UCHealth Awards $270,000 to Northern Colorado Nonprofits Addressing Food Security and Mental Health
UCHealth distributed $270,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations across Larimer and Weld counties November 13, funding programs that address food insecurity, mental health crises, homelessness and healthcare access barriers.
The Northern Colorado allocation represents part of a $775,000 statewide grant initiative supporting 76 Colorado nonprofits. Awards ranged from $1,000 to $30,000 per organization, targeting community-driven programs that address root causes of poor health outcomes.
"These grants are more than funding, they're investments in stability, opportunity and long-term wellness for individuals and families across our state," said Christina Hixson, UCHealth's senior director of partnerships and community benefits.
The funding comes as Northern Colorado faces persistent challenges with food insecurity and mental health. Larimer County reported 53 suicide deaths in 2022, the highest recent annual count, with rates climbing from 18.6 per 100,000 residents in 2018 to 22.3 in 2022, according to state public health data. Weld County documented 52 suicide deaths in 2022.
Food Banks Receive Support Amid Ongoing Need
The Food Bank for Larimer County received funding to launch a senior nutrition pilot program. The organization, founded in 1984, serves more than 45,000 residents annually with an operational budget of approximately $12 million.
The grant follows heightened demand during November's federal SNAP benefit suspension, which affected approximately 34,000 Larimer County residents and 20,000 to 25,000 Weld County residents.
Weld Food Bank secured funding to support its Emergency Food Package program. The organization, operating since 1982 with a $15 million annual budget, serves more than 60,000 residents annually across Weld County and surrounding rural areas.
Food insecurity affects approximately 9.5 percent of Larimer County residents and 11 percent of Weld County residents, with rates reaching 14 to 16 percent among children in low-income households, according to county health assessments and Feeding America data.
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Services Expanded
The Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County received funding to expand outreach targeting high-risk and underserved populations. The organization, founded in 1989 with an annual budget of approximately $700,000, operates evidence-based prevention programs in schools and provides suicide bereavement support.
The Family Center/La Familia secured grants to provide onsite vision, hearing and oral health screenings. The organization serves primarily low-income and Hispanic/Latino families in Northern Larimer County, focusing on children from birth to age five.
Low-income, Hispanic/Latino and rural populations in both counties experience higher rates of unaddressed dental, vision and hearing needs due to lack of insurance coverage, affordability barriers and provider shortages, according to county community health needs assessments.
Homelessness and Recovery Programs Supported
Fort Collins Rescue Mission received funding for Harvest Farm, a long-term residential recovery program. The organization serves approximately 5,000 unduplicated individuals annually, primarily in Larimer County.
Larimer County's January 2024 Point-in-Time count documented 522 individuals experiencing homelessness, up from 420 in 2021. Weld County reported 328 homeless individuals in 2024, compared to 220 in 2020.
Statewide Distribution Pattern
Metro Denver and Boulder County nonprofits received $287,000 in grants, while organizations in southern Colorado counties received $218,000. Recipients in that region included Food to Power, which partners with Colorado Springs supermarkets to distribute surplus food through no-cost grocery locations, and Mt. Carmel Veteran Service Center, which prevents veteran homelessness through case management and employment assistance.
The grants support UCHealth's community benefit strategy, which targets social determinants of health identified through federally required community health needs assessments conducted every three years. The assessments prioritize behavioral health access, chronic disease prevention, food security and affordable healthcare access.
UCHealth provided $1.3 billion in community benefits during 2024, including $568 million in uncompensated care. The health system operates 14 acute-care hospitals and more than 200 outpatient locations statewide.
In Larimer County, UCHealth operates Poudre Valley Hospital, Medical Center of the Rockies and Mountain Crest Behavioral Health Center. The system runs Greeley Hospital in Weld County, a 53-bed facility opened in 2019.
Colorado law requires nonprofit hospitals to report detailed annual community benefit spending and align investments with local needs identified through community health assessments. The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing publishes annual public reports tracking hospital community benefit expenditures.
A complete list of grant recipients is available on the UCHealth website.