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Steamboat Springs — Not only did LIFT-UP of Routt County receive a $120,000 capital challenge grant from the Gates Family Foundation of Denver -- it also received more money than it requested.

David Freseman, executive director of LIFT-UP, said he was "flabbergasted" when he learned about the grant.

"Our grant proposal requested $100,000, so they have actually responded with more than our actual request," Freseman said. "I just about fell out of my chair."

The award reflects well on LIFT-UP's plans to construct an 8,100-square-foot building, he said.

LIFT-UP's capital campaign has collected $468,000 toward the $1.27 million cost of the building. LIFT-UP also has secured a $285,000 Community Block Grant from the Department of Local Affairs to buy the 1-acre lot on Curve Court that will house the building.

The Gates Family Foundation grant is a challenge grant, which means it will be awarded when LIFT-UP has raised the additional funding needed to complete the project.

LIFT-UP still must raise $395,000 to complete the building without taking out a mortgage. Freseman hopes as much as $300,000 will come from other grant requests. LIFT-UP has asked for funding from several other foundations.

Freseman said he expects additional donations to the capital campaign, and he knows about several other significant local gifts that could be given to LIFT-UP by the end of the year.

LIFT-UP's programs -- a food bank, administrative offices, a thrift store and a donation center -- are spread among three rented locations. A central, permanent location would ensure LIFT-UP's future, provide much-needed space, save funds and make the programs less confusing to clients and donors, Freseman said.

-- To reach Susan Cunningham, call 871-4203 or e-mail scunningham@steamboatpilot.com