By Terri House
Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs
The Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs is now accepting applications for community grants, providing local nonprofits and public entities an opportunity to support projects that strengthen and serve the Archuleta County community.
These grants, typically ranging from $100 to $5,000, are made possible through Rotary’s local fundraising efforts and are intended to support clearly defined projects that create lasting community impact. Rotary’s focus is on funding initiatives that are ready to be implemented and that align with Rotary’s mission of Service Above Self.
Photo courtesy Shellie Peterson
Rotarians Cindi Galabota, David Smith and Warren Brown accepted checks totaling $15,000 on behalf of three organizations they wholeheartedly support: the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library, Aspen House, and Wings Early Childhood Center in August of 2025. Each organization received $5,000 as part of Rotary’s three-year commitment, totaling $45,000 in support.
In recent years, the Rotary Club has updated its grantmaking process to better reflect its growing community impact. The streamlined process emphasizes transparency, stewardship of funds, and efficient use of time for both applicants and Rotary members.
“We want to make it easier for organizations doing important work in our community to apply,” said Jenelle Syverson, club president. “Our goal is to improve how we give, ensuring Rotary funds are put to work quickly and responsibly for the benefit of our community.”
Grant decisions are based primarily on a written application. Applicants are asked to describe the purpose of the grant, anticipated community impact, how funds will be used within 12 months, and how the project aligns with Rotary’s values and Areas of Focus. Finalists may be invited for brief presentations, though most decisions are made through the written application process.
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or qualifying public entities that serve Archuleta County.
Through its grants and service projects, Rotary continues its long-standing commitment to investing in the health, education, vitality, and future of the Pagosa Springs community.