Against the Odds: The Sustainable Living Association Thrives

According to the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations & Executives, nearly 30% of nonprofits close their doors within ten years, and half of all new nonprofits fail within just a few years of starting.

Yet, 25 years later, the Sustainable Living Association (SLA) is stronger than ever.

Over the years, we have evolved—adapting to the needs of Coloradans and addressing climate change with an even greater sense of urgency. Our focus has expanded to empowering the next generation of leaders, ensuring our future rests in capable hands. What began as a one-day Youth Climate Action event in 2022 has blossomed into a full Climate Leadership Series. Building on this success, we are expanding into Weld County to reach even more young leaders and launching a three-day summer Climate Camp to deepen our impact. Every one of these programs remains free to participants, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.

While SLA continues to thrive, we are not immune to the turbulence affecting nonprofits across the country. You may have seen in the news the growing uncertainty around federal funding. Like many small nonprofits, we worry about the impact of shifting policies on the environment—and on our ability to sustain critical programs.

Earlier this year, SLA applied for federal funding through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Mountains & Plains Environmental Justice Grants Hub. The process was highly competitive, and significant time and energy went into perfecting our application. Our hard work paid off, and we were awarded a major grant that would have supported our expanded programming in Weld County. However, last week we learned that the federal government abruptly terminated the grant program—a devastating setback impacting not just SLA, but many nonprofits, universities, and even government agencies nationwide.

Despite the challenges we face, the Sustainable Living Association remains resilient. For 25 years, we have continued to adapt, grow, and lead—turning obstacles into opportunities to deepen our impact. Our commitment to building a more sustainable future has never wavered, and thanks to the unwavering support of our community, we are poised to keep thriving for decades to come. Together, we will continue to empower change, inspire action, and create a healthier, more sustainable world for all.