Wheat Ridge Foundation

“A copy of the form 990 is provided to all board members prior to approval. The board as a whole then reviews and approves the return for filing, either at a regularly scheduled board meeting or via email.”

“The governing document as well as tax returns are made available upon request. Tax returns are also available on the colorado secretary of state website.”

“To encourage giving by connecting donors to community needs, building permanent charitable funds, and bringing people together to improve the quality of life throughout wheat ridge. To oversee the disposition of donations made to the city of wheat ridge.”

“Arts & culture programs - as a community attentive to its cultural life, the city of wheat ridge recognizes the importance of art. Art enhances the quality of life in wheat ridge and benefits its citizens and the community at-large. The city established the groundwork for an expanded public art program in 2002. This program has enabled the city to implement the acquisition of artwork in interior and exterior locations accessible to the public for city beautification. The funds are administered by the cultural commission. Arvada wheat ridge service ambassadors for youth (awrsay) - the arvada wheat ridge service ambassadors for youth (awrsay) was created in 2001 by volunteers who wanted a program that recognizes youth who have overcome a major obstacle or adversity. Unlike other programs, awrsay seeks to recognize these deserving youth by providing recognition, programs and in the case of seniors, scholarships to red rocks community college. Their mission is to provide ongoing recognition, educational and leadership opportunities for arvada and wheat ridge teens who have overcome adversity. Their vision is that all arvada and wheat ridge teens will recognize, act on,and realize their potential to succeed. The foundation supported this program with a 500 grant in 2014. Bailey scholarship fund - the bailey scholoarship fund was established in december of 2012. The bailey scholarship recognizes a graduate of lakewood high school who has made an outstanding contribution to his/her school or community and is pursuing studies toward a medical or public health career. Curtis gilmore scholarship fund - the curtis gilmore scholraship fund was established in 2013 to honor the legacy of curtis gilmore. Primary consideration will be given to wheat ridge and jefferson high school students who are pursuing two-year associate degrees and trade certifications. Consideration will be given to students who have demonstrated service and leadership in school and community activities, who have definite career goals and are prepared to take full advantage of their higher education experience. Holiday lighting - this annual community event held in early december at the wheat ridge recreation center kicks off the illumination of the city's lighting display and includes entertainment, a visit from santa, indoor activities and refreshments, and donor-sponsored horse drawn carriage rides. Kite flite festival - the purpose of the festival is to link neighbors, young and old, in an environment where they can have fun and enjoy other families living in wheat ridge while flying kites; provide a safe environment where people can gather; use kites as a way to educate children as to the history, science and math related to kites; encourage art and outdoor exercise; encourage participation by those with physical and mental challenges; encourage leadership opportunities for kids with their peers. The foundation supported this program with a 2,500 grant in 2014. Kyle brake sports scholarship fund & endowment - the kyle brake memorial sports scholarship fund and endowment was established as a memorial to kyle brake, a young boy who loved to play sports. The endowment will provide a permanent source of funds for childrens sports scholarships to help ease the financial burden associated with participating in organized team/individual sports. Scholarships can be requested to cover registration fees, uniforms and equipment costs. Participation in organized team sports provides physical, social, academic, and emotional benefits to children. Over 3,300 was expended on scholarships for fees and equipment in 2014. Lakewood high school class of 1951 scholarship fund & endowment - 1,300 in total scholarships were awarded to metropolitan state university of denver, red rocks community college and university of california santa barbara students in 2014. Memorial park program - the memorial park program allows friends and family to honor a loved one by purchasing a tree or bench”