The Weld Trust 2023 Annual Report

In 2023, The Weld Trust continued to work toward our mission of promoting excellence in health and education in Weld County. The total grantmaking was the most robust year we have experienced with $13,755,599 awarded. We also made pledges toward two major grants, known as Flagship grants, totaling $27.5 million that will be paid over multiple years.

The Flagship grants were awarded to support two significant capital projects. The first project was a $2.5 million grant to support housing stability with a permanent supportive housing project in Greeley. The second project was a $25 million grant, the largest grant ever awarded by The Weld Trust, to help establish a medical school at the University of Northern Colorado. These two projects are anticipated to create monumental long-term impacts in Weld County.

The first Flagship grant ever awarded by The Weld Trust was in 2022 to the Boys and Girls Club of Weld County to construct a new Teen Center located in Greeley. This project is set to open in spring 2024 and is expected to quadruple their attendance, serving over 125 teens per day.

The Weld Trust awarded 124 grants in 2023 under the Key Funding Initiatives totaling more than $7.5 million. The Key Funding Initiatives include: Access to Resources, Behavioral Health, Childhood Literacy, Food Security, Healthy Habits, Housing Security and Workforce Development. These grants were awarded to 77 nonprofits, schools and government agencies located in Weld County or exclusively serving Weld County residents.

The Weld Trust also awards event sponsorships to help support many organizations with their operational costs. In 2023, there were 57 sponsorships awarded to 45 organizations totaling over $300,000. The sponsored events cumulatively raised over $4.6 million and had over 31,000 individuals in attendance.

We are thrilled to come alongside so many organizations working diligently to make positive changes in Weld County. Their vision, collaboration, and hard work creates positive, long-term impact for our citizens.

Kind regards,

Jeff Carlson Chief Executive Officer

11,000+ children supported with learning or extracurricular activities

9,900+ individuals received career exploration and skills training

12,000+ residents supported with basic necessities (housing and food)

8,000+ individuals provided with behavioral health support

Cover photo: Greeley-UNC Xeric Demonstration | John Fielder, ca. 2011. History Colorado. Accession #2023.1.2370.

The Weld Trust Board of Directors

Outstanding

Foundation of the Year

In 2023, The Weld Trust was honored as the Outstanding Foundation of the Year at National Philanthropy Day in Colorado.

“This award is presented to a grantmaking foundation that has demonstrated outstanding commitment through strategic financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles and make an impact in philanthropy and community involvement.” - National Philanthropy Day

Jeff Carlson Chief Executive Officer

Tom Grant Board Chair

Michael Simone

Tim Brynteson

Brandon Houtchens Board Vice-Chair Rose Stoller

John Dollarhide

Mark Lawley Board Secretary

Vicki Wilson

Travis Gillmore

Bob Murphy Board Treasurer

Jason Yeater

The Weld Trust Staff

Jeff Carlson, Chief Executive Officer

Toni Burger, Program Administrator

Amy Gomez, Grants Manager

Sandra Hernandez, College and Career Advisor

Kyle Holman, Director of Health Grants

Michelle Jensen, Senior Program Administrator

Allison Miller, Development Program Director

Roy Otto, Director of Community Impact

Rigo Rangel, Education Program Officer

Lisa Taylor, Senior Program Officer

Andy Yost, Scholar Relations Officer

Health Grants Advisory Council

Eric Aakko, MS, MCHES, Division Director at Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment

Lesley Brooks, MD, Chief Medical Officer at SummitStone Health Partners

Sandi Elder, Past Greeley City Council Member, North Colorado Family Medicine

Angel Flores, Founder and Lead Pastor at Mosaic Church

Bryan Guest, Mountain Desert Regional President at First Interstate Bank

Juliana Kitten, MSW Assistant City Manager at City of Greeley

Meshelle Kolanz, MD, Pediatrician at UC Health Pediatric Care

Kara Sample, RDN, SNS, Assistant Director of Nutrition Services at Greeley-Evans School District 6

