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Elevating local community members to lead and excel.
The Elevar Program
Reimagining the systems of leadership and decision-making to be inclusive, innovative, and equitable for all.
Elevar is an emergent leadership development program and social impact fund that provides community investments through grantmaking and program-related investments to emerging Latinx leaders and people of color. Through existing programs and partnerships with local nonprofit organizations, EVCF’s Elevar fund will create the connection point between existing education and leadership training programs, to the resources needed for emerging leaders to make their dreams a reality, while building economic power, and creating a more empowered and socially just community.
Our vision is to collectively build a community that embraces diversity, honors inclusivity, and actively works to change the systems that prevent communities of color from having a voice and leadership roles across all aspects of society. We will listen, learn and collaborate to activate community power, create space for community voice, and give the communities we serve an opportunity to create and implement ideas with, by and for communities of color throughout Eagle County.
Why Elevar?
Less than 30% of businesses in Eagle County are women owned and only 8% of all businesses are owned by a person of color, and even less for women of color. Even fewer people of color hold leadership roles in businesses, on nonprofit boards, and at decision-making tables within our community. EVCF has identified this gap and a need to create more equitable opportunities for people of color to grow as nonprofit leaders and successful business owners.
Supporting Entrepreneurs
Elevar will provide a grant to entrepreneurs in Eagle County to accelerate their businesses to the next level. Entrepreneurs will receive training and support, mentorship, and become a part of a prestigious community of Vail Valley entrepreneurs!
Our goals are to support the community with knowledge, training, and resources to launch a new business – or to take an existing company to the “next level.”
- We will select 5-7 entrepreneurs to receive our first grant.
- Grant size will be up to $5,000, given once. You are eligible to reapply in future years.
- Please note that this grant is only available to Latinx, Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC).
- Applications Open: October 16, 2023
- Applications Close: November 15, 2023
- Semifinalists selected: December 20, 2023
- Semifinalist Interview: Week of January 8, 2024
- Decision on Finalists: By the end of the month- January 2024
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When will the application go live?
- Applications will go live on October 16th by 5 pm and it will remain live until the 30th of November.
- Is this for me?
- We are looking for early stage entrepreneurs from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community. “Early stage” means that you are in your initial stages of operation, growth, and product or service development. You may still be refining your concept, conducting market research, and/or building your minimum viable product (MVP).
- Do I need to have revenue already?
- This is not a requirement to receive the grant.
- Early-stage startups usually have limited or no revenue, as you are focused on building a product, gaining initial customers, and establishing your place in the marketplace. If you do have revenue or other types of traction already in place, be sure to tell us in the application!
- How developed should my idea or business be?
- You should have a clear vision of what you are solving and a roadmap of how you will get there. Show us your skills and areas of expertise, and why you are the “right person” to be running this company.
- We encourage you to use our application as much as a thought exercise for you to consider new angles of business development as it is for you to show us your expertise in this area.
- This is not the right time for me. Can I apply next year?
- Elevar operates from a 3-year grant that we hope and expect to renew.
- We expect that this opportunity will be available for years to come!
- What is the time commitment?
- We will meet twice monthly for educational sessions ran by members of the community, and expect to have additional opportunities throughout the months such as company visits, fireside chats, and more.
- Will you take equity in my company?
- No!
- What is expected of me in return?
- We seek entrepreneurs who want to make a positive impact in our community! Our primary ask is that you give your best efforts to make your company a reality during and after the development period.
- We also ask that you serve as a mentor for future entrepreneurs once your company is off the ground in order to give back to ELEVAR and EVCF. Pay it forward!
- All selected grantees will be required to go through a background check prior to program participation.
- Can I be involved as a mentor or donor?
- Yes! Consider applying to join the Steering Committee (info below.)
- If you are interested in mentoring, please email Erin at erin@eaglevalleycf.org
- If you are interested in donating, please reach out to Grace Anshutz, Director of Development & Marketing at grace@eaglevalleycf.org
Professional development and capital investments through grantmaking.
There are two key components that make up the Elevar program:
Members of the Elevar Steering Committee are identified by local nonprofit organizations and community leaders who have identified leadership potential among people of color or low-income members of our community who have had a lack of access to resources to advance their leadership journey.
- The Elevar Steering Committee members will benefit from community-based peer support through small, tight-knit cohorts, community leader mentorship and other leadership development training in order to give them direct experience on a board and in philanthropic grantmaking.
