Funding partnership helps Lakewood foster stronger, more connected com

Funding partnership helps Lakewood foster stronger, more connected com

Published on June 11, 2026

Lakewood Heritage, Culture & the Arts is proud to announce a collaborative partnership with the Colorado Gives Foundation to advance social connectedness in Lakewood. This funding support will directly enhance the volunteer program, allowing Lakewood to strengthen and support the volunteer community. By working together, this partnership will reduce isolation and create spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Lakewood Heritage, Culture & the Arts was selected as a key partner in building stronger community connections and is receiving a $53,850 invitation-only grant from the Colorado Gives Foundation to help community-rooted organizations bring residents together and foster lasting social connection.

This two-year partnership builds on the success of the existing volunteer program and helps create a replicable model for cultivating meaningful connections through recognition, retention, training and enrichment. With more than 250 volunteers supporting the Lakewood Cultural Center, Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park and Washington Heights Arts Center, volunteers serve in key roles such as performance and event assistants, docents, tour guides and collections care.

As implementation begins, Lakewood will focus on three areas designed to support volunteers and deepen social connections:

• Recognition and Retention - Celebrating volunteers in meaningful ways and creating opportunities where everyone feels welcome, valued and connected.
• Training and Enrichment - Providing workshops and learning opportunities to help volunteers feel confident, supported and engaged.
• Professional Development for Staff - Equipping staff with tools and skills to maintain a warm, inclusive and community-centered volunteer environment.

"This partnership allows us to invest directly in the people who make our programs thrive," said Nell Nelson, Lakewood volunteer coordinator. "Strengthening opportunities for connection, support and growth ensures volunteers feel the same sense of belonging they help create for others."

The Colorado Gives grant reinforces the strong foundation volunteers have built-one where people form friendships, find purpose and thrive together in Lakewood.

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