Jamie Ulrich, MPA, Director of Weld County Department of Human Services

Mike Bond, Chief Operating Officer

Doug Elliott, Director of Education Grants

Andrea Hernandez, Health Program Officer

Nicole Hogrefe, Senior Accountant

Jennifer Jenkins, Exec. Administrative Assistant

Randie Lieser, Business Analyst

Rhonda Morehead, Director of Communications

Cori Pearson, Program Officer

Ramon Serrano, Chief Financial Officer

Diana Wood, Development Program Director

Education Grants Advisory Council

Terry Anderson, Dean – Allied Health and Wellness at Aims Community College

Anthony Asmus, Ed. S., Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Leadership at Greeley-Evans School District 6

Scott Bright, Owner at ABC Child Development Centers

Jennifer Byxbe, M.S, Assistant Principal at St. Vrain Valley School District

Tami Grant, Deputy Director at Weld County Department of Human Services

John W. Haefeli, MA, Retired Educator, Aims Community College Board of Trustees and Community Activist

Kathy Horning, Retired Principal at Greeley-Evans School District 6 and St. Vrain Valley School District

Cedric Howard, PhD, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services at University of Northern Colorado

Tami Kramer, Assistant Superintendent at Weld County RE-5J School District

Laura Tjaarda, Assistant Principal for Winograd K-8 at Greeley-Evans School District 6

Key Funding Initiatives:

The Weld Trust

Total Giving in 2023

$13,755,599

$7,501,484

In 2023, The Weld Trust awarded over $7.5 million in grants across the seven Key Funding Initiatives. These grants were awarded to 77 nonprofit organizations, schools and government entities located in Weld County or for services specifically for Weld County residents.

Uninsured and Underinsured Healthcare:

$5,000,000

The Weld Trust granted $5 million to Banner Health’s North Colorado Medical Center in 2023 to support uninsured and underinsured patients.

Sponsorships, Rapid Response and Discretionary Grants:

$739,915

The Weld Trust also awarded grants for special event sponsorships, rapid response needs to aid with emergent health or safety issues, and discretionary grants within health and education.

In-Kind Donation:

$514,200

Each year, The Weld Trust donates to Sunrise Community Health the use of a 60,000 square foot facility at no cost to provide affordable quality healthcare to the citizens of Weld County.

Flagship Grants:

These Grants Will be Paid Out Over Several Years

$27,500,000

The Weld Trust pledged funding for two major projects in 2023 that will be completed over coming years. Flagship Grants support significant community projects in health or education. These projects will make monumental impacts on the Weld County community for decades to come.

Flagship Grant

In 2023, The Weld Trust awarded a $2,500,000 Flagship grant to High Plains Housing Development to support construction of a 58-unit Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) project for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. The award was structured as a $2,000,000 grant with a $500,000 challenge grant.

The PSH project is Phase 1 of a multiphase campus development, StarRise at North Weld Village, located on a 6.5acre site at 123 9th Avenue in Greeley. Residents of the StarRise Apartments will typically have at least one disability along with multiple other barriers to stable housing.

High Plains Housing Development will provide on-site supportive services for the residents to help them remain stable in their housing. Research suggests that people who are chronically homeless frequently have complex health problems, including behavioral health challenges, substance abuse and other medical conditions. The residents at the StarRise Apartments will achieve greater health equity by receiving wraparound services along with reliable, safe housing.

In 2023, The Weld Trust awarded the largest grant in its history to the University of Northern Colorado for $25 million to help construct a College of Osteopathic Medicine. This multi-year pledge is also the largest single gift in the school’s history.

According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, less than 35% of Coloradans’ needs

for physicians is currently being met. This issue is most evident in rural and underserved communities like Weld County and so many others across the state, negatively affecting access to care. Additionally, the Robert Graham Center forecasts that by 2030, Colorado will need an additional 1,773 primary-care physicians, a 49% increase since 2010.

Osteopathic medicine is one of the fastest-growing health care professions in the country. There are 40 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine in the country. This field has a long tradition of providing care in rural and underserved areas.

UNC expects to receive its first class of medical students as early as fall 2026.

