When you enjoy the sounds of the Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra, learn about our history from the Highlands Ranch Historical Society, or take in the beauty of the Cherokee Ranch and Castle, you are benefiting directly from Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) funds at work in your community.

In support of these organizations and more, $1,285,605.39 in Tier III, County SCFD funds have been distributed to 49 SCFD-eligible, arts, culture, science and heritage nonprofit organizations, all of which will deliver cultural and science programming to Douglas County citizens.

The organizations awarded SCFD grants bring cultural opportunities to our community that help strengthen the cultural vitality of Douglas County and contribute to a high quality of life.

Those based in Douglas County include Cherokee Ranch and Castle Foundation, Colorado Jazz, The Denver Concert Band, HawkQuest, Highlands Ranch Concert Band, Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association, Highlands Ranch Historical Society, Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra, Mountain Chamber Music Society, Nature’s Educators, Parker Symphony Orchestra, Performing Arts Academy, Roxborough Arts Council, and South Suburban Parks and Recreation. The additional SCFD funding recipients offer programming in Douglas County or invite residents to their on-site facility or event.

Recipients of Tier III, County SCFD funds are first evaluated through the SCFD eligibility process. Once eligible, they apply for funding through the formal SCFD grant process. This process ensures that all organizations meet specific criteria, as outlined in the SCFD state statute. At the County level, grants are evaluated by the statutorily required Douglas County Cultural Council, which determines the annual distribution via a funding plan. The funding plan is then sent to and evaluated by the Board of Douglas County Commissioners for approval, after which the funding plans are presented to the SCFD Board of Directors.

Denver Metro area voters created the seven-county SCFD in 1988 to ensure public access to the arts and sciences through public financial support for scientific and cultural organizations. The SCFD was reauthorized by voters in 2016. Each year, SCFD helps fund nearly 300 area organizations via the collection of a 0.1% voter-approved retail sales and use tax. The district-wide tax equates to one cent collected on every $10 spent.

For more information about the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, please visit the SCFD website at www.scfd.org.