Fort Collins Nonprofits and Charities

I have been a donor to Young Heroes since 2013, and have visited the country several times, and have seen first hand the critical need for support for the orphans, and the high level of support that the Young Heroes staff provides, in many ways: life support grants, education support, teen coaching, vocational training, microfinancing and coaching for women to start small businesses, and much more. The young boy that I sponsored, who had lost his whole family to AIDS, finished school with Young Heroes' support, and now has a stable job and family, and we still stay in touch.

I have been a donor to Meals on Wheels for Fort Collins for the past 5 years. I have been continuously impressed with the service they provide, their leadership and the knowledge that my donations are being used as intended. Once retired in 6 months I plan to volunteer, and I look forward to that contribution as well.

Thank you for providing access to books and learning to the people of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; and for the Mobile Project extending these services to nearby rural communities. You are indeed “Repairing the World!”

On June 20th 2023, my dog Mia Spot was outside playing as normal when she took off into the high grass. I figured she was going to turn and burn or potty and come right on back when I heard her start screaming. I hollered for my brother and started towards her when he shot off a round toward the back property and Mia came running back with a large laceration to her right ear and some punctures on her neck and head. Her ear was half detached. We saw a large animal run off into the field and I have yet to figure out if it was a mountain lion or a coyote that snatched her. I rushed her to Fort Collins emergency vet yelling for help when I got inside and they took her from me and got her in the back immediately. I had no idea how to pay the bill at the time as I didn’t get paid until a few days later. The staff was very helpful on how to get approved for the ladybug fund and did their best to help me while I was in hysteria. The ladybug fund helped Mia get treatment that day. She was given light sedation and 5 sutures, they also covered her pain meds and antibiotics (which I have no doubt was pricey). Mia Spot has since made a full recovery and I could not be more thankful for the help they provided that day. She has full hearing back in her ear and little scarring on the back. We will continue to make donations as often as possible to help any other furbaby in need, and we are eternally grateful.

The best transformational study abroad world program on a ship for 100 days for college students, gap year students, faculty, staff & life long learners! Come join us & give!

One of the people at FC Public Media mentored me for years and we still have a great connection. I became a volunteer for two years and gained valuable experience and skills that helped me start a career in media production. FC Public Media has been generously serving the community for many, many years. The organization and people there have done so much for me to suit my needs since I first walked in the door over eight years ago: workshops and classes, professional production services and on-site studio, project coaching, community outreach, full recording and live streaming services, and use of facilities and equipment. FC Public Media has been trusted to film and document some of the longest-running traditions in the Fort Collins area, plus creating some of their own, from music festivals, cultural events, community events and celebrations, to talk-shows, film festivals, and much more. This organization is more than a multimedia production studio, it is a champion of arts, culture, and community.

Crossroads Safehouse meets a critical need in Northern Colorado by assisting victims of domestic violence. Crossroads not only provides crisis services, but assists victims to re-build healthy and stable lives. As a board member, I am incredibly proud of how well this organization is run and the committed staff members who bring their tireless energy, unique talents and courage to helping our clients day in and day out.

I have been associate with Trees, Water, People in one way or another for the last 6 years. Initially, I got to know TWP through a trip to Guatemala. They accompanied a group from my church to the community of La Bendicion. We were looking for an opportunity to form a "sister city" in Central America. TWP organized a trip so that we could connect with the community of La Bendicion as well as experience a bit of Guatemala in general. The trip itself was very well organized and consequently both informative and fun. Lucas Wolf, who led our trip, was very prepared and professional while also being patient, flexible, and approachable. He was well established with the community and helped us have in incredibly rich and memorable experience.<br><br>Aside from that, I have volunteered here in a variety of ways. Currently, I am filling in as an office manager until a more permanent person can be found. Everyone here at the office has been extremely welcoming and helpful. It has been a pleasure to be here.<br><br>Trees, Water, People is making a huge and positive difference in our world!<br><br>Cindy Sargent

The GoAbroad Foundation is backed by passionate, caring, and kind people who are truly making a difference in the world!

I worked with Trailblazer for a week in October 2017. A week just wasn’t long enough! The vision of the team to make a difference was fantastic and working on the creation of the water filters identified the power of bottom up development. The highlight of the week was going into the more remote areas and installing the filters. Being during rainy season, it was clear that it wasn’t a lack of water that was the issue, the impact and extent of flooding was evident. However,what Trailblazer do is to change the lives of people by providing these essential filters. As a teacher back in the U.K. I have talked with my students about the work of Trailblazer and its importance to development. I really hope to return to the project, but for much longer next time.