Access to Resources

Grants awarded in 2023: $1,037,177

28 Grants | 24 Organizations

Access to Resources grants support K-12 students toward achieving excellence in school. Many at-risk youth face barriers toward reaching success. The grants are awarded to programs and projects to level the playing field with access to these opportunities.

The Access to Resources 2023 grants were in five program areas:

K-12 In-School Services:

K-12 Out-of-School Time Services:

Fees, Technology and Basic Supports:

Tutoring/ Mentoring:

Transportation:

$318,600

$275,292

$261,303

$129,602

$52,381

K-12 In-School Services help increase the number of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) focused and career exploration programs plus increase the number of students connected to a trusted caring adult through a school-based program or club. Grants were used to support program costs focused on STEM, financial literacy and music education. Grants also supported pre-collegiate educational resources, career exploration and workforce opportunities.

K-12 Out-of-School Time Services aim to increase the participation of at-risk youth in leadership and experiential programs to boost self-esteem and confidence, as well as provide a wide range of extracurricular activities available for all students. Grants supported skill building programs to support the development of leadership, character development, critical thinking and communication.

Fees, Technology and Basic Supports increase the number of students with access to technology and internet, as well as extracurricular activities. One grant helped build three STEM computer labs. Additional grants were also used to purchase manufacturing equipment, technology hardware, supplies, instruments, and cover student fees.

Tutoring and Mentoring help all students thrive in school. The awards were utilized to support continued learning for K-12 students.

Transportation helps ensure all students are able to participate in after school activities. The grants supported transportation costs for low-income students.

Access to Resources

Impact

Grants that concluded in 2023:

• 1,500 students served in school based extracurricular activities

• 550 students served in out-of-school activities

• 825 families served

• 3,225 students received reduced cost services

• 2,650 children report having at least one trusted adult in their life

Poudre Learning Center Foundation Inc. - Grant to support outdoor education and career exploration. (Grant awarded in 2023.)

Student quote:

“Wait, this place is actually fun. I thought it was supposed to be school.”

Greeley Dream Team - Grant to expand STEM program for over 500 K-8 students with Virtual Reality (VR) headsets. (Grant completed in 2023.)

Greeley Dream Team Students shared experience with VR headsets:

“I want to be a lawyer. Can we see inside a courtroom?”

“It feels like I’m actually here! I could do this job!”

Weld County School District RE-8 - Grant to support Community Family Specialist position. (Grant completed in 2023.)

Community Family Specialist, Gabriela Rivera:

“When news of the health insurance OmniSalud was going to be available to people who are undocumented, I knew we had to partner with Connect for Health Colorado and offer a day to help families apply. We were able to offer this event at our high school with 80 families attending and multiple community agencies being present to also share resources they offer. One of the dad’s left the event in tears because he never thought one day he would be eligible for health insurance. This was a reminder of why I do what I do and why this is a passion of mine. When I am able to connect with resources in the community, it is to help our community, our families, and this dad now has health insurance and is unafraid to seek medical help.”

Behavioral Health

Grants awarded in 2023: $1,205,882

28 Grants | 24 Organizations

Behavioral Health grants support youth and adults with overall well-being and crisis intervention services. The Weld Trust awards grants for programs providing direct and prevention services to support better mental health.

The Behavioral Health grants awarded in 2023 were within six program areas:

Direct Intervention:

Prevention Services:

Substance Use and Opioid Use Prevention and Treatment:

Social Emotional Learning and Supports:

Mental Health Media Campaigns and Other Outreach:

Sta Development: $587,812 $333,460 $87,000 $78,360 $60,000 $59,250

Direct Intervention aims to increase accessible treatment across Weld County for anyone seeking assistance. The grants supported school counseling, one-on-one and group counseling. Additionally, grants helped provide crisis intervention for a variety of populations including youth, domestic violence survivors, people experiencing loss, single parents, foster families and detained youth.

Prevention Services help increase self-awareness coping skills, self-management skills and emotional regulation. The grants provided support services for a diverse population including youth, older adults, immigrants and newcomers, front-line workers, breast cancer survivors and veterans.

