Community Partnership Grant Program
Mountain Recreation recognizes the value of recreational programs, services, and facilities to instill strong and positive character in young boys and girls, ensure a lifetime of health and happiness for all ages, and reduce social isolation by creating connections across the community. Recreational activities can help a person learn important life lessons, such as how to work hard, persevere, be a team player, set goals, follow rules, and stay healthy for a lifetime.
Toward this end, Mountain Recreation finds the work of many not-for-profit organizations serving the community aligned with the mission and service plan of the District. Mountain Recreation offers qualified organizations three opportunities for assistance through its Community Partnership Programs.
As Colorado Special Districts are local government, taxpayer funds supporting Mountain Recreation were approved by voters for the specific purpose outlined in Mountain Recreation’s service plan. The donation of Mountain Recreation’s funding is limited to the approved Service Plan purpose and, therefore, grant awards may only be for programs or purposes related to recreation in Western Eagle County.
Important Information
- Program Goals
The Mountain Recreation Metropolitan District believes that everyone deserves to be healthy and happy. The District’s Community Partnership Program is designed to:
- Enrich the lives of Eagle County residents so that everyone has an opportunity to be healthy and happy through recreational opportunities;
- Grow the breadth of reach and access to recreational programs and services in Eagle County;
- Keep recreational programs and services diverse and affordable; and
- Create partnerships that enhance recreational opportunities.
- General Info
Mountain Recreation will allocate significant funding in the FY25 budget to support successful applicants with in-kind support in the form of facility use or staff support for programs and services that expand or enhance the mission of Mountain Recreation. Applicants should consider how the proposed program or service aligns with the Strategic Plan adopted by the Board of Directors of Mountain Rec (see website). Alignment with the District’s mission, vision, and strategic plan will strengthen the application and should be emphasized in the program/project narrative. In-Kind funding is available only to programs/events/services that are not conducted in partnership established with Mountain Recreation.
In-kind resources available through the grant process may include:
- Use of Mountain Rec’s owned/operated facilities
- Staff assistance (hourly basis)
- Registration/reservation services
- Child care/Camp spaces
Applications will open on July 15, 2024!
- Eligibility
In order to qualify for the Community Partnership program, organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria. Applicant organizations must:
- Offer programs or services that are recreational in nature or conduct improvement projects that expand or enhance recreation opportunities in the District;
- Serve Eagle County, as evidenced by (1) at least 80% of program participation coming from Eagle County or (2) propose projects directly benefitting and accessible to Mountain Recreation District residents;
- Offer programs or projects that are available to everyone equally, with open participation or involvement that is not restricted by diversity factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, ability, skill, or financial ability to pay; and
- Be registered in good standing as a Colorado nonprofit organization with the Colorado Secretary of State and have 501c3 status.
- How to Apply
Applications will be accepted once per year from July 15-August 15 and be submitted to the Mountain Rec Board of Directors at their public September Board Meeting (third Wednesday of the month). Organizations wishing to apply must complete an application form found below.
Applications are due by 5pm August 15, 2024.
Awardees will be required to present to the Mountain Rec board of directors at one of their board meetings, detailing the results of the program/project within one year of grant award. A presentation is required in order to be eligible to apply for Community Partnership Grant awards in successive years.
For more information about the Community Partnership Program, please contact Anna Englehart, Superintendent of Recreation Programs.
- 2023 Awards
Buddy Werner League | $2,350
A once-a-week ski conditioning class for a maximum of 20 people to be held in the fall of 2024. This class will be open to the public once BWL coaches have had a two-week window in which to register.
Early Childhood Partners | $1,087
Eight (8) family day passes at the Gypsum Rec Center; One (1) gymnastics party for 15 at the Gypsum Rec Center; One (1) pool party at the Gypsum Rec Center; Eight (8) family day passes at the Edwards Field House; and One (1) gymnastics party at the Edwards Field House.
Family Learning Center | $2,075
Two Tumble Tots Field Trips for a maximum of 16 children; One Gypsum Creek Pool Party with a maximum of 80 people; and One Eagle Ice Rink family engagement activity for 120 people which includes skate rentals.
Gypsum Elementary School | $315
Three gymnastics sessions at the Gypsum Rec Center for three groups of second and/or third graders.
Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley | $3,000
Rec Kids Camp Spots for six kids for ten days throughout summer 2024.
Mountain Youth | $4,847
One ice-skating event for up to 150 people including skate rentals; The Edwards Field House for Tu Guía; One Zumba class at the Gypsum Rec Center for Aprendiendo Juntos and Move Chat Connect parents; One Edwards Field House full facility rental with the climbing tower for Valley’s Voice; and The Gypsum Rec Center full facility after-hours rental for Valley’s Voice.
The Cycle Effect | $1,635
Edwards Field House in-kind use for two practices a week from January 23-April 26, 2024; and A celebration/recruitment event at the Gypsum Creek Pool.
Three Rivers Little League | $455
In-kind staff fees for the three assessments held in the Edwards Field House in 2024.
Vail Ski & Snowboard Academy | $500
Discount for 2024 Wilderness trips.
Vail Valley Lacrosse Club | $595
One hour/week of staff time in the Edwards Field House on Sundays for 17 weeks in 2024.
Vail Valley Soccer Club | $500
Discount for Vail Cup field rental in October 2024.
Vail Valley Unbound | $2,125
Use of the sport court at Edwards Field House to be used for PE classes 2-3 times a week between January and April 2024 and Edwards Freedom Park April-June.
World Academy | $210
Three two-hour Edwards Field House rentals including anti-gravity center, sport court, and community room for twenty students and three staff members to be held during the school day. - The Legal Stuff
Legal Disclaimer
In accordance with Mountain Recreation’s authority to adopt rules and regulations not in conflict with the constitution and laws of Colorado for carrying on the business, objects, and affairs of the board and Mountain Recreation, and its authority to exercise all rights and powers necessary or incidental to or implied from the specific powers granted to Mountain Rec by law (C.R.S. §32-1-1001(m)(n)), the Board of Directors or its designated agent(s) may approve of the payment of certain stipends to organizations for the provision of a service or facility to Mountain Recreation and/or its residents, where such service or facility is of the type that Mountain Recreation would or could otherwise provide and the provision thereof by the receiving organization defrays or eliminates the need for the District to do so, thus allowing Mountain Recreation to spend its resources on other items.