SAN LUIS VALLEY— As a fourth-generation native of the Town of San Luis, I am deeply invested in the vibrancy, growth, and preservation of our Valley. Having spent almost three decades working with a variety of small businesses and nonprofits in Colorado, I recently took on the role of executive director of the Community Foundation of San Luis Valley (CFSLV). It’s an honor to serve our broader community in this role and I do not take my responsibilities lightly.

My goals for the first year include increasing the visibility of the Community Foundation, creating meaningful relationships with other nonprofits and governmental agencies, and breaking down barriers to increase collaboration in our communities. My vision is to create a culture of giving in our rural communities, while providing opportunities for urban funders to want to invest in our historically underserved rural communities.

According to the Secretary of State, there are more than 150 nonprofits in our six counties. They range from smaller and newer nonprofits to larger organizations which have existed for decades. It is my strong opinion that the recency or latency of establishment for these organizations should not affect their ability to be successful in serving their communities. Program dollars are aplenty in philanthropy, but nonprofits rely on operational dollars to accomplish their goals and serve their communities effectively. Equity and collaboration need to be the norm, not the exception.

To help clarify, program dollars are what donors give to nonprofits for specific projects. This could be anything from a food drive, to scholarships, to creating specific opportunities for the people who they serve. Operational dollars are specifically for salaries and wages of employees, capital improvements (buildings, infrastructure, for example). It takes people to do the work, and often grants are not to be used to hire new staff.

Recently, CFSLV and the Dept. of Local Affairs announced that the Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant application is open to nonprofits across the state: the grant is designed for nonprofits in historically-marginalized communities that need more foundational help. We specifically seek to fund rural organizations that serve People of Color, low-income communities, and the LGBTQA+ communities. $33,100,000 in grants will be awarded — with selected organizations awarded up to $100,000.

Our goal is to grant upward of $2.5 million into our six counties in the San Luis Valley, and Archuleta County to the west. The funds will be awarded at the end of 2023 and can be used until the end of 2026.

If you work with or operate a nonprofit in these seven counties, I highly encourage you to learn more about the NPI grant eligibility requirements and apply through CFSLV at www.cfslv.org/npigrant.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many nonprofits in the Valley.

The Community Foundation of the San Luis Valley strives to ensure that our voices are heard, that our communities' needs are brought to awareness, and that any barriers nonprofits are facing are broken down to provide justice, equity, and inclusion to those who we serve.

On a final note, I am often asked how you as a community member can get involved. To start off, research the organizations in your area: most or all the Valley's nonprofits have websites, or at least a social media presence. The SLV has organizations who help children, Veterans, the environment, animals, businesses, and everything in between. Find an organization that is doing work that is close to your heart and remember that your time is just as valuable as your money for nonprofits. Also, think about legacy giving, and thoughtful donations. Most of all, be present in your communities. If you don't, who will?

Jason C. Medina is the executive director of the Community Foundation of the San Luis Valley.