Garfield County Forever Fund

The Garfield County Forever Fund is a grantmaking initiative designed to promote health and wellness within Garfield County, administered by the Blue Mountain Community Foundation (BMCF). Established in 1984, BMCF serves as a regional philanthropic leader committed to fostering community transformation across the Blue Mountain region. With assets exceeding $115 million held in more than 440 charitable funds, the Foundation has cultivated deep roots in the area, enabling donors to make long-term investments in local causes. BMCF is governed by values of collaboration, respect, integrity, and stewardship, and is firmly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its operations and grantmaking processes. The Garfield County Forever Fund specifically supports charitable 501(c)(3) organizations, public agencies, and religious organizations—including churches—that operate in Garfield County. A unique feature of the fund is that a portion of its grant distributions are earmarked for the maintenance and preservation of cemeteries within the county. Beyond this, the fund broadly supports initiatives that enhance the health and wellness of county residents, offering the potential for general operating support in addition to project-specific funding. This flexible funding approach is intended to enable eligible organizations to pursue sustainable impact in service delivery and organizational development. Applications for the Garfield County Forever Fund open annually on February 1 and close on February 28. This single-cycle structure ensures a focused and competitive selection process. Funding decisions are typically announced in April, allowing grantees to plan and implement their programs in a timely manner. While there is no pre-application requirement, organizations must ensure alignment with the fund’s health and wellness focus and geographical restriction to Garfield County. The application process is designed to be accessible for a broad array of eligible applicants. While the fund accepts proposals from faith-based organizations, eligibility is inclusive and does not restrict participation based on religious affiliation. Eligible public agencies, nonprofits, and religious institutions are encouraged to apply. Applicants should ensure that their proposals clearly demonstrate community benefit within the Garfield County area. The Blue Mountain Community Foundation, as the administrator, provides transparency and support throughout the grant cycle. Although no specific application platform or detailed submission checklist is provided, the annual deadline structure allows organizations sufficient lead time for preparation. The fund is recurring on an annual basis, and organizations may reapply in subsequent years. This consistency fosters long-term engagement between local funders and community-serving organizations, furthering BMCF’s mission to connect people, charitable causes, and community needs across the Blue Mountain region.