Fairfield Trust grant applications due April 1

MEEKER — Twice a year, once in April and again in October, the Fairfield Trust committee meets to review community grant requests greater than $1,500.
Applications for the spring cycle for non-profit groups petitioning for Fairfield Trust funds are available and must be received (not postmarked) no later than 5 p.m., April 1. Applications can be mailed to P.O. Box 2302, Meeker, Colo., 81641.
The trust was established in November 1969, following the death of Freeman E. Fairfield. Fairfield’s will directed First National Bank of Denver (now Wells Fargo) be appointed trustee of his bequest of $2 million.
The trust currently has a principal balance of more than $4.52 million and throughout its existence, Fairfield’s money has poured millions of dollars back into the community through the school district, Pioneers Hospital, fire district, library recreation programs, Fairfield Center, CNCC, local churches and many other community entities and endeavors.
Since 1991, the trust has granted more than $3.13 million to non-profit entities benefiting more than 200 projects. More than $1 million has been granted for educational purposes, including renewable scholarships for Meeker High School graduates pursuing higher education.
The will states funds are to be used for religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational endeavors and recipients must be 501(c)3 organizations.
The will also states that the vicar of St. James Episcopal Church, president of First National Bank of the Rockies, editor of the newspaper, president of the school board and president of the Pioneers Hospital board be members of the local trust committee.
For more information about the trust or for a grant application, contact committee secretary Diane Dunham at 878-4466 or any member of the local trust committee. For scholarship information, graduating seniors will need to meet with the counselor at Meeker High School.