The Gunnison County Metropolitan District (MetRec) awarded $845,955 in 2026 Recreation Grants to 35 different local organizations. This cycle, a total of 42 grant applications cumulatively requested more than $1 million in funds.

“Supporting these organizations is one of the most fulfilling things we do,” Executive Director Derrick Nehrenberg said. “These groups are the backbone of what makes the district such a special place to live. Their commitment to this community inspires us, and we’re proud to help fuel their work.”

The Recreation Grant Program sits at the heart of MetRec’s mission, increasing community connection and wellbeing by supporting organizations with deep expertise. It is, to staff knowledge, the only special district grant program of its kind in the nation. 

“Every corner of this community has different needs, and these organizations understand that better than anyone,” Nehrenberg said. “They have the relationships, knowledge and experience to deliver exceptional programs.”

The awards reach a broad cross-section of the community, with recipients ranging from Crested Butte State of Mind and Firebird Theatre Co. to Gunnison Valley Mentors and Crested Butte Senior Center.

Since MetRec expanded its service plan to include parks and recreation in 2001, it has funded a wide range of nonprofit, municipality and government agency recreation projects.

The grant program took on its current structure in 2023, offering five types of grants: Capital, Operations, Community, Multiyear Operations and Multiyear Community.

An independent 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.

The next grant cycle begins in early 2027. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to visit MetRec’s website to learn how the grant program can help bring their vision for the community to life.