programs, projects, or events that foster community building through the arts. It seeks to advance creative expression across all disciplines including visual, performing, literary, digital, folk, and craft arts. By supporting both established and emerging artistic initiatives, the grant aims to uplift local voices, foster connection among residents, and strengthen cultural life in the region. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or qualified government equivalents located in Custer County. Each organization may submit only one application. The grant encourages applications from grassroots initiatives and incubator ideas. Political or religious activities are explicitly excluded from eligibility. A total of $5,000 in funding is available, which may be distributed among multiple recipients in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. The application process opened on April 1, 2025, and the submission deadline is May 4, 2025. Applications are reviewed by the Wet Mountain Valley Community Foundation’s grant committee with support from the Youth In Philanthropy Initiative (YIPI) team. The review and scoring process occurs between May 5 and May 7. A final award decision is made by the Board of Directors on May 13, and winners will be announced on May 15. Successful applicants will receive funds within two weeks of executing a restricted grant agreement and are expected to complete their projects within 12 months, followed by submission of a final impact report. Applicants must complete an online form or may request the form by emailing Dr. Jennifer Howerton, Managing Director, at [email protected]. The application requires a detailed project description, financial plan, and budget outline, including how the funds will be used and the source of any additional funding. Evaluation criteria are based on the project’s scope, its potential for community impact, its financial feasibility, and the clarity of its timeline and execution strategy. For further assistance, applicants can contact the Wet Mountain Valley Community Foundation at P.O. Box 1202, Westcliffe, CO 81252 or via email at [email protected]. This opportunity represents a meaningful chance for local organizations to harness the power of the arts in building a stronger, more vibrant community.