EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND
Aspen Community Foundation’s Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF) was originally created as the Charitable Relief Fund in the mid 1980’s with a $1,000 gift from William A. Parker, Jr. to help those in need. Rather than continuing to individually handle each request as was the initial procedure, the Community Foundation now grants organizations that have frequently accessed the Fund and they, in turn, distribute funds to those in need. Organizations are required to follow EAF guidelines and eligibility and reporting criteria. At the end of the year, selected organizations provide the Community Foundation with a detailed report on the distribution of funds.EARLY CHILDHOOD FUND
The Early Childhood Fund addresses the needs of children ages 0-2. Studies consistently illustrate that stimulating cognitive and language development in the formative years prepares children not only for kindergarten but for overall socio-emotional and intellectual success in their future.SENIORS FUND
The Seniors Fund was established in June 2007 by Linda and Jay Sandrich to address quality of life issues affecting seniors from Aspen to Parachute, Colorado. Areas of grantmaking interest include health and wellness, basic needs, living environment of choice, and quality of life issues.SLM SPECIAL NEEDS FUND
Susan and Larry Marx established the SLM Special Needs Fund in April 2006 to provide funds for special and urgent needs to nonprofits from Aspen to Parachute. The Fund enables the Community Foundation to provide a quick response to opportunities unforeseen by a nonprofit, or to address urgent needs that challenge an organization’s services or operations.
The Community Foundation has named the SLM Special Needs Fund in honor of Susan and Larry Marx, a former Board Chair of Aspen Community Foundation, for their founding contribution of $75,000. Arny Porath, a current Board member and advisor to the fund along with Larry Marx, commented that he is, “particularly pleased that Larry has asked that I become involved. Analyzing the grant requests will be critical to the process. The Special Needs Fund is a great opportunity for the Community Foundation to become even more involved and important in the Valley.”EBF CULTURAL DIVERSITY FUND
In 2005 Aspen Community Foundation established the EBF (Ellen Beth Freedman) Cultural Diversity Fund in honor of Ellen Freedman, former Aspen Community Foundation executive director. Ellen’s dedication to the Community Foundation and her passion for philanthropy, most evident through her spearheading of the Latino Community Investment Initiative in 2000, inspired the Fund. Included within the Foundation’s annual grant cycle, the EBF Fund will award grants to organizations that embrace ethnic and cultural diversity. The Fund is an endowed fund with an Advisory Group comprised of Ellen Freedman, an appointee of Ellen’s, and staff members.