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.
Donations to CERF are designated for emergency use and distribution of funds is determined by an advisory committee of local stakeholders.
The Community Foundation has activated the Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) in response to the COVID-19 protective measures that are now in place in Southwest Colorado. These measures, such as closures, cancelations, self-quarantines and social distancing, are 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 now being accepted to deploy funds to community-based organizations directly responding to the most vulnerable members of our community. These resources will be disbursed as needed and as available.
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.
The Community Foundation manages more than $6 million in investments for philanthropists in our community, ensuring donors can be impactful in the communities they call home.
