The Powerhouse has been chosen as a recipient of the Nonprofit Infrastructure (NPI) Grant through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. NPI is a statewide grant program for small, community-based nonprofit organizations that provide services to communities that have historically been underrepresented, underserved, or under-resourced to assist in post-pandemic recovery.
The grant request of $100,000 was fully funded and will be allocated to three organizational objectives. These include hiring a museum planning consultant for a 9–16-month partnership that would develop a comprehensive museum exhibit plan, funding professional development for Powerhouse staff members, and purchasing an electric truck to help implement outreach programs for the organization.
“We are ecstatic to be receiving this funding from DOLA ” Sydnie, Director of Community Engagement states. “This grant will allow us to continue growing our gallery, staff knowledge and capacity to serve kids. We look forward to expanding the impact we have in supporting STEAM education in Southwest Colorado, and continuing to help build a community of curious, capable, and science-literate problem solvers.”
The awarded funds will be instrumental in creating a comprehensive exhibit plan that will allow for a renewal of The Powerhouse’s gallery space. With this plan, The Powerhouse will begin working on updating the museum with STEAM-focused exhibits, enhancing the visitor and member experience. Full time staff members will be given the opportunity to attend a national children’s museum conference, igniting vision for future organizational programming through networking and professional knowledge sharing. Finally, an electric outreach vehicle, named the “STEAM-Roller” will help reduce operating cost, modeling climate mitigation efforts, and providing sufficient capacity to bring exhibits and classroom materials to regional events.
About The Powerhouse
The Powerhouse is Southwest Colorado’s STEAM engine empowering curious young learners through interactive experiences, discovery, and play. The exhibit gallery space provides an engaging year-round space for exploration, student enrichment, and family-friendly programs, while the STEAM focused educational programming inspire and equip the next generation of science-literate leaders. The Powerhouse is dedicated to removing barriers for full participation to all members of the community through culturally sensitive, affordable, and accessible spaces and programs.
About the NPI Grant
Community Shares of Colorado along with the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), are working together to administer infrastructure grants to small community-based organizations that have a track record of providing effective, culturally responsive, and relevant programs and services to communities who have historically been underrepresented, underserved or under-resourced in Colorado.