2020 Fires Relief Fund Announced In Boulder County

BOULDER, CO — Community Foundation Boulder County announced a new fund Tuesday that will benefit those impacted by the Cal-Wood and Lefthand Canyon fires.

As of Tuesday, the Cal-Wood Fire had grown to 9,365 acres at 17 percent containment, and the Lefthand Canyon Fire had grown to 470 acres at 4 percent containment, fire officials said. At least 26 buildings were lost in the Cal-Wood Fire.

The 2020 Fires Relief Fund has already raised $75,000 — $50,000 of which came from an anonymous donor, organizers said. Mile High United Way donated $10,000 and Community Foundation Boulder County committed $15,000 to help seed the fund.

“This year has been relentlessly challenging. It is critical we coordinate our efforts to support our neighbors through this added crisis in Boulder County," said Tatiana Hernandez, CEO of Community Foundation Boulder County.

"Partnering with the county and others, we hope will help ease the burden on individuals, families, and organizations.”

How to make tax-deductable donations to the new fund:

• You can make a donation online here
• Mail checks made out to “Community Foundation Boulder County” with “2020 Fires Relief Fund” in the memo to Community Foundation Boulder County, 1123 Spruce Street, Boulder, CO, 80302.
• To make gifts of stock or inquire about other options, please contact Lynda Ricketson, Vice President of Philanthropic Services, at 720-667-3557

Grants from the fund will be made to nonprofit organizations and municipal and county entities to support "immediate relief needs and longer-term recovery needs for individuals and organizations," organizers said. Boulder County staff will work with residents to identify needs and deploy financial help.

Don't miss the latest news in Boulder: Free Newsletters and Email Alerts | Facebook | Twitter

“We are extremely fortunate to have such a caring community come together, especially in times of disaster," said Matt Jones, Boulder County Commissioner.

"We’re pleased to partner with the Community Foundation to provide this emergency relief opportunity for anyone who can to lend a hand to our neighbors in need. We know how generous our Boulder County community can be and we cannot thank our residents enough for all you do.”

The 2020 Fires Fund will make grants directly to nonprofit organizations that are affected by the fires or are providing additional services to the community because of the fires, fund organizers said. An advisory committee to Community Foundation Boulder County will advise decision making.

If funds raised exceed needs, the excess will be placed in Community Foundation Boulder County’s COVID-19 Response Fund.

>> Information about how to volunteer, or donate goods and services can be found here.