The Telluride Foundation is celebrating its silver anniversary. Join us for a community event to acknowledge our history, highlight our work, and showcase our nonprofit partners. There will be plenty of food, entertainment, and giveaways. Please stop by and watch a performance, swap stories, and celebrate this milestone. Telluride Theater will MC and perform a piece designed for the occasion. Other featured entertainment includes Telluride Choral Society, Telluride Chamber, Montrose West Recreation Cheer Club, and our Poet Laureate Emeritus.
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15th Rundola Breaks All Kinds of Records |
The 15th Annual Rundola shattered records once again with 885 registered racers and $40,000 raised for the Good Neighbor Fund. Congratulations to Ryan Becker, the overall winner with a time of 20 minutes 28 seconds.
Runners and hikers began at 7:30 a.m. from the base of the Telluride gondola and made the 1,810 ft of elevation gain up San Sophia Ridge via the Telluride Trail—or bushwhacked an even steeper route.
All proceeds benefited the Good Neighbor Fund, supporting local families via emergency financial aid.
The event welcomed walkers, hikers, casual strollers, families, and competitive runners alike. Participants received commemorative t-shirts and a breakfast post-race at Oak Restaurant.
Medals were awarded to top finishers in each age and gender category. Yeti and The Alpineer sponsored the awards for the top 3 women’s and men’s finishers. Special shout out to local 16-year-old Seven Tudor, who crushed the course, setting a new women's record of 26 minutes 20 seconds.
The Rundola continues to unite Telluride residents and visitors in a spirited ascent that doubles as a major fundraiser. With the Good Neighbor Fund stretched thin before the event, the money raised at Rundola will play a critical role in assisting local families in crisis. As a July 4th tradition, Rundola blends physical challenge with community pride, festive attire, and post-race camaraderie. |
Climate & Conservation: Chris Kaup graduates from Energy Workforce Development Program |
The Foundation launched its Climate & Conservation Initiative in 2023 to address impacts associated with a changing climate in our region. As part of this initiative, the Foundation, in partnership with Eco Action Partners and the West End Economic Development Corporation, launched an Energy Workforce Development Program (EWDP) that has helped three graduates earn certificates in energy-related careers. The goal is to add new skilled labor to the energy sector by providing reimbursement for the cost of technical certifications. A recent graduate, Chris Kaup, received a cold climate air source heat pump certification to support a friend's local heat pump business. “I'm excited to use my years of hands-on experience with carpentry and add a new skill set to my belt. It was great to be connected to training I could do in my free time AND get paid for it!"
Additionally, a Climate & Conservation Fund has been established to address climate-related challenges and respond to strategic opportunities. The purpose of the Fund is to support regional efforts that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, advance conservation projects, and increase wildfire preparedness and resiliency.
Already, the Fund has helped enable a regional expansion of the “Green Grants” program to incentivize carbon-reduction projects and equitable access to wildfire mitigation and energy efficiency programs for underserved communities. Several wildfire preparedness and conservation projects are in the pipeline for future funding. |
Health & Wellbeing: Good Neighbor Fund Helps Long-time Local |
Good Neighbor Fund (GNF) recipient Sean Miller grew up in Ridgway and always dreamed of working and living in Telluride. Employed as a counselor for Telluride Academy in the summer and Christie Sports in the winter, Sean works hard to stay rooted in this community. However, his stability was suddenly at risk when a car accident left him with mounting medical and car repair bills. With limited income during the off-season, the GNF provided him assistance, allowing him room to breathe and reset. "I didn’t know what to expect, but the support gave me the motivation to keep going,” said Miller. “I want to stay here and make it work." Thanks to this safety net, he’s now back on his feet—and more determined than ever to continue building his life in the community he loves.
Whether it’s a sudden job loss, an unexpected medical bill, or the rising cost of housing, a crisis can hit even the most hard-working members of our community. Thanks to the Good Neighbor Fund, individuals and families facing financial emergencies receive compassionate and timely support that helps them remain in the place they call home. Last year $93,000 was deployed; a record amount (other than during the COVID pandemic). To meet the growing number of applications, the Foundation began promoting the Rundola as a "Run For Good" fundraiser in 2024. This year, the Rundola raised $40,000 to benefit this critical community resource. |
Education: Neil Armstrong Scholars Named |
This spring, the Foundation awarded scholarships to 16 graduating seniors from across the region. Among these awards, two students were named Neil Armstrong Scholars and received $20,000 each, while two others were named Neil Armstrong Merit Scholars and awarded $5,000 each. These scholarships recognize seniors pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) fields. The 2024–2025 Neil Armstrong Scholars are Bjorn Cristol, Ian Snapp, Keelie Wayland, and Wylee Drew.
