By Shannon Lukens.
The City of Steamboat Springs has allocated over $860,000 to local organizations representing Arts & Culture, Environmental, and Human Services. Forty-four nonprofit agencies are represented from throughout the Yampa Valley.
Press Release from the City of Steamboat Springs; Jan. 7, 2026.
City Allocates More Than $860,000 to Local Organizations
Coalitions Strengthen Human Services, Environment, and Arts & Culture Across Valley
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-January 7, 2026-As part of the approved 2026 budget, Steamboat Springs City Council will allocate over $860,000 to a wide range of local organizations whose work directly supports the well‑being, resilience, and vibrancy of the Yampa Valley. These funds ensure that essential services, cultural experiences, and environmental stewardship efforts continue to reach residents where every dollar truly counts.
“Each year, we see firsthand how deeply these organizations touch the lives of people across our valley,” said City Manager Tom Leeson. “This funding reflects our community’s shared commitment to strengthening the human services network, protecting our natural environment, and nurturing the arts and cultural experiences that make Steamboat Springs such a special place. The impact of these dollars is real, and it’s felt every day by the people who call this valley home.”
Over the past decade, the city has invested nearly $6.4 million in community support funding, reinforcing the essential role these organizations play in meeting local needs. In 2026, funding will support 44 agencies and organizations, with individual awards ranging from $2,254 to $87,343.
The city allocates annual funding to nonprofit organizations within three coalitions: Arts & Culture, Environmental, and Human Services. Applications are evaluated by coalition-specific committees with subject‑matter expertise. Recommendations are then forwarded to the Community Support Steering Committee and ultimately to City Council for approval. Funding is set at 1.46% of the city’s general fund expenditure budget, excluding debt service, capital outlay, and transfers.
Arts & Culture
Colorado New Play Festival, Opera Steamboat, Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp, Piknik Theatre, Seminars at Steamboat, Steamboat Art Museum, Steamboat Creates, Steamboat Dance Theater, Steamboat Symphony Orchestra, Strings Music Festival, Undiscovered Earth and Yampa Valley Choral Society
Environmental
Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, Community Agriculture Alliance, Friends of the Yampa, Routt County Wildfire Mitigation Council, Western Resiliency Center, and Yampatika
Human Services
Better Tomorrow, Book Trails, Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Colorado, Comunidad Integrada/Integrated Community, Family Development Center, First Impressions of Routt County, Health Solutions West, LiftUp of Routt County, Northwest Colorado Center for Independence, Northwest Colorado Community Health Partnership, Northwest Colorado Health, Northwest Rocky Mountain CASA, Partners for Youth, REPS-Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, Routt County Council on Aging, STARS, Steamboat Montessori, Steamboat Reading, Steamboat Springs School District RE-2, The Cycle Effect, The Veterans Center, True North, United Way of the Yampa Valley, Wildhorse Ranch, and Yampa Valley Autism Program