We rally resources within our community to improve the quality of life for all Westminster citizens. Through philanthropy, integrity, leadership and collaboration, we identify and connect community resources to ensure that every Westminster citizen has the potential to thrive.
"Partners are essential as we try to break the cycle of child abuse and secure safe, permanent. nurturing homes for children in the social service system. We simply could not fulfill our mission effectively without your support."
Leah V., CASA, Jefferson and Gilpin Counties
"Again and again, our families express their gratitude for being able to access the programming found at Children's Outreach Project."
Stephanie B., Children's Outreach Project
"Your Foundation has done an impressive job of supporting the depth and breadth of nonprofit work in our comunity!" Hap P. Butterfly Pavilion
"Your support strenthens our ability to serve this older population. Thank You. With your help...Together - We Do Make a Difference." Renee D., The Senior Hub
"Today, record numbers of families are seeking help, and your support will help us respond. This year we've seen an almost 400% increase in families requesting assistance from our core programs." Teve S., Growing Home
"In 2009, Ralston House provided services for 685 children, an 11 percent increase over 2008. This year we are poised to serve more than 800 children and their families. Your funding support is important to help us continue to provide services to more and more children. It will make a difference in the lives of families." Don M., Ralston House
To advance philanthropy and good works in Westminster inspiring positive change.
In order to achieve this mission, our directives are:
Impactful Philanthropy: Our approach to giving goes beyond charity; it is about making a tangible difference. We leverage resources strategically to ensure that every donation leads to effective and sustainable change.
Community Collaboration: We believe in the power of collaboration. By working closely with organizations, businesses, nonprofits, local leadership officials and individuals, we amplify our impact and create a stronger, more connected community.
Inclusive Giving: Whether you are a philanthropist, a corporate partner or an individual donor, your contribution – no matter the size – plays a crucial role in our collective efforts to create a more equitable and prosperous community.
In the heart of our city, the Westminster Community Foundation was born from a shared vision of value, prosperity and community building. We are a vibrant organization that brings together key stakeholders, community leaders, and residents who believe in the strength of unity and the power of collaboration. Through key initiatives, we unlock the potential of individuals and organizations, fostering a sense of belonging in our community, while at the same time Inspiring Positive Change.
2001
Nancy Heil's vision. In the late 1990's, then-Westminster Mayor Nancy Heil had a vision. With charitable assistance in Westminster often divided according to county lines, Heil saw the value in creating an organization that could provide charitable support to the entire City of Westminster. Mayor Heil and a dedicated group of volunteers formed the Westminster Community Foundation in 2001 to support programs and projects that strengthen and enhance the Westminster community and our residents.
2008
Armed Forces Tribute Garden. The Westminster Community Foundation worked with the community to contribute $178,000 to the City of Westminster for the Armed Forces Tribute Garden, dedicated to those who serve our country in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. The Tribute Garden is an enduring place of respect that pays tribute to the commitment and patriotism of members of the armed forces, past, present, and future. Engraved bricks honor those who have served in the past or who currently serve.
2013
Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park. The Westminster Community Foundation worked with the community to create $130,000 for the construction of Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park, created to honor 10-year-old Westminster resident Jessica Ridgeway, who was tragically kidnapped and killed while walking to school. The purple park reflects Jessica's love of purple and the community's love of Jessica.
2017
Until 2017, the work of the foundation was carried out by dedicated, hard-working volunteers. Ready to make a more meaningful impact in the community, the foundation's board members decided in 2016 that it was time to hire a staff person to move the foundation's goals forward. The foundation board had conversations with the city to forge an agreement to jointly fund the desired position. The city council and the foundation's board of directors executed an intergovernmental agreement in October 2016 which spelled out the cost-sharing approach and provided office space for the new full-time person. The foundation hired its first full-time staff person in 2017.
2018
Upon recognizing the importance of connecting kids to nature, the Westminster Community Foundation decided to take on another outdoor recreation project that provides opportunities for play and connecting to nature for all residents, especially our youth.. The one-of-a-kind playground was constructed in Historic Westminster adjacent to the then recently-opened Westminster Light Rail Station connecting our city to Denver’s Union Station. WCF contributed $200,000 to this project. The Nature Playground is an innovative, nationally-recognized and accessible playground for children of all ages. The Nature Playground at Westminster Station Park opened in 2021.
2020
As we all sheltered in place beginning in March 2020 because of the COVID pandemic, nonprofits faced new and unprecedented challenges and opportunities. It had a major impact on resources and caused an increase in demand for services and support. The Westminster Community Foundation, like many others, was forced to pivot their model in order to provide assistance to the expanding needs of the Westminster Community. Over the course of the pandemic and with the help of 207 donors, the Westminster Community Foundation was able to provide $75,000 in COVID-19 relief aid.
Providing funds to 11 nonprofits and 12 local businesses
Delivering 1,216 grocery bags of food to Westminster students
Donating 40,000 pounds of food to community pantries
Providing 194 nights of temporary shelter for the unhoused
Assisting the City of Westminster in permanently providing shelter for 6 people
2021
In 2021, the Westminster Community Foundation worked with donors and sponsors to bring a mobile shower and laundry truck to Westminster’s Irving Street Library for our unhoused neighbors. A mobile trailer was outfitted with a series of four fully functioning shower bays and stocked with the necessary hygiene supplies for unhoused community members to enjoy a free, warm and refreshing shower. This mobile service served over 100 individuals each month during its tenure at the library.
The Mobile Laundry Service, run by Bayaud Enterprises, was also stationed at the Irving Street Library in the southern part of Westminster. Residents either experiencing homelessness or hailing from financially-fragile households were able to utilize this service. Participants were able to have two (2) ten-pound bags of clothes and bedding laundered and folded for them. The truck equipped with six (6) washers and six (6) dryers was able to accommodate thirty (30) loads of laundry every three (3) hours. Hundreds of Westminster residents were able to utilize the Mobile Laundry Service
Present
2024 issued in a new era for us; our name, mission, and vision changed. We are now the Westminster Community Foundation envisioning a thriving Westminster community for all. The Foundation reinstated our Community Grants Program that provided funding to local organizations serving the Westminster community. In 2024, WCF secured a two-year renewable grant over $700K to house youth experiencing homelessness, as well as funding to support transportation needs for Westminster residents including older adults, working caregivers, students, and unhoused individuals. We have also collaborated with other community partners such as the Westminster Elks who are working with us to provide much needed services such as free laundry days for low income households and people experiencing homelessness.
Organization name
Westminster Community Foundation
other names
WCF
2000
Tax id (EIN)
84-1576476
Category
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
4800 W. 92nd AvenueAdams County, CO, US