Bjorn plans to attend the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he will major in Chemical Engineering. He hopes “to use [his] education to make the world a better place both socioeconomically and environmentally.”
Ian plans to attend Colorado Mesa University to major in Mechanical Engineering. He believes that “STEM encompasses a large portion of the information that humans have to explain the universe around us, making it fascinating to a curious mind,” and looks forward to continuing this exploration in college as well as having the ability to manage his own education and its direct application in his future career. Keelie will attend the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she plans to major in Psychology within the College of Arts and Sciences. Her personal experiences have shown her “how often people in the criminal justice system are struggling with untreated mental illnesses and substance use disorders,” inspiring her interest in mental health. Wylee will be attending Amherst College to pursue a double major in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology and Mathematics. She says, “I want to major in microbiology because I want to be able to look at the happenings and objects of the world and know why they happen.” |
West End Family Link: Expanding Hope |
West End Family Link (WEFL) is proud to be the heart of food security and family support for some of the most rural communities in western Montrose and San Miguel counties. From emergency food boxes to afterschool snacks, senior outreach to parenting support, WEFL has become a trusted lifeline for hundreds of households. This summer, WEFL’s CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) program is once again bringing joy to local children through fun games, physical activity, and positive connections. It’s a bright spot in summer programming and a reminder of how important community spaces and safe, healthy activities are for kids in Nucla and Naturita. WEFL is also growing and working to open a new pantry in Gateway, an isolated area where food access is limited and the need is real. This expansion is about meeting people where they are and making sure no one gets left behind.
And recently, WEFL shifted into emergency response mode to prepare for those impacted by the wildfire that has crossed into the region from La Sal, Utah. WEFL is coordinating food and supply support for families who may be displaced or are facing loss.
In the past year, WEFL has seen a 42% increase in new households served. The need is growing and so is its commitment. |
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Telluride Academy: Expanding Access and Adventure |
For more than four decades, Telluride Academy (TA) has connected young people to the outdoors through hands-on, adventure-based learning. Each summer, its programs spark joy, curiosity, and confidence by immersing children and teens in meaningful, nature-driven experiences that strengthen emotional well-being and personal growth.
TA’s commitment extends beyond adventure, as they are passionate about access and inclusion. Through robust Tuition Assistance, regional and cultural outreach, and dedicated student support, TA works to eliminate the financial, geographic, and social barriers that often prevent underserved youth from participating. Whether it’s a child from a rural community, a low-income household, or a neurodivergent learner, every young person deserves the chance to thrive in nature—and at Telluride Academy, they do.
TA’s work is deeply rooted in community. With strong partnerships across schools and nonprofits, they provide scholarships, bilingual staff, inclusive programming, and essential gear to ensure that no one is left behind. These connections strengthen our region and help us grow a generation of compassionate, capable, and connected youth.
Jason Merritt, Telluride Academy ED explains, "A key partner in this mission is the Telluride Foundation, whose long-standing support through their Community Grants Program has made our work possible. Their investment helps us reach farther, dream bigger, and serve more children each year. Together, we’re building brighter futures—one adventure at a time." |
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Hot Flashes & Bright Futures Sheds Light on Women's Health |
On Thursday, July 17th, the Telluride Foundation & Telluride Science co-hosted “Hot Flashes & Bright Futures”. Dr. Mary Claire Haver, Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, and Dr. Corinne Menn led a panel discussion to a sold-out audience, highlighting a crucial but often overlooked aspect of women’s health – menopause and perimenopause. These experts explored the latest science, strategies, and solutions for thriving through midlife and beyond – from hormone therapy and musculoskeletal health to sexual wellness, mental clarity, and whole-body vitality.
The event offered the audience an opportunity to learn and be inspired by breakthroughs in midlife health. Attendees walked away empowered with practical tools and evidence-based knowledge to navigate this transformative life stage. The evening also underscored the importance of continued advocacy and open dialogue around women’s health, helping to break long-standing stigmas and encourage proactive care. |
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Summer Donor Hikes Eider Creek to Mill Creek Loop Monday, August 11, 2025 |
There are two more opportunities to hike with fellow donors and Foundation staff. We have enjoyed exploring Ajax and the Wasatch and look forward to spending more time with you in the backcountry. Last Hike Wednesday, September 10 - Liberty Bell & Picnic at Secret Cabin
7:30am Meet at the Telluride Foundation office |
| Thermal Energy Networks Panel Discussion Wednesday, September 3, 2025 |
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Gratitude and Appreciation |
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"Not only does Telluride Foundation's financial support allow us to carry out our mission in meaningful and tangible ways every day, but they also offer so many programs to our nonprofit community to create professional development and learning opportunities that support the vitality and sustainability of the organization. "
Christin Marcos, Director of Development, