Rachel's Giving Project Fundraiser

In the last few months, I've found a much-needed sense of purpose as part of the Chinook Fund’s Spring 2025 Giving Project. This is a collective effort by our Cohort to 1- learn and talk about injustices facing Colorado's diverse communities, 2- raise money to disburse to grassroots organizations, and 3- evaluate grant applications and directly fund powerful, community-led work that amplifies marginalized voices and creates change. 

As part of this initiative, I’ve been spending tons of time with my Cohort learning about and dissecting power structures–and how we, on a personal level, can counter the systematic disempowerment of Colorado’s marginalized communities. Can we cultivate an equitable, local ecosystem not dependent on the benevolence of billionaires? (Yes! Grassroots fundraising and democratized grant-making!) How do we lead and support meaningful change around us? (Engage your community! Let disempowered community members lead!) How do we create more equity and joy in the world, while lifting everyone up? (I don’t have the answer to this yet! But I am working on it every day.)

In a moment when the headlines feel endlessly heavy, the Chinook Fund has been an important and energizing reminder for me that positive change is still possible.

We’re now in the fundraising stage of the program, with a Cohort-wide goal of over $100,000! The more we raise, the more orgs and impact we can fund. I have personally committed to raise $1,200 towards the collective goal. I’m contributing $300 to start, and I’d be honored if you’d consider giving an amount that feels meaningful to you—whether that’s $5, $50, or even a $300 "match." Every single dollar goes toward empowering Colorado’s diverse communities.

If you’re like me, you want to know any money you give is being used responsibly and ethically–and going to the people who need it. Since 1987, Chinook Fund has disbursed over $5.1 million in grants to 570+ grassroots organizations across Colorado. Not only have they proven to be a responsible and competent steward of funds, but they also maintain super low overhead to ensure 85% of raised funds go directly to organizations. All the money we raise through the Spring 2025 Giving Project will be issued as small grants ranging from $4,000 - $10,000; our Cohort will prioritize funding groups leading community change and building grassroots-level power at the intersection of race, class, gender, and climate. 

You can check out Chinook Fund’s past grantees here if you want to see some of the neat organizations and projects that have been funded. Many of you have probably heard me talk about this cool Uber/Lyft alternative: Drivers Co-op Colorado… it was so fun to realize they’re a Chinook Fund Grantee!

I’ve loved getting engaged and learning more about my community here in Colorado, and I’m so excited about this work. I hope you’ll be part of it in some way–whether that’s a donation, a meaningful chat over coffee, or just getting out in your own community to meet people and make a difference.

With thanks and love,

Rachel