<h1>How We Make Grants</h1>
We fund work that meets our grant-making priorities and supports our guiding principles. We are committed to identifying the needs of the community and engaging our residents to work together to enhance the quality of life in South Fork and the surrounding area.

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<strong>Programs considered for support must be located within the Greater South Fork area and directly benefit our residents. Proposals from faith-based organizations will only be considered if:</strong>
<ol>
 	<li>The service benefits all, regardless of religion;</li>
 	<li>The service provided is not religious in nature; <em>and </em></li>
 	<li>There is no proselytizing associated with the service.</li>
</ol>
<strong>We only fund the following types of organizations:</strong>

Tax exempt private agencies classified as:
<ul>
 	<li>501 (c)(3)organizations</li>
 	<li>Public charities</li>
 	<li>Government agencies</li>
</ul>

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<strong>The Foundation awards RESPONSIVE and INITIATIVE BASED grants. </strong>

Responsive grants are initiated by a federally tax exempt agency requesting support of a program that falls with the Foundation program areas.

Initiative based grants are funded as the Foundation seeks to identify opportunities for positive change and to address community issues through initiatives and partnerships.

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<strong>We give priority to initiatives that effectively address community needs in the following areas:</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Arts, Culture and Heritage</li>
 	<li>Education and Learning</li>
 	<li>Civic Improvement and Community Development</li>
 	<li>Recreation and Leisure</li>
 	<li>Environment and Conservation</li>
 	<li>Health and Human Services</li>
</ul>

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<strong>We do not support the following:</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Organizations that do not have an active 501 (c) (3) tax status</li>
 	<li>Individuals</li>
 	<li>Religious organizations</li>
 	<li>Political organizations</li>
 	<li>Operating deficits or debt retirement</li>
 	<li>Health care procedures</li>
 	<li>Annual memberships or affiliations</li>
 	<li>Campaigns, dinners or special events</li>
 	<li>Travel or vehicle purchase</li>
</ul>
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<h1>Grant Recipients</h1>
<h3>2012</h3>
<strong><a href="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Little_League_Baseball_Logo.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-207 size-medium" src="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Little_League_Baseball_Logo-300x300.jpg" alt="little_league_baseball_logo" width="300" height="300" /></a>South Fork Little League</strong>

Little League came to South Fork in the summer of 2012 with help from the Foundation and other philanthropic friends in South Fork. GSFCF provided the funds to purchase the equipment for the team: bats, bases, helmets and a catcher's set. The South Fork Loggers entertained the community in style!

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<strong><a href="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Flowers.jpeg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-208 size-medium" src="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Flowers-200x300.jpeg" alt="flowers" width="200" height="300" /></a>Flowers snd Flags for South Fork's 20th Anniversary</strong>

The Town of South Fork celebrated twenty years of township in 2012. Local businesses, the Chamber of Commerce and GSFCF partnered to place flags and colorful pots of flowers in front on all South Fork businesses for the summer.

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<strong><a href="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Event_-_Rec_Program_99847.png"><img class="alignleft wp-image-209 size-medium" src="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Event_-_Rec_Program_99847-300x244.png" alt="event_-_rec_program_99847" width="300" height="244" /></a>Children's Recreational Program 2012</strong>

The Visitor Center brought back the Children’s rec program this year with over 16 children between the ages of 4 and 15 participating in the 8 week program involving horseback riding, rafting, swimming, art classes, mini-golf, weekly hikes, a train ride, and a trip to the Creede Repertory Theater to learn about our U.S. Presidents. This 8 week program was able to be brought to the families at a cost to them for only $45 per child for all activities, thanks to the contribution of the GSFCF.

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<strong><a href="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Brush_Truck-400x249.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-210 size-medium" src="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Brush_Truck-400x249-300x187.jpg" alt="brush_truck-400x249" width="300" height="187" /></a>Wildland Brush Fire Truck</strong>

2012 proved to be one of the driest seasons on record in South Fork. The South Fork Fire Department requested help to convert a 2003 mini-pumper fire truck into a wildland brush fire truck. Our donors met the challenge and South Fork Fire and Rescue now owns a fully equiped truck that can be used for both wild fires and structural fires.

