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Steamboat Springs — Routt County Riders is stepping up fundraising efforts and organization as the bicycling advocacy group solidifies and earns nonprofit recognition.

Routt County Riders is in the process of becoming a 501(c)3 group, giving it a nonprofit status and allowing the group to apply for more funding than otherwise would be available.

President Robin Craigen said the move will help the growing organization raise more money and achieve greater goals.

"Because of the scope and the range of things that we were getting involved in, it was totally overwhelming our abilities as a volunteer organization," he said.

To remedy that, the group in May hired Jackie Brown as a part-time executive director for the organization.

"Every indication is, this is going to be a big step forward for Routt County Riders," Craigen said.

Brown, who works at Marabou Ranch, has experience in nonprofit work from her time working for the charities division for the Phoenix Coyotes hockey team.

By applying for the nonprofit status, Craigen said the organization will be eligible for more grant money, and all donations will be tax-deductible. Routt County Riders advocates for bicycle paths and legislation, while working to create and maintain trails and organize bicycle-based events.

"We felt there were greater opportunities for us to move forward with fundraising if we had 501(c)3 status," Craigen said. He said the group will work on the application process over the winter.

The club also will change its organizational structure to a board of directors. The club had used a member-elected panel in the past, but Craigen said the group now is operating under an executive committee, formed of previous leaders. The committee will appoint members to a board.

In an effort to raise funds and increase membership, the group is hosting host a bike-in movie at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at Howelsen Hill, where Caddyshack will be shown outside.

The event will be free for anyone who bikes to the event, and $2 for drivers. Proceeds will benefit Routt County Riders, and attendees will be able to join the group.