Boulder County Volunteers Give 2,500 Hours to Help Nonprofits

In Boulder County, Colorado, the people deciding where charitable dollars go aren't corporate executives or foundation staff. They're your neighbors, giving thousands of hours to make sure community donations create real change.

Community Foundation Boulder County has built something special. More than 90 local volunteers review grant applications from roughly 100 nonprofits each year, discussing community needs and recommending where funding can make the greatest impact.

These volunteers contribute almost 2,500 hours annually to the process. "Our grantmaking process is driven by the community, not foundation staff," said Sarah Harrison, the foundation's vice president of programs.

The volunteers come from all walks of life. Becky Chavez, founder of Rooted Pathways Leadership, started reviewing grants in 2012 after a friend encouraged her to help. She had never done anything like it before, but the foundation trained her on how to evaluate applications.

"That made it so accessible," Chavez said. "No prior experience is needed."

Chavez, a first-generation college graduate who spent nearly 16 years at Front Range Community College, has now served on every Community Trust committee. The committees focus on specific areas like animal welfare, arts and culture, education, environment, and health services.

What stands out to Chavez is how the foundation removes barriers. Organizations don't need professional grant writers on staff to apply for funding. That opens doors for smaller nonprofits to get support.

High school senior Pranavi Mantha represents the next generation of community leaders. The Peak to Peak Charter School student got involved through 15 Forever, a program promoting civic engagement among Boulder County youth.

"I really like reading the grants and the impact that each nonprofit who applied has," Mantha said. She loves seeing the range of programs and support resources available in her community.

The Ripple Effect

The volunteer model does more than distribute money efficiently. It builds connections between residents and the organizations serving their neighbors. When community members make funding decisions, they understand local needs firsthand.

The foundation is currently running its All In, Boulder County campaign, aiming to raise $1 million by May 15 for the Community Trust. About 51% of local nonprofits have had to cut essential programs this year, making volunteer oversight more crucial than ever.

The campaign's success will depend on donations, but its lasting impact comes from volunteers like Chavez and Mantha ensuring every dollar reaches where it's needed most.