Fort Collins Nonprofit FoCo Cafe Seeks 43 More Monthly Donors by December 9
FoCo Cafe, a pay-what-you-can restaurant in Fort Collins, needs 43 additional monthly donors by December 9 to reach its goal of 50 new sustaining members, the organization announced November 18.
The nonprofit restaurant at 225 Maple Street currently serves more than 1,500 meals each month to community members regardless of their ability to pay. Seven new sustaining members joined in November, bringing the organization closer to its fundraising target.
Monthly donations provide predictable funding for the restaurant's operations, particularly important as grant funding remains uncertain. According to the organization, meals cost approximately $4 each, meaning even modest monthly contributions can feed multiple people.
"Monthly giving shows grant funders we have strong community backing," the organization stated in its announcement. "It ensures we can focus on serving our community, not constantly fundraising."
The campaign coincides with Colorado Gives Foundation's matching program, which runs through December 9. New recurring donors will have their first month matched up to $100 by the foundation, according to the Colorado Gives Foundation. The statewide matching fund pool totals $250,000 for all participating nonprofits combined.
Founded by Kathleen and Jeff Baumgardner, FoCo Cafe opened on Thanksgiving Day 2014 with a mission to build community while providing nutritious meals using local, organic, and sustainably grown ingredients. The restaurant operates Monday through Saturday for lunch service.
The pay-what-you-can model allows guests to contribute what they can afford, volunteer their time, or "pay it forward" for others. The organization serves residents experiencing food insecurity, families in financial crisis, students, and anyone seeking healthy meals and community engagement.
Executive Director Dexter Beasley currently leads daily operations with support from staff and volunteers. The restaurant partners with local farmers and producers to source fresh ingredients.
The campaign comes as Fort Collins area organizations have mobilized to address food insecurity following recent federal nutrition assistance disruptions. Several local nonprofits are participating in the Colorado Gives matching campaign.
More than 100 community members currently provide monthly support to FoCo Cafe. A $10 monthly donation covers two to three meals, while $100 monthly provides 25 meals.
Community members interested in becoming sustaining members can visit the organization's profile on ColoradoGives.org.