Our Challenge
A Shared Resource. A Shared Responsibility.
Like rivers across the West, the Cache La Poudre faces increasing pressure—from growth, changing climate conditions, competing demands, and aging infrastructure.These challenges are complex.And no single organization, sector, or solution can address them alone. What the river needs is thoughtful care, long-term vision, and a community willing to work together.Development Timeline
We Are Here!
Phase I: Raising for the River!
(we are here)
The Poudre River Fund is currently in fundraising mode as we build up the fund balance for future investment capabilities. This is where you come in. We need contributions of all sizes to help us solidify the founding momentum for the Fund. Individual donors, municipal partners, Foundation contributions, and business sponsorships are all an important part of this equation.
For the future of water security and health riverscapes that flow through our community, we must all be River Stewards.
Phase II: Investments with Community Values
Once the Fund reaches its maturity point, an annual RFP will be released to solicit for projects that align with the Fund’s goals. The Steering Committee will initiate a grantmaking process, tracking impact and progress against metrics established by the board of community partners. This phase of the Fund’s maturity is expected to be reached after 2028. More information on the grantmaking opportunities will be announced as we get closer to the Fund maturity timeline.
Steering Committee
Our Steering committee is a collection of great minds from diverse sectors of our Northern Colorado community, helping to build a more resilient and strategic plan for the Poudre River.
Alex Castino – Great Outdoors Colorado
Bill Emslie – NCWCD Municipal Subdistrict
Carmen Farmer – Colorado Open Lands
Cary Weiner – Larimer County Extension
Daylan Figgs – Larimer County Natural Resources
Emily Hunt – City of Thornton
Eric Westlind – Water Storage & Supply Company
Esther Vincent – Northern Water
Gretchen Reuning – Larimer Conservation District
Hally Strevey – Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed
Hannah Casey – Bohemian Foundation
Poudre River Fund Interim Steering Committee:
(in alphabetical order)
Jennifer Gooden – Biophilia Foundation
Jill Oropeza – City of Fort Collins
Julia Fedder – City of Fort Collins
Kate Ryan – Colorado Water Trust
Kelen Dowdy – City of Greeley
Kyle Johnson – Rocky Mountain Adventures
Meghan Oleson – New Belgium Brewing
Nizhoni Valdez – First Peoples Community Center
Randy Gustofson – City of Greeley
Shayna Jones – National Forest Foundation
Wade Willis – Town of Windsor