- The Elevar Steering Committee is comprised of 9-15 members who are responsible for creating an application process, identifying potential grantees, reviewing proposals, and ultimately recommend funding of 5-7 grantees (to be approved by the EVCF board). Elevar Steering Committee members are paid a stipend for participation to create more equitable opportunity to participate in the committee.
Elevar’s Advisory Board brings together diverse representatives of all stakeholders affected by our grantmaking to make funding decisions, the collective expertise, and experiences of the group leads to more effective and equitable grantmaking decisions and increased impact. Thank you to these individuals who have been selected to lead Elevar as Advisory Board members.
- Arturo Zuniga
- Luz Rios
- Simone Lybarger
- Aileen Pagán-Rohwer
- Michelle Collins
- Inés María Amuchástegui
- Marcel Asprilla
- Cecilia Galardo
- Luz Parra
- Cindy Ramos
- Sofia Fecchino
- Deisy Vazquez
Apply to join the Elevar Steering Committee
2023 Elevar Staff Leads
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< 30%
Less than 30% of businesses in Eagle County are women owned and only 8% of all businesses are owned by a person of color, and even less for women of color. Even fewer people of color hold leadership roles in businesses, on nonprofit boards, and at decision-making tables within our community.
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Only 30%
of junior managers say they have access to mentorship programs or on-the-job training.
Our Partners
Thank you to our partners who are committed to supporting entrepreneurs building sustainable and impactful businesses in the Eagle Valley community.
🌟 Join Our Team at Eagle Valley Community Foundation! 🌟
We are excited to announce an opportunity for an experienced and passionate Annual Giving Manager to join our team!
As the Annual Giving Manager, you will play a crucial role in developing and implementing strategies to engage and cultivate our donors. You`ll be responsible for:
📈 Building and maintaining a donor pipeline
🤝 Nurturing and stewarding donor relationships
💡 Developing grassroots and annual giving strategies
🎉 Supporting special events and donor cultivation activities
📣 Collaborating with the Marketing and Communications team
🗃️ Managing donor records and ensuring database accuracy
✨ What We’re Looking For:
💻 Knowledge of computer systems and databases (Bloomerang experience preferred)
📬 Proven track record in individual gift fundraising and direct mail campaigns
📝 Excellent written and verbal communication skills
🗂️ Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks
❤️ Ability to build relationships and connect with donors
🧑💻 Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheets
For a full job decription visit this link: https://eaglevalleycf.org/we-are-hiring-an-annual-giving-manager/
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Grace Anshutz at grace@eaglevalleycf.org by August 13th, 2024. Please include "Annual Giving Manager" in the subject line of your email.
🎼 Your generosity at the Bravo Vail Music Festival echoes the soaring melodies of Gershwin`s Rhapsody in Blue. Together, through your donations to the Eagle Valley Community Foundation`s The Community Market, we`ve struck a harmonious chord that resonates far beyond the stage.
🎹 Thank you for tuning into the needs of our community and playing your part in creating a symphony of support. 💚💙💜
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🎼 Su generosidad en el Festival de Música Bravo Vail se hace eco de las melodías altísimas de la Rapsodia en Azul de Gershwin. Juntos, a través de sus donaciones a The Community Market de Eagle Valley Community Foundation, hemos conseguido un acorde armonioso que resuena mucho más allá del escenario.
🎹 Gracias por sintonizar con las necesidades de nuestra comunidad y desempeñar su papel en la creación de una sinfonía de apoyo. 💚💙💜
🌻 ELEVAR = Elevating local community members to lead and excel!
Elevar entrepreneurs continue to receive support with knowledge, training, and resources, enabling grant recipients to effectively launch their new business – or to take their existing company to the “next level.” Recently, Elevar members attended an encouraging and educational Sales presentation featuring facilitator and local businessman Chris Gallegos.
"With ten years in finance and twenty years in building businesses, I use my experience to turn opportunities into successes while keeping God at the center. When I`m not helping businesses grow, you`ll find me enjoying the beauty of creation with my amazing family. Our family business allows us to serve our community and raise our kids with faith-based values. We`re incredibly grateful for this blessed life!" -Chris Gallegos
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🌻 ELEVAR = ¡Elevando a los miembros de la comunidad local para que lideren y sobresalgan!
Los emprendedores de Elevar continúan recibiendo apoyo con conocimiento, capacitación y recursos, lo que permite a los beneficiarios de subvenciones lanzar efectivamente su nuevo negocio, o llevar su empresa existente al “siguiente nivel”. Recientemente, los miembros de Elevar asistieron a una presentación alentadora y educativa de Ventas con el facilitador y empresario local Chris Gallegos.
