The Gunnison County Metropolitan District (MetRec) awarded $729,784 in grants to 27 different local organizations as part of the organization’s 2025 Recreation Grant Program. Grant sizes ranged from $1,400 to $100,000.
“We’re thrilled to support these incredible local organizations that work tirelessly to strengthen our community,” Executive Director Derrick Nehrenberg said. “The dedication and impact of these groups truly exemplifies the community spirit of Gunnison County, and we’re honored to help amplify their vital work.”
MetRec’s Recreation Grant Program fulfills a key part of the organization’s mission, as the awards enable recipients to improve community connection and wellbeing through recreation offerings, access and information.
“It’s really unbelievable when you look at what this valley has to offer in terms of recreation and creative opportunities,” Board Director Mary McAllister said. “It’s a beautiful thing and difficult thing at the same time. Because ultimately there were requests for about $220,000 more than what we had budgeted.”
Recipients range from the Gunnison Senior Center and Crested Butte Mountain Theater to the Gunnison Hinsdale Early Childhood Council and Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory—ensuring financial support for a variety of populations and interests.
“We recognize that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to community wellbeing. That’s why we trust these specialized organizations—they know their populations and can deliver targeted programs that address real needs with proven expertise,” Nehrenberg said.
MetRec offers five types of grants: Capital, Operations, Community, Multi-Year Operations and Multi-Year Community. An independent volunteer Grant Review Committee evaluates applications based on a rubric scoring alignment to MetRec’s mission, community needs, impact, accessibility, diversity of user groups, fiscal viability, and value to the community. The committee then provides the Recreation Committee with suggested awards, after which the Board of Directors ratify the awards.
Applications for the 2026 Recreation Grant Program will open next spring.