Grant funds to benefit youth, senior and education needs in Commerce City

COMMERCE CITY – More than 25 Commerce City non-profits, businesses and community programs will benefit from Quality Community Foundation (QCF) grants in 2010. City Council earmarked $100,000 of its 2010 budget specifically for QCF grants.

“There are so many worthwhile organizations helping those in need in Commerce City,” says Mayor Paul Natale. “The city fully supports those organizations and is more than happy to provide funds through the Quality Community Foundation and help foster the overall growth and well-being of our community.”


The Quality Community Foundation – a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization – obtains funding from the City of Commerce City, proceeds from the city’s annual Memorial Day Golf Tournament, and a portion of proceeds from the Mile High Music Festival. QCF funding is then distributed among Commerce City
non-profit organizations.

"The Quality Community Foundation was privileged to receive funding from Commerce City in 2010,” said QCF president Debbie Mithcell. “With the funding, we are able to provide $100,000 to a number of non-profit organizations that work directly with our community and help meet the basic needs of our citizens. Food banks, education, housing, youth and senior services will all benefit this year.”

A total of $95,500 was awarded among applicants and $4,500 remains in the QCF grant account for emergency funds.

Grant applicants were required to submit applications detailing the need for financial assistance and how the money would benefit their organization or program, and how it would benefit the Commerce City community as a whole. Grantees must also provide program results throughout the year.

Grants were divided into two categories: small grants for applicants that requested $5,000 or less, and large grants for applicants that requested between $5,001 and $20,000. Awarded grant amounts varied depending on supply and demand.

Small grant recipients:
• Our Lady Mother of the Church – food bank
• FISH – food bank
• Junior Achievement – supplies, training and program evaluation for the JA Inspiration Project
• Access Housing – emergency shelter and homeless prevention
• Almost Home Emergency Housing – eviction prevention and rental assistance
• Community Reach Center – mental health services for indigent residents
• The Lord’s Pantry – food bank
• CASA – volunteer training
• Food Bank of the Rockies – food bank

• Audio Information Network – services for blind, visually impaired residents Quality Community for a Lifetime
• The Senior Hub – respite care and in-home services
• The Senior Hub – Meals on Wheels
• The Senior Hub – Retired and Senior Voluntary Program

Total small grant funds awarded: $29,500

Large grant recipients:
• Community Health Services – community and school-based health care for children
• Bridges of Silence – after-school academic program/summer reading camp
• Brothers Redevelopment – neighborhood caretakers program
• Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) – youth program
• Alternatives to Family Violence – services to battered women and children
• Commerce City Boys and Girls Club – general operating
• Catholic Charities – emergency assistance
• Adams County School District 14 – truancy reduction program
• Little Giants Learning Center – tuition assistance for low-income families
• Metro North Children’s Advocacy Center – services for abused youth
• Stout Street Foundation – general operating expenses
• Rebuilding Together Metro Denver – home repairs for low-income homeowners
• Community Enterprise – general operating expenses
• Commerce City Youth Athletics – equipment and general operating
• Commerce City Historic Society – equipment and general operating

Total large grant funds awarded: $66,000

The Quality Community Foundation board is comprised of 10 Commerce City residents, all of whom are appointed by City Council.