Substance Use and Opioid Use Prevention and Treatment to decrease the number of overdose deaths in Weld County. The grants provided resources to support education and awareness on the dangers of high-potency THC and fentanyl, as well as reduce substance abuse among at-risk populations.

Social Emotional Learning and Supports assist with increasing a sense of belonging and connectedness. The grants provided support for training and implementation strategies for staff and mentors.

Mental Health Media Campaigns and Other Outreach help to decrease the stigma around mental health support as well as increase knowledge and treatment. These grants supported life enrichment programs for individuals and their families.

Staff Development helps train professionals in the mental health field to serve Weld County. This grant provided for a leadership position for a nonprofit that was previously filled by volunteers to expand their capacity.

Behavioral Health

Impact

Grants that concluded in 2023:

• 6,000 individuals directly served

• 66 support groups provided

• 2,225 individuals receiving referrals from program outreach efforts

• 4,150 individuals reported an increased sense of self-awareness, self-management and/or emotional regulation

• < 14 days wait list to see mental health professionals

• 3,450 individuals reported an increased sense of belonging and connectedness

Johnny’s Ambassadors - Grant to host assemblies for middle and high school students to raise awareness of the dangers of high potency THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. (Grant awarded in 2023.)

Johnny Stack to his mother, 3 days before he died by suicide.

“I want you to know you were right. You told me marijuana would hurt my brain. It’s ruined my mind and my life, and I’m sorry, I love you.”

A Woman’s Place - Grant to provide counseling services for domestic violence survivors and their families. (Grant completed in 2023.)

Administrator of A Woman’s Place:

“When Jane (alias) came into the shelter, one of her main goals was seeking counseling for herself and her children. Jane had struggled finding counselors who would see younger children, and who spoke Spanish. During her stay with A Woman’s Place, advocates arranged emergency counseling for her children and resources for Jane when the family exited to their own apartment. Six months after her exit, Jane shared with advocates that her children were working on healing from the trauma they had been through, and that they were all succeeding in their new start.”

Eaton School District RE-2 - Grant to train staff on mental health support. (Grant awarded in 2023.)

Administrator from Eaton School District Re-2:

“It is amazing how much greater teacher impact becomes when staff members learn strategies regarding connection to students. The amount of awareness that occurs when you greet a student with a question or a special handshake creates an immediate connection to build upon in the academic lesson. The interaction gives instant feedback regarding how the student is entering the learning space and a teacher can utilize this insight to meet the individual needs of their students.”

Laura Stack, Johnny’s mother, presenting.

Childhood Literacy

Grants awarded in 2023: $875,805

14 Grants | 12 Organizations

Childhood Literacy grants support children from birth through age eight with competency in reading. The Weld Trust awards grants to support learning in early childhood as well as skills development for school-age children.

The Childhood Literacy grants awarded in 2023 were within five program areas:

Early Childhood Education (ECE) Programs:

Skills Development/Training Programs/Professional Development:

Out-of-School Time (OST) Programs:

Parent Programs and Education on Literacy:

Curriculum Development:

$270,690

$240,365

$203,000

$157,780

$3,970

Early Childhood Education Programs help ensure children are kindergarten ready. The grants helped purchase learning materials to support literacy skills for under resourced children and families as well as their caregivers.

Skills Development/ Training Programs/ Professional Development aim to increase the number of professionals in schools and after-school for literacy-focused programs. The grants supported reading specialists and tutoring programs for elementary age children.

Out-of-School Time Programs support school-age children with tutoring and literacyfocused programs. The grants supported extended learning programs to strengthen academic skills, particularly in literacy.

Parent Programs and Education on Literacy help increase accessible high-quality literacy information for parents. The grants helped purchase books for elementary school children as well as support intervention programs to aid parents and childcare providers improve school readiness.

Curriculum Development to support high-quality literacy-focused programs. The grant supported ensuring childcare providers are adhering to Universal Preschool guidelines.

Childhood Literacy

Impact

Grants that concluded in 2023:

• 2,650 families reported increased readiness to support their child’s early literacy

• 700 children (birth to age 4) served

• 5,075 children (ages 5-8) served

• 3,850 families received literacy materials

• 22,250 literacy materials distributed

• 3,600 children received developmental screenings

United Way of Weld County - Grant to support Reading Corps, an evidence-based, nationally implemented program for building literacy skills and reading proficiency. (Grant completed in 2023.)

