Thank you for your interest. The information found on this page will help you navigate the many ways you can support our work.

WAYS TO GIVE

There are many ways to make a difference in the Telluride region.

Whether you are making a gift today, looking for a tax-smart way to give, or planning a gift for the future, we are here to help.

The right charitable gift depends on your circumstances, your goals and the assets you own. We are happy to talk with you about the possibilities and work with your financial, tax or legal advisor to help you determine what may be right for you.

CASH & CHECKS

Cash and check gifts are simple and flexible ways to support the Telluride Foundation. You can make an unrestricted gift to help address the community’s most pressing needs or, where appropriate, designate your gift to a specific Foundation program or initiative.

You can also make a recurring gift, allowing you to support the community throughout the year.

CREDIT CARD

Credit card gifts are a convenient way to make a one-time or recurring contribution. To donate with you credit card click the DONATE button anywhere on our website.

GIVE APPRECIATED STOCK

If you own stocks or other investments that have increased significantly in value, donating them directly to the Telluride Foundation may be a tax-efficient way to give.

When you donate appreciated securities that you have held for more than one year, you may generally be able to avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation while receiving a charitable deduction for the fair market value of the securities, subject to applicable tax rules and limitations.

For many donors, giving appreciated stock can be more advantageous than selling the stock and donating the proceeds.

Interested in donating stock? Contact courtney@telluridfoundation.org for stock transfer instructions

convenient way to make a one-time or recurring contribution.

GIVE FROM YOUR IRA

f you are 70½ or older, you may be able to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to the Telluride Foundation.

A QCD can be a tax-efficient way to support the Foundation. The amount transferred directly to the Foundation may be excluded from your taxable income and can generally count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD).

For 2026, eligible individuals can make QCDs of up to $108,000, subject to IRS rules.

If you are considering a QCD, contact your IRA administrator to request a charitable distribution directly to the Telluride Foundation. The funds should be transferred directly from your IRA to the Foundation rather than paid to you first.

Please let us know when you have initiated a QCD so we can make sure your gift is properly acknowledged.

LEAVE A LEGACY – BEQUESTS

One of the simplest ways to create a lasting legacy is through your will or trust.

A bequest allows you to leave a gift to the Telluride Foundation as part of your estate. You can designate a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, particular assets, or a portion of what remains after other gifts and obligations have been addressed.

A charitable bequest can allow you to make a significant future gift without giving up assets or income during your lifetime. You can also generally change your plans as your circumstances change.

For many donors, a bequest is a meaningful way to ensure that the Telluride Foundation—and the community they care about—continues to benefit for generations to come.

Already included the Telluride Foundation in your estate plans? Please let us know. We’d love the opportunity to thank you and learn about your wishes.

NAME THE FOUNDATION AS A BENEFICIARY

You can name the Telluride Foundation as a beneficiary of all or a portion of certain financial accounts, including:

• IRA and other retirement accounts
• 401(k) and 403(b) plans
• 403(b) and other qualified retirement plans
• Life insurance policies
• Certain investment and financial accounts

For many people, retirement assets can be particularly effective assets to leave to charity because individuals who inherit traditional retirement accounts may owe income tax on distributions, while a charitable organization generally does not.

Beneficiary designations are also relatively simple to establish and can generally be changed as your circumstances or wishes change.

GIVE REAL ESTATE

A home, vacation property, ranch, land or other real estate can be a meaningful charitable gift.

If property has appreciated substantially in value, donating it rather than selling it may offer significant tax advantages, including the potential to avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation and receive a charitable deduction, subject to applicable tax rules.

Because real estate gifts involve additional considerations—including ownership, debt, environmental issues, valuation and the Foundation’s ability to accept and use the property—all real estate gifts must be reviewed and approved by the Telluride Foundation before a gift is completed.

GIVE OTHER ASSETS

Depending on your circumstances, other assets may also be appropriate charitable gifts, including:

• Privately held business interests
• Life insurance
• Certain investments
• Personal property and collectibles
• Other non-cash assets

These gifts can involve special tax, legal and valuation considerations. Please contact the Foundation before transferring an asset so we can determine whether the gift is appropriate for the Foundation and discuss the next steps with you and your advisors.

LETS TALK

There is no one-size-fits-all way to give.

Whether you are considering a gift today or planning for the future, we would welcome the opportunity to talk with you. A conversation with the Foundation can help you understand the different ways you can support our community and identify questions to discuss with your financial, tax or legal advisor. Please contact Jason Corzine, Telluride Foundation President/CEO jason@telluridefoundation.org.

If you have already included the Telluride Foundation in your estate plans, please let us know. We would be honored to recognize your commitment and welcome you to our community of legacy donors.

The Telluride Foundation does not provide tax, legal or financial advice. Please consult your own professional advisors regarding the tax and legal implications of any charitable gift.