Pueblo County's Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Work Session on June 10, 2025, highlighted the urgent need for continued support for local nonprofit organizations facing significant funding challenges. With anticipated federal funding cuts impacting state and local levels, the board emphasized the importance of allowing organizations to request both general operating support and program-specific funding to navigate these tough times.

During the session, officials acknowledged that many nonprofits, particularly those reliant on Medicaid reimbursement, are bracing for financial strain. To address this, the board expressed a commitment to facilitate funding requests that align with the needs of Pueblo County organizations. While large capital campaign requests will not be considered due to budget constraints, mission-critical renovations, such as urgent plumbing repairs at local facilities, will still be eligible for funding.

The board also discussed the ongoing demand for Community Services and Education Commission (CSEC) allocations, noting that current funding levels are insufficient to meet the needs of nonprofit partners. To enhance support, there was a recommendation to increase funding to the CSEC, which would require additional administrative resources to manage the increased grant-making workload effectively.

In terms of operational timelines, the board acknowledged previous discussions about moving deadlines for grant applications to allow for earlier budget planning. However, they confirmed that the current timeline, with a Request for Proposals (RFP) set to launch on July 1, would remain unchanged for this year.

This meeting underscored the critical role of local funding in sustaining nonprofit operations amid federal cuts, with a clear focus on adapting to the evolving needs of the community. As Pueblo County navigates these challenges, the board's decisions will play a pivotal role in shaping the support available to local organizations in the coming months.