Reading Corps Tutor with the United Way of Weld County:

“The first time I met 7-year old Oscar, he told me he knew he should read at home more, but his baby brother always wanted to play with him. I told him to tell his brother, ‘Read first, then play!,’ and have him listen as Oscar read him a book. The next time I saw Oscar, he excitedly told me it worked! His little brother sat with him while Oscar read out aloud, and then they played.”

Reach Out and Read Colorado - Grant to provide books (in 30 languages) to families and children under age 5 during well child checks at partner health clinics across Weld County. (Grant completed in 2023.)

Provider at North Colorado Family Medicine:

“Reach Out and Read made a difference in our clinic by providing a book at every well child check from newborn to children of 5 years of age. It is a special treat at every milestone appointment to be given a nice hardback book to be enjoyed at home. We love promoting reading at our clinic!!”

Imagination Library Weld County - Grant to provide developmentally appropriate books to young children across Weld County. (Grant completed in 2023.)

Client of Imagination Library program:

“We love the program - it offers us books that we would have not have access to, and we enjoy the variety and books that are dual language.”

Food Security

Grants awarded in 2023: $1,196,020

17 Grants | 15 Organizations

Food Security grants support access to nutritious food for all individuals in need across Weld County. Food security is essential for all persons to thrive and live an active, healthy life.

The Food Security grants awarded in 2023 were within two program areas:

Food Access and Distribution: $769,520

Nutritious Food Programs: $426,500

Food Access and Distribution aim to increase access to nutritious foods for vulnerable populations. The grants supported food pantries in locations throughout Weld County including rural sites, elementary, middle and high schools, as well as a college university. The grants also helped provide healthy food programs for diverse populations including individuals and families experiencing homelessness, older people, teen moms and youth.

Nutritious Food Programs help provide access to healthy food programs throughout Weld County. The grants supported prepared meals delivered to homebound individuals, older adults, and individuals undergoing treatment for a serious illness.

• 5,225 families served

• 8,250 individuals served

Food Security

Impact

Grants that concluded in 2023:

• Up to 3,500,000 pounds of food distributed

• 3,725 older adults served

• 3,725 rural residents served

Weld Food Bank - Grant to support agency partners with purchasing food at discounted rates. (Grant awarded in 2023.)

Weld Food Bank Agency Partner staff:

“Dan and Cindy (aliases) are parents to five children under the age of 12. Recently, Dan lost his job when his employer had to close its doors. As the weight of the situation continued to settle in, he sought help at his church, who happens to be a nonprofit agency partner with Weld Food Bank. He expressed his concerns about paying his bills, let alone feeding his family. His pastor extended the church’s support for their family and talked to him about their food pantry. While they walked through the pantry and filled up several boxes with food, Dan began to cry out of appreciation. After that initial first meeting, Dan utilized the food pantry several more times before finding a better paying job. Now he and his family volunteer at the food pantry once a month to give back to other families who ended up in the same situation as him.”

Meals on Wheels - Grant to deliver healthy meals to older adults who are homebound due to disability or illness. (Grant awarded in 2023.)

Recipient of Meals on Wheels services:

“Without Meals on Wheels, I might not eat daily. The delivery people are great.”

Aims Community College - Grant to provide food to Arty’s Pantry for support of students attending Aims CC. (Grant completed in 2023.)

Aims Community College student:

“Getting food from Arty’s Pantry has taken the stress off my plate because it helps me contribute to my family’s needs. I have a family of eight, so any food helps out a ton!”

Healthy Habits

Grants awarded in 2023: $723,691 10 Grants | 9 Organizations

Healthy Habits grants promote health and wellness for all individuals in Weld County. Physical activity, social connectedness, nutrition and preventative care are foundational toward creating a healthy lifestyle.