We adopted two black DSHs from FCCRSNC. We had lost 2 of our cats and were down to one, who was very sad and wouldn't eat. I'm glad we took the two as they were sole litter mates and, as far as I can tell, twins. The foster mother was really encouraging us to take both, even though we only had planned to get one. I'm glad I did because they play together, while my old boy sleeps.<br><br>FCCRSNC puts you through a rigorous process to make sure that you are an appropriate companion. The cats are up-to-date on their shoots, wormed appropriately and micro-chipped. They make you guarantee that they will not be de-clawed (yeah!) The staff is very friendly and helpful.<br><br>I have worked at other shelters, but I will only adopt from now on from FCCRSNC.

What's within you is stronger than what's in your way. That's their motto and their mindset. Awesome programs.

My giving story began this summer when I started interning for a unique nonprofit organization called A Helping Hand. A Helping Hand takes a creative approach to caring for senior citizens and sends caregivers into their homes. This approach works much better than the nursing home system put in place today because it allows elderly people to maintain their much deserved independence and freedom. Before starting my internship, I was a bit intimidated to knock on a stranger's door and enter into their personal space and life, but I'm so glad I took a step forward and walked through my clients' doors!<br /><br />The first client that I met and befriended was Ms. K. Ms. K. has an infectious spirit and personality and it's impossible to be in a bad mood around her. Ms. K. has a rare neurological disorder called Central Pontine Myelinolysis (CPM) that damages the pons of the brain. Because of this, Ms. K has mobility issues and must use a walker to get around. Her hands also get shaky so she has trouble doing basic tasks such as writing or preparing food. Ms. K. is one of the lucky ones with CPM because she is able to live on her own; however, she doesn't have any family close by so she depends on her volunteers to get out of the house and run errands.<br /><br />Ms. K and I often run by the grocery store or grab a slice of pizza at our favorite restaurant, but one errand in particular will always stick with me. One of the first times we were together she asked if we could run by Staples to look at the office chairs. I took her by staples and we spent an hour looking at all of the chairs and testing out their comfort level. We found a couple of chairs that she liked, but did not purchase anything that week. The next week, she asked if we could go back to Staples. I didn't think anything of it, but agreed and we spent another hour testing out her favorites and finding out as much as we could about the chairs. Ms. K finally picked out a 'tiny little chair that was just her size' and had her heart set on. She wasn't going to buy it because she didn't think it could fit into my car, but I told her I thought it would. Her eyes lit up and we purchased the chair, and sure enough it fit in my car!<br /><br />We got home and I carried the chair up to her sunroom where she spends most of her time. Shortly after, she asked if I would fold up her wheelchair and put it away in the corner. This was one of the most meaningful and memorable moments of my internship, because at that second I realized why she was so excited about her new office chair. It wasn't just a chair to use while she sat at her typewriter, rather a new means of mobility and transportation. She had been investing in an office chair for a while so that she could have something more comfortable and supportive to sit in and roll around in her home. That moment really put things into perspective for me and taught me never to take the small things in life, such as walking, for granted.<br /> <br />This was the first of many great experiences that I had with A Helping Hand. I give back so that Ms. K and people like her have the freedom and experiences they deserve. http://ahelpinghandnc.org<br />

I found this raptor organization over 25 years ago. I fell in love with seeing the birds at the festivals they attend. Without such amazing opportunities to see birds up close and in person, few people would have a true understanding of the majesty of these birds. The education provided allows all of us to learn about the challenges each of these species face in our challenging world.

Pup is great they will give you a voucher for 50 bucks off of a spay or neuter which is good at most VET clinics (call your prefered VET to see if the honor them). This way you can have the procedure done at he VET of your choice. If your budget gets lean give Pup a call and see if they have your brand of pet food. They will help if they can.

Village Earth has dedicated leadership and a great staff and volunteers. Their clients are more than just their mission; they are also friends and global community members. Village Earth has an important mission and I've always admired how they operate according to their ideals.

