After a banner year in 2025 in which the30something was able to fund four $30,000 awards to local non-profits for projects we are now looking forward to 2026!
the30something is a local donor advised fund fiscally managed by the Gila Community Foundation. Membership is open to anyone who is interested in joining, no invitation has ever been needed. We are a friendly group of people who have joined together to make Silver City and Grant County a more beautiful, creative, and healthy place to live. We do this by awarding $30,000 to nonprofits who submit applications for projects that will benefit our community.
We are proud to be a member driven organization, which means that every member who generously donates $1,000 has the right and joy to vote on projects that have been submitted and vetted for awards. If you are interested in joining go to our website, www.the30something.org and read about our organization and then fill out the form on the homepage to get added to our email list. If you are ready to donate, you can do that from the home page also or you can submit a check to the Gila Community Foundation, their information can be seen at www.gilacf.org . Our membership donation deadline for 2026 is April 1st.
Over the past six years we have been excited to help fund projects from lighting and sound at the Silco, seating at the El Sol, trail improvement and signage on Boston Hill, Dragonfly Trail and the CDT, partial funding for a stage at the Whiskey Creek Zocalo, the serve yourself pantry at The Commons and property acquisition for the Future Forge. Check out the other interesting past and present projects on our website.
From now until April 1st we are also soliciting nonprofits to submit applications for a $30,000 award. There is no fee to apply, and we have been told the application is straightforward and user friendly.
The full details of what kind of projects qualify are on our website application page (please note there are a few updates this year).
Here are the main highlights:
1. You must be a 501c3 or have a 501c3 fiscal sponsor.
2. Your award application must be $30,000. It cannot be for less. If your project costs more than $30,000, be sure to indicate the amount of matching funds you have secured and the source.
3. Your project must be in Silver City or Grant County.
4. Your project must be for something physical, something permanent.
5. Your project should be completed within one year of receiving the award.
Results are made known in early April soon after the votes are tallied. In late spring or early summer the30something hosts a party where members mingle with the winners. After that winners are off to the races on their projects, submitting invoices for reimbursement, with all awards being paid through the Gila Community Foundation.
Again, our website is www.the30something.org If you have any questions that you would like answered before becoming a member or applying for an award, you can email us at
