Council increases first-quarter community grant pool to fund seven local nonprofits

Castle Rock Town Council voted unanimously to increase the first-quarter council community grant allocation and award $1,000 to each of seven applicants, for a total distribution of $7,000. Council member Brooks moved the allocation increase; Council member Dietz seconded and the motion passed by roll call vote.

Pete Manger, the town staff member presenting the program, outlined the grant program—s purpose and the quarterly allocation process. He said the council had previously set an annual budget of $16,000 for quarterly grants (roughly $4,000 per quarter), and seven applicants asked for $1,000 each this quarter. After public presentations by representatives of the applicants, councilors agreed to increase the quarter—s allocation to $7,000 so each applicant could receive $1,000.

Speakers representing the applicants described how they would use the funds: a community meal program to cover food costs for weekly meals and launch "thankful Thursdays"; Castle Rock Pirates Rugby Club to buy jerseys and equipment for a growing youth program; Castle Rock Chorale to support weekly music activities and performance costs; Best Buddies Colorado to support leadership training and inclusion programs in local schools; Paul's Mystery Ship to End ALS to support families and scholarships; Castle Rock Community Band to offset practice space and sheet music costs; and Aging Resources of Douglas County to fund a pilot scheduled shuttle for older adults to access essential services.

Council members referenced prior budget conversations and staff said funding was available. The motion to allocate $1,000 to each of the seven applicants passed unanimously by roll call.