From Grant to Growth
The Lasting Impact of the Non-Profit Infrastructure Grant on FoCo Café
At FoCo Café, the spirit of community is alive and well, demonstrating the power of connection, inclusivity, and empowerment. FoCo Cafe isn’t a soup kitchen, it operates on a “hand up, not a handout” philosophy, welcoming everyone—not just those in need of assistance. Patrons can choose to pay what they can or “pay” by sharing their time and talent. This unique model creates a cycle of giving and fosters dignity while creating a haven where all can partake of a delicious, nutritious meal regardless of their ability to pay.
A Place for Everyone
When you dine at FoCo Café, you’re not just enjoying a meal; you’re participating in a community effort. The café actively encourages patrons who can pay
to contribute financially and those who can’t pay to share their time and talent, creating an environment where individuals can support one another. This shared dining experience fosters mutual understanding and breaks down the stigma surrounding food insecurity and homelessness. The café serves as a vital space for connection, providing a sober environment where people from different backgrounds can come together, share stories, and build relationships.
As Dexter, the café’s Executive Director, puts it, “Allowing people to name their own needs is the ultimate form of equity. We’re meeting people where they’re at and bringing them to where we all are.”
Impact of the Grant
The Non-Profit Infrastructure Grant administered by United Way of Larimer County in partnership with the Department of Local Affairs has been instrumental in enhancing FoCo Café’s operations and community engagement. It enabled the café to hire an Assistant Director, significantly improving operations and allowing Executive Director Dexter to focus on strategic planning and donor engagement. With a small team, this role has alleviated burnout and increased morale, resulting in a more stable and productive environment.
The grant also provided the necessary resources for staff raises, allowing all full-time employees to receive equitable pay. This investment in staff well-being has created a sustainable workforce and reduced turnover. As Dexter emphasizes, “Taking care of our team is a priority because they’re taking care of the community.”
Since receiving the grant, FoCo Café has more than doubled the number of meal exchanges offered, rising from 200 per month to 700-800. In the first 9 months of 2024, they served 6,136 Meal Exchange Meals compared to 2,305 in the same period last year.
Long-Term Vision and Sustainability
With the nonprofit infrastructure grant, FoCo Café is not just focused on survival; they are thriving. The support from the grant has propelled the organization into a sustainable future, allowing for long-term resource development and expanded programs. Dexter envisions growing from four to six full-time employees, which may eventually enable them to open for breakfast, further expanding their reach in the community.
“This grant was truly the first step in saving FoCo Café. It came at just the right time for us,” Dexter shares. The impact has been profound, fostering growth and enabling FoCo Café to create a welcoming space for all—a true embodiment of community spirit.
Large operational grants, such as the Non-Profit Infrastructure Grant, are crucial lifelines for organizations like FoCo Café. They not only provide the immediate resources needed for day-to-day operations but also enable nonprofits to focus on long-term sustainability and growth. With this support, FoCo Café can continue to serve as a vital community hub, ensuring that everyone has access to nourishment and connection. This grant exemplifies how investing in infrastructure fosters resilience, supporting organizations to create lasting impact in the communities they serve.
