In nine communities across the state, The Colorado Health Foundation is working locally and making long-term commitments that are different from traditional grantmaking.

Why? Because when ideas are generated at a local level they are more likely to have staying power. They are also more likely to be reflective of the community’s needs and to be adopted and embraced by the community.

The Foundation recognizes that by partnering with communities over a longer period of time we can not only move the needle on specific health-related issues, but that we have an opportunity to build the capacity of local institutions, improve policies and systems, expand local leadership and stimulate broad civic engagement. Having a local focus will also enable us to cultivate networks that foster an enduring sense of community amongst all community members.

We are embarking on this effort in nine Colorado communities and a specific program officer has been assigned to each community. They are interested in meeting with community members to better understand their perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of the local context. You are encouraged to reach out to them – to grab a cup of coffee, ask them to join an upcoming meeting or to take a walking tour through your neighborhood.

Communities we’ve been working in locally since 2018:

• Alamosa County
  Contact: Monique Johnson
• Eagle County
  Contact: Chris Bui
• Morgan County
  Contact: Rose Green
• City of Pueblo with a specific focus on the neighborhoods of Bessemer, East Pueblo and Hyde Park
  Contact: Christopher Smith

Communities we began working in locally in 2020:

East Colfax Corridor (Northwest Aurora and Northeast Denver)
Contact: Rose Green

Crowley County
Contact: Christopher Smith

Montrose County
Contact: Chris Bui

Otero County
Contact: Christopher Smith

Rio Grande County
Contact: Monique Johnson

Do you live in one of these communities? Are you ready to transform your community with a KaBOOM! playground? Contact Sianna Simmon, community outreach coordinator, KaBOOM!

Read a series of blog posts by staff working locally in these communities to learn more about this body of work.

• A Kaleidoscope of Possibilities: Addressing Health from a Local Perspective, Jehan Benton-Clark
• A Junction of Poverty and Opportunity, Christopher Smith
• Walking into Communities with Open Eyes, Ears and Hearts, Chris Bui, Rose Green, Monique Johnson, Christopher Smith
• Recognizing What I Don’t Know, Monique Johnson
• Who We Stand With and How We Show Up, Jehan Benton-Clark

Ready to make a difference in your community?

Organizations like yours and individuals like you are the key to bringing health in reach for all Coloradans. We’re here to help you and your efforts succeed.