CERF: Community Emergency Relief Fund in Response to COVID-19

CERF (Community Emergency Relief Fund) is designated for broad-based community emergencies in Southwest Colorado. Established in 2008 in response to the Season's Restaurant fire, CERF has been activated for the Gold King Mine spill in 2015, the Adobe Building fire in Pagosa Springs in 2016, and the 416 Fire in 2018.

The Community Foundation activated the Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) in response to the COVID-19 protective measures put in place in Southwest Colorado. These measures, such as closures, cancelations, self-quarantines and social distancing, were necessary to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission, and particularly to preserve and protect the capacity of our local healthcare facilities.

Donations are being accepted to deploy funds to community-based organizations directly responding to the needs of vulnerable members of our community and other organizations that are suffering economic consequences from this pandemic. These resources will be disbursed as needed and as available.

Since March 2020, CERF has infused more than $1.2 million into Southwest Colorado nonprofits serving our communities, including rapid-response grants, stabilization grants, food security purchases, and youth-supportive grants. Most recently CERF provided $300,000 in recovery funding, shared with 91 organizations across Southwest Colorado in late 2021.

Community stakeholders, including representatives from public health, local governments, school districts, businesses and nonprofits, will prioritize available funds to meet immediate needs in our region, including public health needs and economic impacts.

Community Emergency Relief Fund - Donate Now

Thank you for your generosity in supporting one another during this challenging time!

If you prefer to donate by check: make checks payable to the Community Foundation, with CERF in the memo line, and mail to P.O. Box 1673, Durango, CO 81302.