What is 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
Wildfire Resources
Sign up for Ouray County Alerts: Text OURAYCOUNTY to 65513
If you are in an evacuation area and have questions, call Ouray County at 970.626.5484.For more information, you can call our office at 970.708.7096.
Ouray County Resource Directory: Explore a directory of local services and support available to individuals and families in Ouray County.
Grant Guidelines
1. Property Tax Relief
- Applicants may request up to $2,500 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 $2,500 every 12 months due to a crisis to cover unexpected needs such as rent, utilities, medical bills, car repairs, food, etc.
To qualify for OCRF assistance, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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- 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:
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- Completed Application (choose the appropriate form below)
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- Proof of Residency (lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill)
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- Proof of Employment (pay stub or employer letter)
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- Copy of Ouray County Property Tax Notice (if applicable)
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- Copies of Current Bills (rent, utilities, medical, etc.)
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- Written Explanation
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- What crisis occurred
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- What resources have you already tried
- How you’ll maintain stability in the future
Get Started By Filling Out the Form 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.