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<strong><a href="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_3194-2.gif"><img class="alignleft wp-image-198 size-medium" src="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_3194-2-300x225.gif" alt="img_3194-2" width="300" height="225" /></a>South Fork Music Association Rhythms on the Rio</strong>

South Fork Music Association was once again awarded a GSFCF grant to support their Rhythms on the Rio music festival. 2012 was the seventh annual festival held on the banks of the Rio Grande River in South Fork in August. Rhythms is a three day event that brings nationally acclaimed musicians to the San Luis Valley.

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<strong>Creed Arts Council Silver Thread Studio Tour</strong>

The Greater South Fork Community Foundation was proud to support the 9th annual Silver Thread Studio Tour, sponsored by the Creede Arts Council. This is a self-guided driving tour of the many artists' galleries along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway. The 2012 tour was held on September 8 and not only showcased the many talented artists in the area, but also the vivid fall colors of Southern Colorado.

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<strong><a href="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Visitor_Center-6.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-211 size-medium" src="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Visitor_Center-6-300x200.jpg" alt="visitor_center-6" width="300" height="200" /></a>Town of South Fork Tourism Grant</strong>

GSFCF provided a portion of the matching funds to help the Town of South Fork obtain a $15,000 grant from the Colorado Tourism Office. These funds will be used to promote tourism in South Fork. Among the planned projects that this grant will provide is a magazine-sized South Fork Visitor's Guide and color ads in several publications

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<strong><a href="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Toy_Drive_jpg.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-212 size-full" src="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Toy_Drive_jpg.jpg" alt="toy_drive_jpg" width="259" height="194" /></a>Del Norte Police Department Toy Drive</strong>

In 2012, the Foundation will once again participate in the Del Norte Police Department's annual toy drive for less fortunate children. Last year's toy drive provided about 350 toys, as well as strengthening the relationship of the police department and the community.

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<h3>2011</h3>
<strong><a href="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/High_Valley.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-204 size-medium" src="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/High_Valley-300x241.jpg" alt="high_valley" width="300" height="241" /></a>High Valley Community Center</strong>

GSFCF is proud to support the High Valley Community Center in Del Norte to assist with their educational, recreational and cultural programs for the children of our area during non-school hours. For additional information visit their website www.highvalleycommunity.org

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<strong><a href="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_1287.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-205 size-medium" src="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_1287-300x200.jpg" alt="img_1287" width="300" height="200" /></a>Boyd and Millie Brown Park Project</strong>

GSFCF has been a driving force to encourage the Town of South Fork to complete Boyd and Millie Brown Park. A plan is in place and a GOCO grant is being pursued to complete the project with playground equipment, river access, picnic area, pavilion, restrooms and a paved parking lot.

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<strong><a href="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_3194-2.gif"><img class="alignleft wp-image-198 size-medium" src="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_3194-2-300x225.gif" alt="img_3194-2" width="300" height="225" /></a>South Fork Music Association</strong>

The Board of Directors of GSFCF awarded a $1500 grant to the South Fork Music Association to assist with the sixth annual Rhythms on the Rio Music Festival. This year, "Rhythms" was held on the banks of the Rio Grande River just East of South Fork on August 13 and 14. Rhythms on the Rio brings national musical talent to South Fork and provides one of the most fun weekends of the summer!

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<strong>Town of South Fork</strong>
The Town of South fork was awarded a grant of $5,000 to obtain a GOCO pass through grant of $15,000 to create a master plan for parks, Trails and amenities.

