Telluride Foundation Coronavirus Response Plan
Given the current situation regarding the coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) and its impact on public health, the Telluride Foundation is implementing the following measures, with the health and well-being of our staff, donors, grantees, community, and other partners in mind.
As a community foundation, focusing on a 3 ½ county region, we want to do everything possible to decrease the spread of this virus and support our regional communities to the greatest extent possible. Our policies and decision-making are based on recommendations and guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Telluride Foundation Office and Operations
Effective Monday, March 16 until at least April 13, our Telluride office, and Telluride Works shared office space, will be closed. Staff will be working remotely. The Foundation staff will be working as diligently as ever, and our programs and initiatives will be continuing full force! Meetings will be conducted via telephone and teleconference. We will not be hosting events or workshops at least through April 13.
During this time of uncertainty regarding the economy, events, and closures, we want to be available to our donors, grantees, regional nonprofits, and community members and organizations. Staff is available and happy to schedule time to discuss any concerns or uncertainties you may have.
Emergency Funding
The Telluride Foundation will have emergency grant funding available for human service and health nonprofits facing unprecedented, unexpected situations due to the coronavirus. We anticipate that healthcare facilities and programs, food banks and programs, homeless shelters, and youth programs may experience increased requests for services and a need for more financial resources. If you think you may qualify for an emergency grant, please contact april@telluridefoundation.org.
During this time, we are aware that many resident families and individuals may have short-term emergency financial needs due to illness, health care costs, lack of work, or having to care for children or family members. The Foundation has operated the “Good Neighbor Fund (GNF),” for 15 years; GNF is a one-time emergency hardship funding program available for the workforce in San Miguel, Ouray, and west Montrose counties. We anticipate that there could be a ramp up in demand due to the coronavirus and the corresponding economic impacts, and we will try to meet this demand. For more information about the Good Neighbor Fund, contact april@telluridefoundation.org.
We will provide regular updates as the situation evolves. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any concerns or questions.
