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Posted on: March 15, 2023

Aspen City Council awards over $1.8 million in grant support

PRESS RELEASE

Aspen City Council awards over $1.8 million in grant support
 
City of Aspen’s grant program provides support to 111 local non-profits  

Aspen, Colo. – Wednesday, March 15, 2023 – Aspen City Council approved the distribution of $1,819,000 to 111 local nonprofits that are committed to providing resources and support towards the well-being, vibrancy, and enhancement of the community. 

Organizations receiving funding are aligned with City Council’s goal for its grants program, which states: “supports nonprofit organizations that promote a mentally and physically healthy community; provide protection for our natural environment; and create opportunities for connections for all community members, through partnerships, ease of access, stewardship, arts and cultural enrichment, and innovation.” 

The grants program continues to experience growth in both the participating organizations and the total amount of funds requested. This year’s applications highlight an increase in local nonprofit demand, with total cash requests increasing over 16% since 2022, rising to $2,482,00 from $2,124,000 last year. Overall cash requests have increased 55% since 2021. Additionally, 15 organizations were first-time participants in the grants program for 2023, representing a 15% growth in applicants over the previous year. 

“Aspen City Council is honored and thankful to be able to distribute such a significant amount of funding to many of our local nonprofits. We are in this position due to the hard work, support and passion of our entire community,” said Aspen Mayor Torre. “These funds will support the organizations that make Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley a truly unique and special place and improve the lives of our year-round residents and visitors alike. “ 

A central tenant of the City of Aspen’s grant program is community involvement. All funding decisions are driven by the assessment of applications by teams of resident volunteers. The professionalism and dedication of the 18 community volunteers involved with the grants program was especially important this year, and program requests significantly exceeded budgets. More information on how grants are assessed and funded can be found here. 

The amounts awarded in each program area included:

Arts & Culture:

  • Funded Applications: 31
  • Cash Requests: $1,150,000
  • Funds Awarded: $897,000
  • Requests Increase from 2022: 17%
  • Budget Increase from 2022: 50%

Health and Human Services:

  • Funded Applications: 32*
  • Cash Requests: $577,000*
  • Funds Awarded: $366,000*
  • Requests Increase from 2022: 39%
  • Decreased from 2022 due to a one-time infusion of Tobacco Tax dollars in 2022.

*Includes requests approved in 2022 for two-year funding

Community Nonprofit:

  • Funded Applications: 41
  • Cash Requests: $904,000
  • Funds Awarded: $554,000
  • Requests Increase from 2022: 24%
  • Budget Increase from 2022: 7%

A variety of city funds are dedicated to the grants, which contributes to the diversity, vibrancy, and social capital of our community.

Organizations interested in participating in the city’s grants program in the future can learn more at aspen.gov/383/Grants or by emailing grants@aspen.gov.  

Contacts:          

John Barker, Senior Strategy Consultant, john.barker@cityofaspen.com, 970.920.5716

Alissa Farrell, Administrative Services Director, alissa.farrell@cityofaspen.com, 970.920.5743.

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