What We Fund:

The first type of activity allowed by the Foundation is to restore or enhance habitats in low- and middle-income countries within Central and South America, Africa, and Asia.  The Foundation allows volunteers to work on habitat restoration projects.  This activity is typically coordinated through other non-profit, non-government organizations.  Volunteers provide the labor for restoration activities such as clearing debris, building retaining walls, planting trees, clearing nonnative vegetation, planting nursery grown plants, seeding, watering, and other activities that aid in habitat restoration.  Often, when natural habitats are degraded, areas and subsequently, the nearby communities, are at risk of losing biodiversity and natural resources important for the wellbeing of the community.  By restoring habitats, natural areas will retain biodiversity and important functions such as flood control, erosion prevention, and habitat for native wildlife.

The second type of activity is to provide humanitarian services to communities in need in Colorado or low- and middle-income countries within Central and South America, Africa, and Asia or to populations displaced by natural disasters and other crises.  This activity typically would be coordinated through other, non-profit, non-government organizations.  The Foundation allows volunteers to work on projects that address social issues such as homelessness, hunger, illness, and illiteracy.  Volunteers supply the labor needed to perform humanitarian services that range from working in medical centers, schools, and/or orphanages, providing solar ovens or other needed supplies to populations displaced by natural disasters and other crises, and assisting with sustainable water development, pollution prevention, or land cleanup and redevelopment projects.

The third type of activity supports communities in need of aid with donations raised by the Foundation.  Donations may be used to buy equipment or materials needed for habitat restoration projects (activity 1), or in support of humanitarian activities (activity 2).  Communities in need of aid are identified by the Foundation Board, and donations are only made to existing non-profit organizations.  The amount of the donation is decided by the Board and depends on the needs of the community and the funds available or raised for the specific donation.

Guidelines for Grants and Volunteers

Grant Application Guidelines

• All applications will be reviewed by the Foundation Board.
• Grants will depend on available funding; the grant will not exceed $3,000.
• Volunteer service must be for non-profit organizations or causes that restore or conserve natural habitats or for humanitarian efforts in disadvantaged communities or populations.
• The volunteer activity must take place in Colorado, low- and middle-income counties in Central or South America, Africa, or Asia, or in areas affected by natural disasters or other crises.
• Applications are typically reviewed within two months of submittal. Applicants will have six (6) months upon approval of proposals to use the allocated funds unless otherwise approved by the Board.
• Grant applicants must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an adult over 18.

 When requesting a grant for a project that involves volunteering, applicants should determine the benefit to the host community by asking the following questions and considering the “food for thought” below.

 Questions to ask when researching volunteer-based projects:

• Are locals involved in the project and/or are they supportive or want the project?
• Does the project require a skill or expertise, and can the volunteer provide that?
• Is the host community really benefiting from the volunteer?
• Could lack of experience harm the host community or delay the project?
• How much time is needed to have a positive impact on community, if applicable? Consider longer term volunteer opportunities if possible.
• Are resources being diverted to the volunteer from the host community to the detriment of the host community?
• Is the volunteer creating bonds (for example with children) that will be emotionally detrimental when the volunteer leaves?
• Could there be a conflict of interest between the host community and the organization providing volunteers?
• Does the organization have a history of success working with the people in the region; do they respect the existing culture, beliefs and religions of the region instead of imposing their own views?