Ten La Plata County nonprofits that focus on the arts each received $4,700 in grant money to help them stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic – all through a series of virtual garden parties.
In the past, the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado held a summer event series at the Rochester Hotel’s Secret Garden to raise money for nonprofits. This year, the parties continued via radio broadcasting and online video streaming. During a three-event series, locals donated $47,300 to support struggling arts nonprofits.
“Many people recognize the value that thriving arts organizations add to the day-to-day beauty we find in the world,” said Briggen Wrinkle, the foundation’s executive director, in a news release. “As usual, our neighbors really stepped up to support one another.”
Nonprofit organizations have been heavily impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Public health guidelines restricting gatherings limit traditional fundraising opportunities and programming.
More than a third of regional nonprofits had to lay off, furlough or reduce pay to staff members between March and June, according to a survey focused on Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan counties. The 92 respondents estimated they would lose $8 million total in revenue this year.
In response, the Community Foundation and partners offered more than $500,000 in grants to regional nonprofits through the Community Emergency Relief Fund.
The Community Foundation also adapted its Secret Garden events into the Reimagined Community Concert series. The COVID-19-adapted fundraisers featured local musicians through radio shows on KDUR, KSUT and The Point, and highlighted the work of nonprofit grantees. People tuned into the virtual parties through social media.
“This year has been anything but typical. In keeping with the tradition of our popular concerts, we wanted to create a safe opportunity to positively impact both local nonprofits and musicians,” Wrinkle said.
The series provided about $4,700 grants to 10 La Plata County nonprofits. On average, past community concerts raised enough to offer $1,600 grants to nonprofits.
“We came very close to our $50,000 goal, thanks to the generosity of our community,” Wrinkle said.
Grantees include:
Be Frank FoundationDancing SpiritDurango Arts CenterDurango Independent Film FestivalDurango PlayfestKDURKSUTMusic in the MountainsPine River ArtsStillwater Music
smullane@durangoherald.com
Be Frank FoundationDancing SpiritDurango Arts CenterDurango Independent Film FestivalDurango PlayfestKDURKSUTMusic in the MountainsPine River ArtsStillwater Music