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<strong>Rio Grande County</strong>

GSFCF presented a $300 grant to Rio Grande County in order to provide the ceremony at the Rio Grande County Museum marking the transfer of a handwritten rice paper document back to representatives of the Republic of Korea. The Leaflet was given to one of the first American soldiers to land in Korea to enforce the expulsion of the Imperial Japanese troops from that nation at the end of WWII. The leaflet hailed the Americans as heroes for ending 35 years of Japanese oppression. In 1988 Jim Jones, the soldier who received the leaflet on Sept. 8, 1945, donated it to the Rio Grande County Museum where it was displayed until it was recognized several years ago. After lengthy research by the University in Seoul Korea and the Independence Hall of Korea, the historic importance of this previously unknown document became apparent. Through negotiations between the Rio Grande County Commissioners and the Independence Hall of Korea it was agreed that the document would be returned to the Korean people. In Del Norte, Colorado on June 24, 2011, Jim Jones, the soldier who originally was given the leaflet, handed it to the family representative of A. L. Chung, the Korean patriot who signed the document.

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<h3>2010</h3>
<strong><a href="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/SF-Ambulance-2.gif"><img class="alignleft wp-image-195 size-medium" src="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/SF-Ambulance-2-300x225.gif" alt="sf-ambulance-2" width="300" height="225" /></a>South Fork Ambulance Service</strong>

The South Fork Ambulance Service received a grant in 2010 to assist with tuition payments for three basic-level Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to achieve their intermediate-level EMT certification. The Service makes over 100 calls a year, providing emergency medical care to South Fork and the surrounding community. The Foundation has established a designated fund for future training and other needs of the Ambulance Service. You may add to this fund by simply designating the SFAS on your check.

In the winter of 2010, Jonathan Gilbert, the EMS Director for the South Fork Ambulance Service, requested a grant for $3476 to purchase 11 EMS uniform coats for the emergency crews. The coats are bloodborne pathogen resistant and have reflective striping for safety on the roadways. The coats identify our emergency personnel, provide uniformity and professionalism, as well as warmth and protection in inclement weather.

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<strong><a href="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Carngie-library-w-label-2.gif"><img class="alignleft wp-image-197 size-medium" src="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Carngie-library-w-label-2-300x200.gif" alt="carngie-library-w-label-2" width="300" height="200" /></a>Carnegie Library</strong>

The South Fork Branch of Carnegie Library has been a project that the Foundation has continually supported. In our early years, the Foundation contributed $50,000 to help build the library in South Fork.

In recent years, funds generated by the Home Tours have been used to provide the landscaping around the building.

In 2010, Carnegie Library received a $5000 grant to assist in the purchase of a two KW photo voltaic solar panel grid to augment the electrical system and ten thermal solar panels to enhance the heating system.

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<strong><a href="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Animal-Shelter-w-Label_resized_640x480.gif"><img class="alignleft wp-image-175 size-medium" src="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Animal-Shelter-w-Label_resized_640x480-300x237.gif" alt="animal-shelter-w-label_resized_640x480" width="300" height="237" /></a>Upper Rio Grande Animal Shelter</strong>

Several grants have been awarded to the Upper Rio Grande Animal Society dba Conour Animal Shelter to assist with their dog rescue programs. Conour Animal Shelter is a no-kill shelter serving Monte Vista, South Fork, Center, Saguache, and Saguache County. The funds designated for the shelter assisted with general operating needs, dog food, vaccines, and the spay and neuter programs. The shelter is located at 2825 Sherman Avenue in Monte Vista and provides a much needed service for the San Luis Valley.

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<strong><a href="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_3194-2.gif"><img class="alignleft wp-image-198 size-medium" src="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_3194-2-300x225.gif" alt="img_3194-2" width="300" height="225" /></a>South Fork Music Association</strong>

GSFCF has been a supporter of The South Fork Music Association since 2006. In addition to supporting the annual Rhythms on the Rio Music Festival held every August, the foundation has provided the funding to purchase musical instruments for the South Fork Music Association's music education program.

