Funded Projects2025 Funded Project: Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley

April 7, 2026

Connecting Needs With Resources

With a mission to strengthen and enrich the community through engaged philanthropy, thoughtful grantmaking, strategic education, and collaborative leadership, the Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley (CFGV) inspires and connects people so everyone can thrive. By connecting needs with resources, the organization is uniquely positioned to bring the nonprofit, business, and government sectors together to work on local initiatives and create solutions to community challenges.

A Bird’s-Eye View of the Gunnison Valley

The Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley has a special bird’s-eye view of the Gunnison Valley, positioning it as a central hub for connecting resources and people. At times, that includes participation in the Health Coalition or Welcoming Initiative. Other times, it involves connecting nonprofits that need specific expertise (financial management, strategic planning, etc.) with advisors who have the skills to assist in those areas.

Through its various programs, it hopes to strengthen and empower nonprofits so they can carry out their work more effectively. These programs—the Community Grants Cycle, STEP Program, various workshops, community coalitions, etc.—provide funding, one-on-one guidance, and organization-wide support to nonprofits, enabling them to deliver programming focused on art, recreation, basic needs, education, and environmental stewardship throughout the Valley.

Helping Local Programs Leverage Funding

In honor of Chris’ passion for travel and love of the outdoors, particularly Crested Butte, the Chris Mikesell Foundation assists organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting the environment’s natural beauty. In 2025, the Chris Mikesell Foundation donated $3,000 to the CFGV to support its Community Grants program. This year’s contribution has allowed the organization to continue increasing funds available to local organizations, and over the next three years, they have set a goal to increase their Community Grants funding by at least 10% annually.

Additionally, support from the Christ Mikesell Foundation will enable CFGV to provide personal consultation services to any organization seeking funding, as well as one-on-one follow-up sessions with detailed feedback on their grant application. This technical support is critical to helping organizations further develop their grant-writing process to leverage funding!

“While I only met Chris briefly, it has been a joy to get to know his family and to witness his joyful spirit and caring nature through the generosity of The Chris Mikesell Foundation. It’s always heartwarming to see his name show up in support of critical community causes up and down the Gunnison Valley and beyond.”

— Lauren Kugler, Executive Director, CFGV