In the Yampa Valley, a network of dozens of nonprofits provides essential services to the community. Recent federal policy changes, however, have introduced widespread uncertainty, ultimately threatening the stability and fate of many of these organizations. 

The Office of Management and Budget on Jan. 27 issued a memo following an executive order by the Trump administration announcing a federal freeze on hundreds of billions of dollars in grants and loans. The order was blocked by a federal judge the next day, and on Jan. 29 the memo was rescinded.

But White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that only the memo was rescinded, not the order, leading to mass confusion and anxiety regarding the fate of federal funding for thousands of programs nationwide. 

For Better Tomorrow, the umbrella nonprofit overseeing Advocates of Routt County, Brighter World, COMMA and Queer Futures, policy changes from the current administration have put $330,000 — over 25% of the organization’s budget — at risk, said Director of Development Lauren Hughes.

Advocates of Routt County, which supports victims of domestic and sexual violence, is particularly vulnerable, as more than half of the program’s budget depends on federal dollars. 

Better Tomorrow’s single largest funder for their programs is the Victims of Crime Act, which is funded by fines and penalties paid off by offenders in criminal cases. Though the act is not funded by tax dollars, said Hughes, it remains at risk due to the indiscriminate freeze.

“Without this funding, we may face staffing reductions that directly impact our ability to provide life-saving services, such as emergency shelter, crisis intervention, and legal advocacy for survivors of violence,” Hughes said. 

Queer Futures serves as a “third space” for LGBTQ+ folks and their allies, offering support groups, educational programs and training, and individualized support for folks that have struggled due to their gender and/or sexual identity. 

Queer Futures Executive Director Chelsie Holmes said that while the organization receives zero federal funding, federal mandates targeting the LGBTQ+ community — such as the Jan. 20 orders to define sex as either male or female and to limit diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility activities in government and for federal grantees — may exacerbate discrimination and marginalization for its members, which has indirect effects on the program’s ability to operate effectively. 

“The freezes impact us by eliminating jobs our community members rely on, creating a sense of chaos and uncertainty in their lives, subjecting them to a constant barrage of news that is intended to make them feel marginalized and afraid, and harming the environment they care about and recreate in,” Holmes said. “Queer Futures is seeing an increase in requests for financial assistance and mental health support as a result of these executive orders, which puts a strain on our limited resources.” 

For Integrated Community, which has provided services like early childhood education and language programs primarily to the local immigrant population for over 20 years, their immigration services are most at stake.

Executive Director Jerry Hernandez noted that Integrated Community is one of the only organizations in Northwest Colorado that has a Department of Justice accreditation, which allows them to represent individuals in various types of immigration cases. 

“If that accreditation is taken away … that means we would have to immediately stop a very, very important generational, life-changing program,” said Hernandez. “So it has nothing to do with money. It has to do with the permission to be able to do that job — that is what keeps me up at night, because if that goes away, it will have a huge impact on our community.”

LiftUp of Routt County, a nonprofit providing free food through two food banks, as well as emergency financial support for rent/mortgage payments, medical costs and other basic needs, served 19% of Routt County last year. While it has not yet been directly affected, potential freezes or cuts in funding could jeopardize the USDA-supported food banks, which would diminish the organization’s ability to provide food to the community. 

Northwest Colorado Health serves over a third of the Yampa Valley, partnering with individuals across the region to provide numerous forms of medical services, including primary care, behavioral health, preventative services and hospice care.

They “continue to maintain high-quality open access” to all services, said CEO Stephanie Einfeld, but they are keeping a close eye on possible changes that could heavily impact their funding and regulations, including proposed cuts to Medicaid. 

“We accept Medicaid and Medicare in the majority of our programs, and in our clinics, home health, hospice, skilled nursing, and assisted living at the Haven, the majority of the people we serve have Medicaid, Medicare, or no insurance,” Einfeld said. “When there are severe cuts to governmental pay sources, our entire agency is at risk.” 

Like at Better Tomorrow and Queer Futures, staff at Integrated Community, LiftUp and Northwest Colorado Health are worried about the ripple effect of federal shifts. 

“We have been seeing an increase in need year over year of almost 20% as it is, so the current uncertainty may add to that need,” said Sue Fegelein, LiftUp executive director. “We are concerned about our clients and our neighbors who may experience cuts to programs that they depend upon, which may then lead more people through our doors for assistance.” 

Hernandez noted a “drain in leadership’s time,” adding that much of his time is spent in meetings, trainings and webinars that are often irrelevant to Integrated Community’s mission, but focus on defense and strategy for the organization in light of potential threats to nonprofits.

“In a rural area that struggles with mental health, affordability, and workforce, the biggest challenge is to combat these struggles from compounding into the future,” Einfeld said. “We are already seeing people we care for cancel crucial appointments and services in the wake of these unknown changes, whether it’s due to thinking Medicaid won’t pay for their visit, fear of ICE showing up, or not wanting to engage with an organization that receives federal support.”

“Our staff are still the same heroes that stepped up during COVID and they are now facing another wave of caring for their neighbors, loved ones, each other, and themselves in an uncertain federal landscape. Ultimately what’s at stake is the health and wellness of our valley,” Einfeld added.

Leaders at some Steamboat nonprofits are calling on members of the community to step up in this time of ambiguity. Fegelein urges locals to check out LiftUp’s website, liftuprc.org, to see if they qualify for LiftUp services.

Einfeld encourages community members to support nonprofits like Northwest Colorado Health in whatever way they can, whether it be through advocacy, volunteering or donating, while Hernandez emphasizes volunteering and monetary contributions over activism as the most productive way to support Integrated Community. 

“While we may still receive some contracted funds this year, there’s a strong possibility that the grants supporting our work will not be available beyond 2025,” Hughes said. “The best way to protect against these losses is by strengthening local investment in the nonprofits that provide these essential services. If you’ve ever thought about giving, now is the time. If you already give, consider increasing your support.”

Hughes stated that nonprofits like Better Tomorrow exist “because governments at every level recognize that organizations like ours are best equipped to provide social services.”

“If we disappear, the burden falls on government systems that are not structured to handle it. This isn’t about politics — it’s about ensuring that survivors of violence, children who have been abused, and marginalized communities continue to receive the support they need,” Hughes said. “Regardless of political affiliation, we need the community to stand with us. The future of these services depends on the support of those who value them.”