Across Colorado and the nation, communities are competing to access unprecedented funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and other federal and state programs. It has been well documented that rural communities are at a disadvantage in accessing these funds due to complex requirements and lack of capacity to assess, plan, design, write and manage federal and state grant applications and awards.
Join us for a briefing on Colorado’s additional support to rural communities, smaller nonprofits and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) led organizations, that historically miss out on funding. This includes assistance from grant navigators and grant writers, technical assistance summits, coaching and funds, local community funding guide for federal and state programs, matching funds, and more.
Speakers will share what they are learning about the needs and opportunities to increase funding to rural communities and small nonprofits in Colorado and philanthropy’s role in supporting these efforts. How are we meeting the moment? What else is needed now and into the future? How can philanthropy engage in these efforts and be part of the solution?
Featured speakers:
- Wendy Hawthorne, Director of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Strategic Coordination, Office of the Governor
- Alyssa K. Dinberg, Recovery Officer for Local Government Strategic Coordination, Office of the Governor
- Katy Pepinsky, Director of GrantCorps, Community Resource Center
- Kodi Johnson, Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant Program, Department of Local Affairs with Regional Access Partner, Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley (find the RAP for your area)