Mountain Village Recommends $118,000 in Grant Money to Local Nonprofits

The Town of Mountain Village recommends a combined total of $118,000 to 12 local nonprofit organizations as part of the town’s newly created Community Grant Program. The town received $183,300 in grant requests from 15 nonprofits. Four organizations secured funding for the first time under the new program. San Miguel Educational Fund, San Miguel Mentoring Program, True North Youth Program and Watershed Education Program of the Telluride Institute have received grants of $7,500 or less. Mountain Village’s Community Grant Program was designed to support projects and programs that meet the needs and desires of our residential and business communities and to provide funding fairly, equitably, and consistently by adopting a clear and comprehensive policy. “Community Grants are our sustained effort to provide support to local organizations, addressing community issues consistent with our mission,” said Town Manager Kim Montgomery. The town accepted applications from organizations seeking to fund programs, projects, and services that support and promote Community Services (i.e., health and human services, education, athletics, arts and culture, early childhood, or environmental stewardship) that help to support a healthy and robust Mountain Village community. This year’s recipients include: • EcoAction Partners • San Miguel & Ouray Counties Juvenile Diversion & Services • San Miguel Educational Fund • San Miguel Mentoring Program • San Miguel Resource Center • San Miguel Watershed Coalition • Telluride Adaptive Sports Program • Telluride Community Television • Telluride Ski and Snowboard Club • Tri-County Health Network • True North Youth Program • Watershed Education Program of the Telluride Institute "As a residential representative for the newly formed Mountain Village grants committee, I had never participated in a selection program that was completely on a level playing field for all of the nonprofits that applied for it. All criteria were weighed evenly and fairly, through a program that was individually evaluated and then shared and debated as a team. The applicants did a wonderful job and it was a difficult decision, but I believe that the public benefit to the community will be recognized," said Community Grant Community Member Jonathan Greenspan “The process of working with the Grants committee was efficient and well thought out. We feel grateful to partake in a process that provides funding for so many of the organizations that work hard to serve our community,” added council member Natalie Binder. The newly formed Mountain Village Community Grant Program is made up of members of the Mountain Village Town Council, the Mountain Village Staff and community members. The committee reviewed requests and provided its funding recommendations to the Town Council. Council accepted the recommendations made by the Mountain Village Community Grant Committee at its October 11 budget meeting. The budget will then be reviewed and adopted at the December Town Council meeting and funds will be dispersed in 2018. For information on Mountain Village and the Community Grant Program, contact Marketing and Business Development Director Bill Kight by or [phone]970.369.6430[/phone]