"Con diez años en finanzas y veinte años en la construcción de negocios, uso mi experiencia para convertir oportunidades en éxitos mientras mantengo a Dios en el centro. Cuando no estoy ayudando a las empresas a crecer, me encontrarás disfrutando de la belleza de la creación con mi increíble familia. Nuestro negocio familiar nos permite servir a nuestra comunidad y criar a nuestros hijos con valores basados en la fe. ¡Estamos increíblemente agradecidos por esta vida bendita!"-Chris Gallegos
🤝 Partner Spotlight- Alpine Bank
🙏 At the EVCF, we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of Alpine Bank. Their commitment to community is truly inspiring. Since 1973, Alpine Bank has exemplified a culture of caring, which aligns perfectly with our mission to serve and uplift our local community. We are especially appreciative of their recent achievements, including their high ranking in philanthropy by the Denver Business Journal. Their "24 in `24" initiative, encouraging employees to dedicate 24 hours of paid volunteer time this year, is a testament to their dedication. We were honored to have Alpine Bank employees volunteer at The Community Market, where their efforts help provide essential services to our neighbors.
🌲 For over 50 years, Alpine Bank has put communities first, and we look forward to continuing our partnership to make a positive impact together.
#AlpineBank #CommunityFirst #24in24 #evcf #TCM #tcmthecommunitymarket #partnerspotlight #giveback #volunteer #makeadifference #FeedCommunity @alpinebank @tcmthecommunitymarket #eaglevalleycf
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🤝 Socio destacado: Alpine Bank
🙏 En EVCF, estamos profundamente agradecidos por el apoyo inquebrantable de Alpine Bank. Su compromiso con la comunidad es realmente inspirador. Desde 1973, Alpine Bank ha ejemplificado una cultura de cuidado, que se alinea perfectamente con nuestra misión de servir y elevar a nuestra comunidad local. Apreciamos especialmente sus logros recientes, incluyendo su alto ranking en filantropía por el Denver Business Journal. Su iniciativa "24 in `24", que anima a los empleados a dedicar 24 horas de tiempo voluntario remunerado este año, es un testimonio de su dedicación. Nos sentimos honrados de tener empleados de Alpine Bank como voluntarios en el Mercado Comunitario, donde sus esfuerzos ayudan a proporcionar servicios esenciales a nuestros vecinos.
🌲 Durante más de 50 años, Alpine Bank ha puesto a las comunidades en primer lugar, y esperamos continuar nuestra asociación para tener un impacto positivo juntos.
🎶 Music for the Soul, 🥫Food for the Body and Mind!
🦋 Bravo Vail Music Festival and 🌱 Eagle Valley Community Foundation partnering for another FOOD DRIVE and COMMUNITY CONCERT to combat food insecurity in our valley!
🍎 The Community Market 🍎 will be accepting shelf stable food donations as Bravo! Vail attendees enter the venue tomorrow, Wednesday, July 24, for New York Philharmonic- Gershwin`s Rhapsody in Blue 🎹
Through collaborative partnerships, Bravo! Vail is able to use the arts to strengthen community, bring music to audiences outside the concert hall, and enhance understanding through innovative, interactive programs while Eagle Valley Community Foundation is able to increase community awareness of their mission to connect with neighbors in need while addressing food insecurity through The Community Market barrier free health and wellness initiatives on the MIRA Bus, and community capacity building through its newest program, Elevar.
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🎶 ¡Música para el alma,🥫 alimento para el cuerpo y la mente!
🦋 Bravo Vail Music Festival y 🌱 Eagle Valley Community Foundation se asocian para otra COLECTA DE ALIMENTOS y CONCIERTO COMUNITARIO para combatir la inseguridad alimentaria en nuestro valle!
🍎 The Community Market 🍎 El Mercado Comunitario 🍎 aceptará donaciones de alimentos no perecederos ya que Bravo! Los asistentes a Vail ingresarán al lugar mañana, miércoles 24 de julio, para la Rapsodia en Azul de la Filarmónica de Nueva York-Gershwin 🎹
#evcf #tcm #mira #eaglevalleycf #TheCommunityMarketCO #mirabus MIRA Bus - Camión MIRA The Community Market #fooddrive #musicfooddrive @tcmthecommunitymarket
