Wildcraft Farmers Market Opens New Community Fund
The Fort Collins market is accepting donations to support local SNAP matching and senior shopping programming.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Wildcraft Farmers Market has launched its nonprofit Community Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization created to expand fresh food access and programming. Individuals and local businesses can now contribute directly to specific programs, including senior-focused initiatives and SNAP/EBT matching.
Why it matters
The fund aims to ensure that fresh food and community events remain accessible to all residents regardless of their financial status. By formalizing these support systems, the market seeks to build on the growth of its assistance programs.
The Wildcraft Community Fund provides SNAP/EBT matching for up to $20 per market visit. This initiative supports a venue that hosts between 90 and 130 vendors every market day.
The players
Wildcraft Farmers Market
An organization that connects local growers and makers from across Colorado and Wyoming with consumers.
Wildcraft Community Fund
A newly incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit designed to facilitate charitable giving for market accessibility programs.
The details
Founded in 2006 as the Winter Farmers Market, the organization provides resources for live music and dedicated senior shopping hours alongside its food access programs. The fund accepts designated donations from individuals, while local businesses can sponsor specific initiatives through the official website.
Timeline
The market was founded in downtown Fort Collins in 2006.
Operations relocated to Foothills Mall in 2020.
The Community Fund was incorporated in August 2026.
Year-round market operations commence on November 7, 2026.
Market Landscape
This launch mirrors the broader industry trend of farmers markets formalizing social impact programs to bridge gaps in food security. By leveraging the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the market secures its position as a vital node in the local food economy.
Eligible shoppers can now receive up to $20 in matching funds per visit to spend on fresh market goods. These initiatives directly increase the purchasing power of families using SNAP benefits during their weekly market trips.
The takeaway
The addition of a formal nonprofit arm allows the market to sustain social programming through direct community and business contributions. Residents looking to support local food access can designate their donations toward specific market initiatives like live music or senior hours.
What happens next
The market is scheduled to begin its new year-round operation schedule on November 7, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by visiting the Philanthropy section.
More information
To support the organization, you can contribute to community fund.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BizWest.
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