Montrose West Recreation was notified two weeks ago it will be receiving an $80,000 grant. Awarded by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the funds are part of the Outdoor Equity Grant program, made possible through the Colorado lottery system. The grants began in 2021, under HB 21-1318.
Of the total applicants for the 2025 Outdoor Equity Grants, only 54 moved to the final round of selection. In the end, more than $2 million was awarded to various state organizations to support outdoor youth programming, with 24 organizations chosen.
Naturita’s Brock Benson wrote the grant for Montrose West Recreation, as he is on the nonprofit’s board of directors. He’s also leading the bike program, encouraging youth to take advantage of local trails and teaching them the sport of mountain biking and also bike mechanic work.
He told the Forum grant applications could ask for up to $100,000, but he felt $80,000 was a safe number for his goal to purchase a second storage container for the outdoor recreation program and also a new Ford transit van for shuttling kids on adventures.
Benson said when he submitted the application, he was immediately encouraged by state officials.
“They said they were excited to see someone ask for something from the West End,” he said. “They know us and have seen us and wanted to donate. We are happy to get it.”
Benson said 60% of the funds will be given before the end of the year. After some grant reporting and demonstration of fiscal responsibility, the remainder will be given this spring.
Benson said it’s a huge benefit to the West End and the nonprofit organization.
“We will have this vehicle that will allow us to expand programming,” he said.
According to him, the newly purchased equipment will also help Montrose West Rec build equity in their nonprofit, as it seeks to grow and seek other grants or matching funds.
Regarding the shipping container, Benson is trying to find someone locally to help him get one on site. He’d rather not go through Denver, but use local support in getting the structure to Nucla. Anyone who could provide assistance in ordering or delivering should contact Benson or other board members at Montrose West Recreation.
Benson said the new shipping container will compliment the existing one, and it helps to grow the archery program, plus house additional materials. Both structures will stay at the school, as part of their ongoing partnership.
As far as the van goes, it will be factory ordered, and it will be an extra-large model with a tow package. Montrose West Rec will also be ordering 12 bike racks too for the van.
In addition to the biking adventures though, the van can be used for other transportation needs, Benson said. He said there’s talk of local experts adding in a climbing club as a youth program. Additionally, the group has taken other types of field trips for educational purposes.
Benson said no extra commercial licenses are needed for nonprofit board members or volunteers who will be driving the van.
