Yampa Valley Sustainability Council (YVSC) is thrilled to announce a generous $25,000 matching gift from anonymous donors. Every dollar donated between now and Yampa Valley Gives Day on December 10, 2024, will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of community support during this pivotal moment for climate action in the Yampa Valley.

Two people stand outside holding a sign with the YVSC logo and a sign that days "Give today"

This year marks the 15th anniversary of YVSC, a milestone made possible by the dedication of donors, volunteers, and community members who are all invested in working together to build a thriving and healthy Yampa Valley.

Over the past 15 years, YVSC has achieved remarkable results:

  • We’ve planted over 32,000 trees, enhancing the health of the Yampa River, creating wildlife habitat, and capturing carbon.
  • We’ve recycled over 300,000 pounds of electronics, reducing the impact of mining new materials and helping to keep hazardous materials out of the environment.
  • We’ve trained 33 future climate leaders through our Internship Program.
  • We’ve helped rethink how we heat and cool our buildings to reduce emissions.
  • We’ve developed the Routt County Climate Action Plan, a vital local climate planning and decision-making tool.

“Our accomplishments show how much we can achieve as a community when we tackle the pressing issue of emissions reduction,” said Michelle Stewart, executive director of YVSC. “However, the need for climate action remains critical to safeguard the Yampa Valley for the future.” 

As Colorado trends hotter and drier, the region faces mounting challenges like reduced water availability, more frequent heatwaves, and increased wildfire risks, and taking action now is crucial.

Thanks to the $25,000 matching gift, every donation to YVSC by December 10 will be doubled, maximizing your impact. Your support funds critical energy, transportation, land, water, and waste initiatives that help to strengthen the Yampa Valley’s environment. Plus, monthly gifts of $25 or more made by December 10 enter you to win a round-trip Southwest Airlines flight.

At YVSC, we see local climate action as an opportunity, a way to be proactive rather than reactive, a way to strengthen our community and help our natural and built environments thrive now and into the future.

Join us and other supporters like you to build a thriving, vibrant Yampa Valley regionDonate now at yvsc.org/cogives.