FoCo Cafe Raises $113,850 in Campaign to Prevent Closure, Securing Operations Through 2026
FoCo Cafe has surpassed its $100,000 fundraising goal by raising $113,850 through a 12-week campaign that mobilized more than 400 donors to prevent the closure of Fort Collins' pay-what-you-can restaurant.
The campaign, which ended October 29, represents the most successful fundraising effort in the nonprofit's 11-year history, according to Executive Director Dexter Beasley. The funds will secure operations through 2025 and into 2026, addressing a financial crisis that emerged earlier this year when grant and foundation funding dropped nearly 70 percent compared to 2024.
"Fort Collins, you are absolutely incredible," Beasley wrote in announcing the campaign results. "You saved FoCo Cafe."
Community Responds to Financial Emergency
The funding breakdown demonstrates broad community support across multiple channels. Online donations through Colorado Gives and FoCo Cafe's website contributed $42,500, while offline donations through checks, cash and mail added $40,950.
Foundations, businesses, churches and community organizations provided $11,900 in organizational support. Individual donors contributed $8,500 through pay-it-forward purchases during lunch service.
Ent Credit Union provided a $10,000 matching grant that doubled 124 individual donations, capping matches at $250 per gift. The matching program helped drive momentum during critical phases of the campaign.
Organizational partners included Eyeopeners Kiwanis Club, Maxline Brewery, FirstBank, Lions Foundation, Heart of the Rockies Church, Edge Optics, Center for Spiritual Living NOCO, Rotary Club of Fort Collins Foothills and others.
Restaurant Operates on Volunteer-Driven Model
FoCo Cafe, which stands for Feeding Our Community Ourselves, opened in November 2014 with a mission to provide nutritious meals regardless of ability to pay while using locally sourced, organic and sustainably grown ingredients. The restaurant allows guests to pay any amount they choose, volunteer in exchange for meals, or pay additional amounts forward to cover others.
The organization currently serves nearly 1,000 meals per month through its meal exchange program, representing a tenfold increase from earlier years. The cafe also maintains a free community refrigerator for fresh foods, a kindness cupboard for non-perishables, and other resources.
The financial crisis developed when grant funding declined sharply in 2025, creating a $77,000 gap in the operating budget. The drop in paid meal revenue resulted from eliminating minimum donation requirements to serve more food-insecure individuals, while operational costs increased due to higher meal output.
Funds Allocated for Core Operations
The $113,850 will support payroll for core staff, daily food purchasing emphasizing locally sourced ingredients, utilities, building expenses and volunteer support. Monthly operating expenses typically range from $9,500 to $12,000, according to FoCo Cafe's fundraising appeals.
No expansion projects, debt repayment or capital improvements are planned. The funding addresses immediate operational stability and provides a financial buffer against future grant funding fluctuations.
"We went from the brink of closure to having secured operations through the end of 2025 and into 2026," Beasley said. "This is what 'Feeding Our Community Ourselves' looks like."
The nonprofit relies heavily on community volunteers for daily operations alongside a small paid staff. The pay-what-you-can model creates an inclusive environment where individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds can access healthy food without stigma.
Information about supporting FoCo Cafe is available at fococafe.org.