The Healthy Habits grants awarded in 2023 were within four program areas:

Active Living: $578,200

Healthy Behaviors: $111,160

Outreach: $20,000

Nutritious Eating: $14,331

Active Living aims to increase participation in daily physical activity for youth and adults. Grants were used to purchase equipment and promote active living for all individuals. Grants also supported program costs for youth sports recreation as well as exercise-based cancer rehabilitation.

Healthy Behaviors help increase positive social connectedness. This grant helped support a program focused on youth healing from trauma through physical activity.

Outreach to promote active living, healthy behaviors and nutritious eating. This grant supported education on preventative care as well as purchased kits for colon cancer screenings.

Nutritious Eating to help increase education about nutrition as well as access to nutritious foods. These grants supported costs associated with providing nutritious meals for individuals undergoing treatment for a serious illness and their families. A grant also purchased healthy snacks for preschoolers.

• 300 individuals served

Healthy Habits

Impact

Grants that concluded in 2023:

• 4,000 educational materials about nutrition and/or physical activity distributed

• 275 individuals reported increased activity levels

• 300 individuals reported increased knowledge of resources for healthy physical activity and nutrition

• 225 individuals report increased social connectedness

University of Northern Colorado Cancer Rehabilitation InstituteGrant to provide support to exercise program for patients undergoing treatment for cancer. (Grant completed in 2023.)

UNC Cancer Rehab patient describes herself after going through the rehab program:

“I have more drive, I have more get up and go. More stamina. Going up and down my stairs, I would have to take one step at a time because my legs were so weak and now I can actually go up my stairs and I can actually carry groceries as well.”

YMCA of Northern Colorado - Grant to provide free 8-week swim lessons to preschoolers and school-aged children. (Grant completed in 2023.)

Administrator with YMCA of Northern Colorado:

“One of our 8-year-olds that took part in Safety Around Water had never taken part in a group activity or sport, let alone a formal swim lesson. Coming from a large family with many siblings she was not able to be enrolled in extracurricular activities or given the opportunity to learn how to swim. She came to her lessons excited, attentive, and ready to absorb as much as she could. She quickly excelled and her confidence grew. Her mom expressed that she would not have been able to participate without the scholarship funding.”

American Cancer Society - Grant to provide 75 colonoscopies to low-income and uninsured Weld County residents. (Grant awarded in 2023.)

According to statistics provided by American Cancer Society:

Colon cancer is the number one cause of cancer death for non-smokers. Only 27% of uninsured Coloradans are up to date on their colorectal cancer screenings. It is estimated it only takes 60 colonoscopies to save a life.

Housing Stability

Grants awarded in 2023: $846,694

10 Grants | 8 Organizations

Housing Stability grants support the most vulnerable populations across Weld County with emergency housing as well as preventing households experiencing housing instability from becoming homeless. These grants also aim to increase affordable housing throughout the county.

The Housing Stability grants awarded in 2023 were within four program areas:

Homelessness Prevention: $401,778 $165,936 Emergency Shelter:

Emergency Financial Assistance and Case Management: $251,480

A ordable Housing: $27,500

Homelessness Prevention helps increase the number of individuals and families who remain in their homes following assistance. The grants provided intensive service provision for people facing temporary crises to prevent them from becoming housing insecure.

Emergency Financial Assistance & Case Management aim to increase the number of support resources for people experiencing homelessness. The grants provided support services for individuals and families throughout the country.

Emergency Shelter to assist with increasing the number of emergency beds and units for people experiencing homelessness and victims in Weld County. The grants supported temporary housing for diverse populations including individuals, families, victims and their children as well as formerly incarcerated persons.

Affordable Housing to help increase the number of affordable housing units in Weld County. The grant provided resources to support older adults age safely in their homes.

• 4,075 individuals served

Housing Stability

Impact

Grants that concluded in 2023:

• 1,775 individuals connected to resources by grantees

• 550 emergency shelter beds provided

• 175 permanent supportive housing beds provided

• 525 individuals rehoused

• 400 households remain in their home after six months of assistance

United Way of Weld County - Grant to support the Housing Navigation Center to help those experiencing homelessness regain housing. (Grant completed in 2023.)

