🏠What is the OCRF?
The Good Neighbor Fund (GNF) was created by the Telluride Foundation over 15 years ago to support residents in need across the region. In 2025, local donors replenished the Ouray County Response Fund (OCRF), a dedicated funding source within the GNF, to serve Ouray County residents specifically. In 2024, the Ouray County Board of County Commissioners contributed to the OCRF-Tax to help residents remain housed and employed during times of hardship.
OCRF can now provide emergency assistance for both essential daily needs (e.g., rent, utilities, transportation, medical expenses) and property tax relief on a primary residence in Ouray County.
✅ General Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for a grant, applicants must:
- Have lived in Ouray County for at least one full year (proof of residency required)
- Be currently or recently employed (documentation required)
- Demonstrate financial hardship due to an unexpected, non-recurring crisis
- Show that they have exhausted other available resources
- Provide a plan for maintaining financial stability moving forward
💵 Grant Guidelines
1. Property Tax Relief
- Applicants may request up to $2,000 per calendar year
- Must provide a copy of the Ouray County property tax notice and verify primary residence status
2. Emergency Assistance (Non-Tax Needs)
- Applicants may request up to $2,000 every 12 months due to a crisis
- Covers unexpected needs such as rent, utilities, medical bills, car repairs, food, etc.
- Eligibility Criteria
- To qualify for OCRF assistance, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Residency: Have lived in Ouray County for at least 12 consecutive months
- Crisis: Be experiencing a non-recurring, unexpected financial hardship
- Exhaustion of Resources: Show that all other options have been exhausted
- Stability Plan: Explain how financial stability will be maintained after assistance
See full list of criteria here
- English: OCRF-criteria.pdf
- Spanish: OCRF-criteria.pdf
📄 What You’ll Need to Apply
Please prepare and upload the following documentation:
- Completed Application (choose the appropriate form below)
- Proof of Residency (lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill)
- Proof of Employment (pay stub or employer letter)
- Copy of Ouray County Property Tax Notice (if applicable)
- Copies of Current Bills (rent, utilities, medical, etc.)
- Written Explanation
- What crisis occurred
- What resources have you already tried
- How you’ll maintain stability in the future
📝 How to Apply
- Download the Emergency Assistance Application form
- Complete the form digitally using Adobe Reader or by hand.
- Save the file with your name and submission date.
- Upload the completed application and all supporting documents below:
🤝 Need Help or Have Questions?
We’re here to support you through the process.
📞 Call: 970-708-7096
📧 Email: GNF@tchnetwork.org
📍 Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
💬 Hear From Our Community
“OCRF helped me stay in my home when I was recovering from surgery and out of work. I don’t know what I would have done without it.”
— Ouray County Resident
Want to share your story? Email us at GNF@tchnetwork.org
🌄 About the Fund
Generous local donors created the Ouray County Response Fund, which is part of the Good Neighbor Fund, which has supported Western Slope communities for over 15 years. Ouray County Commissioner also supports the fund. Your support helps neighbors in crisis regain stability and stay rooted in our community.
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