Our Journey

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Since 2006

Canyon Cares was founded in 2006 by a small group of Coal Creek Canyon residents who wanted a simple way to help neighbors in financial need. In that first year, the organization raised and distributed nearly $6,000 — including a $160 childcare payment and a $495 month of rent. Those early values of prompt, respectful, neighbor-to-neighbor assistance remain at the core of everything we do today.

For several years, Canyon Cares quietly grew its community presence and refined its processes, distributing roughly $6,000 annually. That changed dramatically in September 2013, when the Coal Creek Canyon flood struck. Donations poured in, and Canyon Cares received $10,000 in just the final four months of the year — along with its first outside grants. The organization helped flood-affected families with clothing, dumpsters, driveway repairs, tires, gas cards, and utility bills, demonstrating that a hyper-local organization could respond quickly and meaningfully in a crisis.


The experience responding to the flood helped Canyon Cares grow and adapt. In 2014, the organization expanded its service area beyond Coal Creek Canyon to include Nederland and unincorporated Gilpin County, allowing Canyon Cares to assist more mountain residents facing unexpected financial challenges. The community took notice, and donations continued to grow in the years that followed.

When COVID-19 hit in 2020, Canyon Cares again drew on lessons learned from the flood to respond quickly. Casino workers, ski resort employees, and small business owners suddenly facing zero income turned to Canyon Cares for help. That year alone, the organization distributed nearly $70,000 in assistance to more than 100 households. This response was supported in part by new one-time grants from the State of Colorado, Boulder County, and Eldora’s charitable trust, along with generous donations from individuals, local businesses, and community groups.

As the organization continued to grow and strengthen its capacity, Canyon Cares expanded its service area again in 2022 to include the cities of Central City and Black Hawk, as well as part of the Ward area. This expansion allowed the organization to serve a broader portion of the tri-county mountain community, ensuring that more residents could access timely assistance when facing financial hardship.

In 2025 alone, Canyon Cares distributed
$169,830 in assistance to community members in need. Since 2006, the organization has provided $968,402 in direct financial assistance to the community.

With an all-volunteer board, minimal overhead, and a commitment to responding to requests within days, Canyon Cares remains a grassroots organization driven by neighbors helping neighbors. Because the organization is entirely volunteer-run,
traditionally about 95% of all funds raised go directly toward assisting community members, ensuring donations have a direct and meaningful impact.

Meet Our Board of Directors

Our dedicated Board of Directors brings a wealth of experience and passion to Canyon Cares. Each member is committed to our mission of providing essential support to the community. Learn more about their backgrounds and contributions below.