Community Partnership Grant Program

The Mountain Recreation Metropolitan District administers the Community Partnership Grant Program to support nonprofit organizations in Western Eagle County, Colorado, whose work aligns with the District’s mission to promote recreation, health, and community engagement. Mountain Recreation is a Colorado Special District funded through taxpayer-approved allocations designated specifically for the purposes outlined in its service plan. The organization believes that recreational programs, services, and facilities contribute to strong character development, lifelong health, and reduced social isolation, offering residents opportunities to connect and grow through shared activities. The program offers in-kind support to eligible nonprofits in the form of access to Mountain Recreation facilities, staff assistance, and registration or reservation services. These resources are intended for programs and projects that enhance or expand recreation opportunities, are recreational in nature, and serve the residents of Eagle County. The program goals include enriching the lives of residents by increasing access to diverse and affordable recreational services, expanding program reach, and fostering partnerships that enhance community recreation. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify. Organizations must offer recreational programs or conduct improvement projects that directly benefit Mountain Recreation District residents. At least 80 percent of program participation must come from Eagle County, or the proposed project must be directly accessible to District residents. Programs must be open to all, without restrictions based on diversity factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, ability, skill, or financial means. Additionally, organizations must be registered in good standing as a Colorado nonprofit and have 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. The application process is open once annually from July 14 to August 8, with a hard deadline of August 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Applications are reviewed by the Mountain Recreation Board of Directors at their public September meeting, held on the third Wednesday of the month. Awardees are required to present program results to the Board within one year of receiving the grant. This presentation is mandatory for eligibility in subsequent funding cycles. Applications require organizations to provide basic organizational information, proof of good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State, an IRS determination letter, and a detailed program description. Applicants must describe the target audience, methods for measuring impact, 1–3 key impact statements, anticipated outcomes, and how requested in-kind resources will be used to increase access to recreation. Optional materials such as photos or renderings may be included. For more information about the Community Partnership Grant Program, interested organizations should contact Anna Englehart, Superintendent of Recreation Programs, at aenglehart@mountainrec.org or (970) 688-7324. Program details, including the application form, can be found on the Mountain Recreation website. The program is recurring annually, and alignment with the District’s mission, vision, and strategic plan strengthens the application.

Emphasize alignment with Mountain Recreation’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.