Housing Navigator with United Way of Weld County:

“Sadie and Erik (aliases) were evicted after Erik was injured and could not keep working. Although Sadie had a job, they could not afford the rent on her income alone and having a fresh eviction was a barrier to housing. After living in their car, they ended up at the Housing Navigation Center. Their Housing Navigator assisted them with arranging a payment plan with their previous landlord to remove the arrears. During this time, Erik was able to obtain a new job. Within a few weeks, Sadie and Erik were able to get their previous eviction arrears paid off and were approved for a new unit. They are now maintaining their new home through case management.”

Connections for Independent Living - Grant to provide Section 8 Housing Choice vouchers for rent deposit assistance. (Grant completed in 2023.)

Administrator at Connections for Independent Living:

“Our work in the Housing Deposit Assistance fund allowed Theresa (alias), an unhoused woman who was living in her car with her child to quickly attain housing after finding out she was pregnant with twins. Her case was escalated to us due to her life-threatening symptoms due in part to health complications related to her disability, her pregnancy and the high stress situation she was living in while residing in her vehicle. Theresa secured a 3-bedroom apartment for her, her child and her two unborn children with the direct help from the Housing Deposit Assistance program, funded in part by a generous grant from The Weld Trust.”

Greeley Family House - Grant to support their Emergency Shelter program which provides shelter and case management toward achieving housing stability. (Grant completed in 2023.)

Greeley Family House client:

“I didn’t like being homeless. I felt that people judged me and thought I was an irresponsible person. In my situation I left a relationship due to domestic violence. While at the shelter I kept thinking where I am now is only temporary, and I will get back on my feet. I thank Greeley Family House for helping me to find employment and showing me I could save money to move into an apartment. After being in the program for 1 year, I am ready to exit the program. I have a good job, I have savings, I have purchased a used car, and I can pay rent on my own.”

Workforce Development

Grants awarded in 2023: $1,525,503

21 Grants | 16 Organizations

Workforce Development grants support students of all ages with career pathways, work-based learning opportunities and career readiness. These grants also support adult reskilling and upskilling to thrive personally and economically in the Weld County.

The Workforce Development grants awarded in 2023 were within four program areas:

Student Work-Based Learning Opportunities: $789,822

Skills Development and Training Programs: $508,131

Industry and School District Partnerships:

Systems Development:

$162,100

$65,450

Student Work-Based Learning Opportunities support students with opportunities for job shadows, internships and apprenticeships. These grants helped with program costs related work-based training, internships, vocational training, technical skills and career pathways for middle and high school students throughout the county.

Skills Development and Training Programs promote vocational and technical opportunities for students of all ages. These grants supported programs associated with developing employment readiness skills and training credentials for specific, in-demand careers. The grants aided diverse populations including college students, high school students, at-risk youth, formerly incarcerated individuals, individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, first generation students and low-income single parents.

Industry and School District Partnerships support the reskill and upskill of Weld County’s workforce. The grants supported programs providing education and training for career opportunities to at-risk youth, migrants, and students living in rural communities.

Systems Development support online resources for all job-explorers and industry employers to access and utilize easily. These grants supported creating talent pipelines for in-demand occupations.

Workforce Development

Impact

Grants that concluded in 2023:

• 5,500 individuals served

• 3,050 K-12 students served

• 4,600 seats available in workforce programs

• 700 underskilled or underemployed individuals served

• 700 individuals received training to pursue work in a field of their choice

St. Vrain Valley School District RE-1J - Grant to support the school district’s Workforce Futures program in Weld County to connect students with work-based learning opportunities that align with their career aspirations. (Grant completed in 2023.)

Frederick High School student:

“Interning alongside the Frederick High School Athletic Trainer has given me the opportunity to explore the health sciences career and give me confidence working in a fast-paced environment. I have had the opportunity to learn the steps to diagnosing a sports injury and assist athletes with injury rehabilitation and prevention. I am so thankful for this experience. I know this will give me a leg up as I pursue my nursing career after graduation in May.”

Immigrant and Refugee Center of Northern Colorado - Grant to support upskilling programming including English language acquisition classes through high school equivalence/GED and post-secondary education preparation. (Grant completed in 2023.)

