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Annual “Here for Good” celebration highlights grantees’ work building inclusive communities
The Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley (CFGV) announced it has awarded a record $225,000 in community grants for 2025, representing a $25,000 increase over last year’s awards. The grants were celebrated at CFGV’s annual “Here for Good: A Community Celebration” on August 6 at Western Colorado University’s Ballroom.
The 2025 community grants support 47 organizations across eight funding categories. Grant recipients range from long-established organizations like the Center for the Arts and Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory to emerging programs addressing critical community needs like the Gunnison Bike Bus.
“This record level of funding reflects both the strength of our donor community and the incredible work being done by nonprofits throughout the Gunnison Valley,” said Lauren Kugler, CFGV’s executive director. “The organizations we’re supporting are truly building a stronger Gunnison Valley through their innovative programming.”
During the event, each grant recipient shared brief insights into what community means to their organization and how they’re working to build connections across diverse populations. As Hannah Schaefer Tibbett from Living Journeys said during her speech, “Whether it’s a Summit Hike, a support group, or a simple meal delivered to someone in treatment, everything we do is rooted in connection. Because community isn’t just something we serve — it’s something we build, together.”
The Here for Good celebration drew dozens of nonprofits and nearly 100 attendees, creating an energizing atmosphere as nonprofit staff, volunteers, board members and community supporters gathered to network and celebrate collective impact.
The celebration also featured CFGV’s popular $1,000 grant drawing, where a lucky attendee won the opportunity to award an additional grant and selected Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League (GVAWL).
“It was energizing to be in a room full of people building community,” said Alicia Corliss, CFGV’s director of operations and programs. “The collaborative spirit in that room is exactly what makes the Gunnison Valley special.”
2025 community grant
recipients by category:
Arts & Culture: Center for the Arts, Crested Butte Film Festival, Crested Butte Mountain Theater, Crested Butte School of Dance
Athletics & Recreation: Adaptive Sports Center, Crested Butte Avalanche Center, Crested Butte Development Team, Crested Butte Nordic, Elk Mountains Backcountry Alliance, gO Initiative, West Elk Hockey Association, West Elk Soccer Association
Community Development: Habitat for Humanity Gunnison Valley, Inc., KBUT Community Radio, Mountain Roots, Valley Housing Fund
Domestic Animal Welfare: Gunnison Animal Welfare League
Education: Crested Butte PTA, Coldharbour Institute, Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, Gunnison Friends of the Library, Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, The Trailhead Children’s Museum
Environment: Crested Butte Land Trust, Coal Creek Watershed Coalition, High Country Conservation Advocates
Health & Human Services: CASA of the Seventh Judicial District, Crested Butte State of Mind, Gunnison Country Food Pantry, Gunnison Sanctuary Housing, Gunnison Tough, Gunnison Valley Mentors, Living Journeys, Project Hope of Gunnison Valley, Six Points Evaluation and Training, Special Olympics Colorado
Historic Preservation & Tradition: Crested Butte Museum
Collaborations: Gunnison Congregational Church and Juntos Por Gunnison (Chats in the Kitchen), Gunnison PTA and Bike Bus Group (Gunny Bike Bus), Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority and Gunnison Watershed School District (GV-HEAT/Pathways Internship)
Projects: GCSAPP/Choice Pass (Parent Education), Gunnison High School (Peer Mentors), Gunnison Watershed School District (Senorita Rita’s Rockin’ Reading Route Bus), Gunnison Valley Health (Mountain Mamas Café), Legacy Family Ministries/Lighthouse Pregnancy Center (Lighthouse Kids Car Seat Program), Western Colorado University (Adult Degree Completion Program for Local Teachers), Western Colorado University (Wellness Elevated)
CFGV’s annual competitive grant cycle supports organizations working throughout Gunnison County, from Marble to Mt. Crested Butte to Gunnison and surrounding communities. Applications for 2026 Community Grants will open in early 2026 with applications due May 15, 2026.
