The Colorado Mountain Bike Association had one goal: bring more trails built by mountain bikers, for mountain bikers to the Front Range. The REI co-op stepped in and helped make that dream a reality.
Fundraising is a huge task that every nonprofit has to deal with—even when they’d rather spend that time in the field actually taking action. For the Colorado Mountain Bike Association (COMBA), the REI co-op made it possible to spend less time and effort raising money and more time focusing on their goals.
“As a volunteer-driven organization, we want to focus our resources on programs. Seeking funding is obviously necessary, but it does take time away from on-the-ground projects,” writes Jason Bertolacci, Executive Director of COMBA.
REI provides grants to select nonprofits that care for the outdoor places we all love. The process begins with local stores, who establish meaningful partnerships with organizations and invite them to apply for funding. In 2006, the Front Range REI stores invited COMBA to apply for a grant, which they then were selected to receive.
Since that time, the COMBA and REI co-op partnership has grown into a platform for getting things done. Jason writes, “Simply put, COMBA’s projects would not be possible without REI’s support. At its heart, COMBA is a volunteer stewardship organization. The tools our volunteers use to maintain and build trails, the trailer we use to mobilize to work projects and the funding for the unglamorous behind-the-scenes needs are all possible because of REI’s involvement. REI’s support of our Urban Youth Cycling Initiative helped us build a relationship with Denver Parks and Recreation and led to COMBA being able to support DPR in the development of Ruby Hill Bike Park.”
REI’s involvement has even helped COMBA gain support from other organizations. “[Colorado Parks and Wildlife] Grants are highly competitive and an organization has to have a great project, strong partners and a successful track record to win funding. REI is one of [the] strongest of those partners,” said Jason.
While the REI co-op and COMBA partnership already boasts a huge list of accomplishments, including completing the Buffalo Creek Trail system (arguably one of the best trails in the country) there is still plenty of work to do. Jason puts the future goals succinctly: “Not everyone has the opportunity to play in Colorado’s beautiful backcountry–where the bulk of COMBA’s projects take place. REI and COMBA share a vision of an interconnected trail system that starts out the backdoors of the urban neighborhoods of Denver and trails through the outlying towns, foothills and climbs into the trail systems of Colorado’s mountain communities.”
COMBA works tirelessly to create world-class mountain bike trails in Colorado’s Front Range and the REI co-op is happy to be a part of it. If you’re local to the area, keep an eye on COMBA.org for upcoming trail work parties and other stewardship events. We’ll see you out there.