Since its creation in 2006, Trinidad Community Foundation (TCF) has been a resource for enhancing and developing the quality of life in Las Animas County. Over the years, TCF has contributed close to $300,000 to organizations and projects in Las Animas County. “Prior to the foundation forming, TCF conducted a survey to determine the community’s view of what the local area needed most,” said retired Marine Lou Simpleman, President of the Trinidad Community Foundation. Citizens identified five pillars, health and wellness, education, historical preservation, recreation, and communications, where TCF could complement the efforts of others who were working hard to improve the quality of life in the area. Health and wellness and education were at the top of the list.
The Trinidad Community Foundation’s “culture of giving” sees its role as complementing the work of organizations in these areas by providing grants and supporting projects that they initiate.
Who supports TCF?
TCF is a Community Foundation and, as such, funded primarily by the citizens it supports. Fund-raising strategies include memberships, and these members recruit long-term financing from a ‘Managed Giving Strategy,’ according to Colonel Simpleman. “The foundation builds permanent and non-permanent funds through gifts contributed by many donors. TCF fund types include Donor Advised Funds, Donor Restricted Funds, Field of Interest Funds, General Community and Special Project Funds,” mentions Simpleman during a recent interview. “We’re here to proclaim and celebrate our history, while we prosper our future!” exclaims Simpleman.
Who has received TCF funds?
Health and Wellness: Samaritan Clinic, Advocates Against Domestic Violence, Sangre de Cristo Hospice. Mt. San Rafael Hospital, Cancer Alliance, Mt. Carmel H & W Community Center, Pueblo Child Advocacy Center, South Co Developmental Disability Service, LAC Prevention Partners, Trinidad Autism Awareness Group, and LAC Health Service District.
Education: Trinidad/Raton Home School Program, Red Rocks 4-H Club, SO Co Family Center, TSD #1: TLAC Chamber of Commerce Jr. Achievement, Trinidad Middle School M.E.S.A., and Computer projector/camera, Holy Trinity Academy Math calculators, Carnegie Public Library- Young Adults Media Room, Hoehne School-Library Media, FFA, Cheerleading Team, Trinidad Cheer, Holy Trinity School, TSJC College for Kids and Robotics Club, Upward Bound Boy Scout Troup 269, Girl Scout Troup 30344, Trinidad’s Friday Nite Live Youth Group, Branson School Forensics, FNB Back to School Drive, Hope Pregnancy, LAC 4-H Shooting Sports, Noah’s Ark Animal Welfare, Organized Youth for Empowerment, ReGroup Recycling Program.
Historic Preservation: Culebra Range Foundation for Water Festival, Trinidadio Blues Festival, Trinidad Lake State Park-Carpios Ridge ADA trail, Earth Mountain Education Farm – TAC Documentation of HT Church Restoration, United Methodist Church, Trinidad History Museum, A.R. Mitchell Museum, Louden-Henritze Archeology Museum, Purgatoire River Anglers & Trout Unlimited. Terra Firma Recycling, Southern Colorado coal Miners Memorial, Colorado Homesteading in Purgatoire River Region.
Communication: Segundo Senior Center, Harry Sayre Sr. Center, Seniors, Inc- Homecare Trinidad, Fisher’s Peak Soup Kitchen, Aguilar Food Pantry, Trinidad Police Canine Unit, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, SF Trail Historic Byways, Colorado PTAC, Hometown Holidays, Special Olympics, Hope Pregnancy, Purgatoire Watershed Partnership
Why Giving Is So Important
The Trinidad Community Foundation allows people to join forces with others on projects of mutual interest and to give back to Trinidad and Las Animas County, for now and for the future. The various ways to contribute provide flexibility. The size of the contribution does not matter as much as becoming a member of TCF to make our community better. Donors may join with annual contributions or establishing a fund at TCF can create a legacy. Named permanent funds give back to the community forever, making a gift even more meaningful. Funds can memorialize a loved one; honor an inspiring teacher, coach, or pastor. TCF funds can also be established to support specific causes or organizations that are meaningful to the donor.
TCF invites you to join us as we build…for now
By providing grants in the areas of education, health and wellness, recreation, historic preservation, and communication
By establishing gift and special project funds
By facilitating collaborations between non-profits, civic organizations, government, business and community groups
And as we build for the future…
By establishing permanent funds that give back to the community forever
By creating opportunities for donors to establish a personal, business, group, or family legacy
By nurturing and enhancing our community’s strengths and assets
For additional information contact:
The Trinidad Community Foundation
136 W. Main St., Room 204
Trinidad, CO 81082
Phone (719) 846-5940
Administration/Office Hours
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Closed Holidays
From Page 55 of our Summer 2018 Issue