I recently volunteered for this non-profit organization and helped them set up for their annual fair in Fort Collins, Colorado. They were extremely positive, efficiently organized and handled situations with vendors, volunteers and attendees with truly sustainable values. I was impressed by the long-term staff who have dedicated their lives to advancing the education and awareness of sustainable living options in a world that is going greener by the day.

I can not even begin to express my disappointment in I Camp Timberline. My daughter has been attending for 5 years! She had a sleeping bag which was in her control until she relinquished the bag to her counselors to transport it to the pick up area. When we arrived at the pick up, it could not be found. The counselors were adamant her bag was attached to her duffel bag. I have spent 3 weeks trying to follow up and see if it could be located. I had to initiate each and every update I received.The camp owner Dana Dorough, emails me today and tells me in 4 paragraphs how the camp losing the sleeping bag is entirely my fault! That it is completely unreasonable for me believe that my daughter (14 yrs old)would return home with everything I send her with. Because they have 2,000 children, over the course of the summer, their counselors are not held responsible for items they lose. This is Christian camp. What I learned, Christian values and business ethics don't always align especially if it's a highly sought out Marmot sleeping bag. I have never felt so belittled as a customer and for a brief moment lost complete touch with my faith. I'm in total disbelief at the email I just received.

My first experience with Respite Care was walking through their doors on my first day as an intern. From the first day I felt like family. Years later I've now moved away and am wishing desperately for something like Respite Care in my new home in California. There's nothing like it anywhere else!! <br> <br>The volunteers and community support are what make Respite the thriving, loving, engaging, accepting community it has become. I worked as a childcare staff after my internship and was constantly wowed by the number of regular volunteers, the Girl Scout groups, local sports teams, fraternities, CSU athletes, etc that would show up to hang out with the kids. I had the privilege of spending time with and learning from incredible kids as a way to support their families. I know their parents and siblings were grateful for the time, and we had a blast runnig around the house creating adventures and building friendships. Looking back, my time at Respite Care was too short, but I'm so happy to call myself part of the Respite family. <br> <br>(Side note: I'm now a speech therapist, all because of the kids at Respite Care) <br> <br>Thank you, Respite, for providing strong, consistent support for families in Fort Collins!

Director is all about the money, and not about the children in any capacity. Ask to see financial and she what people get paid and why baseball fees are going up every year, because its sure is not going to the kids. I would recommend using any other Baseball opportunity you can in Northern Colorado, other than Fort Collins Baseball Club and Pat Wunsch. Bad example for any youth, please stay away from her.

This group is totally amazing. They brought me food and flowers and held my hand during my chemo .. they help all woman in the northern colorado area

Ensight Skills Center has received accreditation from the National Accreditation Council for Blind and Low Vision Services (NAC). NAC is the only accrediting body that solely focuses on standards and best practices for blind and low vision services with the consumer in mind. Ensight Skills Center has demonstrated that it meets or exceeds the standards set by NAC for delivery of blind and low vision services. The determination for accreditation is a rigorous process that involves self-examination by the organization, an on-site peer review to verify processes and procedures by a team of professionals serving in the field and a review of the findings by the NAC Accreditation Committee. NAC congratulates Ensight Skills Center on its accredited status.

Provides wonderful opportunities for students of all ages and abilities to perform onstage. Gives incentive for arts education and does outreach programs with local elementary schools. Participates in community events and reinvests funds to performances and scholarships.

As a fellow professional serving youth in this community in my work at Partners Mentoring Youth, I so appreciate the passion and dedication that the Matthews House staff and volunteers offer. They provide impactful service to so many young people and I'm honored to partner with them in the common goal of supporting the youth in our community.

In his memory, Nicholas' parents, close family and friends created the live BIG Fund. The main purpose of the live BIG Fund is to support outdoor learning and growth opportunities for youths and young adults in our greater community in a way that inspired Nicholas. Since Nicholas loved camping and wanted to be a Boy Scout just like his big brother Chris, the Fund's first project is to refurbish the Rock House at Camp Tahosa, a Boy Scout camp outside of Boulder. After restoration, the Rock House will be renamed "Pickle's Eyrie" in memory of Nicholas, and serve as a welcome center to enhance the experience for future campers. Pickle's Eyrie will be the place other aspiring Eagle Scouts begin their outdoor adventures in the Colorado Wilderness just like Nicholas dreamed for himself. Proceeds from the run/walk will support the Rock House renovation.