The board of directors at the West End Pay It Forward Trust (WEPIFT) are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the trust’s annual grant cycle. Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 are available in 2026 to support projects and initiatives that strengthen and uplift the West End communities of Nucla, Naturita, Bedrock and Paradox.
The West End Pay it Forward Trust is committed to investing in local efforts that improve quality of life, foster community connection and create lasting positive impact throughout the West End region. First established in 2013, the trust began grant making in 2018, when it awarded the Colt Daycare Center, then in Naturita. The trust has continued to grant make since then.
Last year, the West End Pay It Forward Trust donated $22,500, $6,000 of which was provided by Citizens State Bank of Ouray, with recipients including the Basin Clinic, Montrose West Recreation, Nucla-Naturita Senior Center and West End Family Link. For the 2026 grant cycle, $28,000 will be available to award.
Eligible applicants for the annual grant cycle include the following: nonprofit organizations, local taxing entities and community groups operating under a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor or umbrella organization.
Funding is intended for projects, programs and activities that directly benefit residents and contribute to the vitality and well-being of West End communities.
"Our goal is to support the people and organizations working every day to make our communities stronger," said Sara Bachman, president of the trust’s board of directors. "We prioritize grant awards to initiatives that demonstrate impact, collaboration and long-term benefit.”
Applications are open now and will be accepted through Monday, Nov. 2. Interested organizations and groups may obtain the application materials and additional information by visiting the trust’s website: westendpayitforward.org/our-roles.
The board’s goal, according to its website, is to grow the local endowment to $500,000 by 2030. The board aims to grow monthly donations to $1,000, in order to do so. Already, the trust has raised $200,000.
With questions about the annual grants program, those interested may contact Carmen Shipley by email at carmen@westendpayitforward.org or by phone at 970-216-2596. Additionally, they may reach Bachman by email at sara@westendpayitforward.org or by phone at 970-865-2440.
Partners that have helped contribute to the West End Pay it Forward’s Trust endowment, and which have ensured the funds are managed properly and will continue to be handled so, include the Telluride Foundation, Citizens State Bank, Tri-State Generation and Transmission and also the West End Advisory Committee.
The grant award recipients will be announced likely before the end of the year; however, Bachman said that’s not always the case. Sometimes the announcement celebration happens after the new year too. Bachman was not sure as of press time when the decisions would be finalized or communicated.
Also on the West End Pay it Forward Trust’s Board of Directors are Jane Thompson, Barb Olander, Erin Jones, Doylene Garvey and Troy Masters.