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<strong>Upper Rio Grande Health Clinic</strong>

$3359 of funds generated by the Home Tours in 2010 were granted to the Upper Rio Grande Health Clinic Board to provide xeriscaping around the clinic and to provide improved signage for the clinic on Highway 160.

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<h3>2009</h3>
<strong>Beav<img class="alignleft wp-image-194 size-medium" src="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/BC-New-2-300x211.gif" alt="bc-new-2" width="300" height="211" />er Creek Youth Camp</strong>
In 2009 a grant was awarded to the Beaver Creek Youth Camp, on the outskirts of South Fork, to assist with the completion of their new all-season lodge. Beaver Creek is dedicated to promoting Christian Education, recreation, and social welfare of youth and adults regardless of race or disability and is open to all denominations. Their new lodge enables them to be open year-round and provides a meeting room, catering kitchen and four dorm-style rooms that will sleep a total of 40 people.

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<h3>2008</h3>
<strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-192 size-medium" src="http://petoweb.com/gsfcf/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Winsor-Hotel-ggg-2-300x225.gif" alt="winsor-hotel-ggg-2" width="300" height="225" />The Windsor Hotel</strong>

In 2008, a grant was made to the Windsor Hotel in Del Norte to assist in the finish work in the lobby and the two restaurant dining rooms. The Windsor Hotel was constructed in 1874, but closed in the 1980s. It had been the anchor business in the downtown area of Del Norte but while boarded up went almost to collapse. A local 501(c)(3) was formed in the 1990s to save the historic building and once again make it the anchor of the town. With help from the State Historic Fund and almost $1,000,000 raised and donated locally, the structure has been repaired, the roof replaced, the exterior and interior restored , and new heat, plumbing, and electrical installed.

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<strong>Fast ForWord Reading Program</strong>

In 2008, the Del Norte School System received a grant to purchase the "Fast ForWord Reading Program," an educational brain fitness software designed to help struggling readers improve brain fitness and strengthen brain processing. This scientific learning technology is backed by over 200 research studies showing that students can make reading gains of 1 to 2 grade levels in 8 to 12 weeks.

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<strong>Creede Arts Council</strong>

For the past seven years, the Creede Arts Council has sponsored The Silver Thread Studio Tour, a self-guided driving tour to the studios of local artists between South Fork and Lake City.
In 2008, GSFCF provided a grant to CAC to help support this worthwhile event. The beautiful mountain scenery of our area attracts many fine artists, and each year the Silver Thread Studio Tour gives those artist opportunities to display their works while providing the public with unique opportunities to meet the artists in their own studios, discuss techniques, and purchase fine art.

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<h1>How to Apply for a Grant</h1>
The Greater South Fork Community Foundation awards <strong>Responsive</strong> and <strong>Initiative</strong> <strong>based</strong> grants. <strong>Responsive</strong> <strong>grants</strong> are initiated by a federally tax exempt agency requesting support of a program that falls with the Foundation program areas. <strong>Initiative based</strong> <strong>grants</strong> are funded as the Foundation seeks to identify opportunities for positive change and to address community issues through initiatives and partnerships.
<h3>The Grant Procedure</h3>
Submit a one-page Letter of Intent. Your letter should contain the following information:
<ul>
 	<li>Amount requested</li>
 	<li>Specific purpose for the funds requested</li>
 	<li>Need for the project in the community</li>
 	<li>Statement of how success will be measured</li>
 	<li>Statement of how the funds will be expended</li>
 	<li>Information about your organization and the contact person</li>
</ul>
You may then email your letter to Pat Sculley at patsculley@q.com or mail it to: Grant Committee P. O. Box 567 South Fork, CO 81154

<strong>The Grant Committee will review all letters.</strong>

If your organization receives a favorable response, you will be invited to submit a full grant proposal. If invited, submit a Grant Proposal: www.coloradocommongrantforms.org. Additionally you must provide a copy of IRS tax-exempt letter. After approval by the Grant Committee, your Grant Request will be submitted to the Foundation Board for final approval. Grants are usually funded within six months.