Administrator with Immigrant and Refugee Center of Northern Colorado:

“Ehsan was hired by a locally owned landscaping business that does stunning landscape projects for homes all over Northern Colorado. They reached out to the Immigrant and Refugee Center of Northern Colorado wanting to employ some of our awesome students. Ehsan was new to the United States since December 2021 and is from Sudan. He’s been actively participating in our English classes, motivated to learn soft skills to find work. His persistence paid off and he was hired by the landscaping company. He says that he, quote, ‘loves this new job and the people are nice.’ This is opening doors for him to learn new vocabulary and skills!”

Northern Colorado Veteran’s Resource Center - Grant to support the Peer Navigator program with resources to gain and maintain employment. (Grant completed in 2023.)

Northern Colorado Veteran’s Resource Center Navigator:

“A veteran’s call for assistance set in motion a chain of events that would help him on the road to a new career path. The veteran expressed his urgent need for assistance in obtaining the necessary veteran documentation for employment purposes. After a diligent search, we were able to help him locate the missing pieces of his documentation. With his documentation in order, we reached out to Weld County Employment Services based upon his interest in obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Together, we crafted a plan to help him navigate the process of gaining a CDL and connecting with potential job opportunities in the transportation industry.”

2023 Key Funding Initiative Grants

In 2023, there were 77 nonprofits, schools and government agencies awarded Key Funding Initiative grants. These organizations are located in Weld County or exclusively serve Weld County residents.

60+ Ride

A Little Help

A Woman’s Place

American Cancer Society

Adventure West Council, Inc.

Arc Thrift Stores

Balon USA

Blue Rising Community

Book Trust

Bright Futures Weld County

Careers in Construction Colorado

Catholic Charities

Centennial BOCES

City of Fort Lupton

Coal Creek Meals on Wheels

Colorado Succeeds

Community Grief Center

Community Outreach Center

Dayspring Christian Academy

Dementia Together

Eaton Public Library

Eaton School District RE-2

Employment Services of Weld County

Envision

Family of Christ Presbyterian Church

Finally Home

First Responder Trauma Services

Fort Lupton Food and Clothing Bank

Freedom Revived

Frontier Academy

FYR Mindset Reps

Genesis Project of Northern Colorado

Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra Association

Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity

Habitat For Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley

Hispanic Women of Weld County

Hope at Miracle House

Hope House Northern Colorado

I Have A Dream Foundation of Boulder County

Jobs of Hope

Johnny’s Ambassadors, Inc.

Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain

Larimer County Partners, Inc.

$216,303

Little Willows

Meals On Wheels Of Greeley, Inc.

Medicine Horse Program

North Range Behavioral Health

Northern Colorado Youth For Christ

Poudre Learning Center Foundation, Inc.

Project Angel Heart

Project Protect Food Systems Workers

Project Self-Sufficiency of Northern Colorado

Qualified Listeners Corp.

Regents of the University of Colorado

Respite Care, Inc.

Seva Community Inc.

Soccer Without Borders

St. John Paul II High School

St. Vrain Valley School District RE-1J

Stepping Stones of Windsor

Success FDN Serving Greeley-Evans Schools

The Avery Center

The Greeley Dream Team, Inc.

Top Notch Sports Academy and Mentorship

Triple T Haven

UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute

United Way of Weld County, Inc.

University of Northern Colorado FDN, Inc.

Weld County Family Child Care Association

Weld County School District RE-3J

Weld County School District RE-5J

Weld County School District RE-7

Weld Food Bank

Weld Legacy Foundation, Inc.

Weld Re-4 Educational Foundation

YMCA of Northern Colorado

Youth Leading Youth

Impact Across Weld County

Salida Del Sol Academy student in Coding and Robotics program.

Student at Greeley-Evans School District 6 Smart Lab.

Weld County School District RE-4 Students in Robotics & STEM Program.

UNC Cancer Rehab. Institute patients participating in exercise program.

Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity home under construction.

St. Vrain Valley Schools student in career and technical education program.

weldtrust.org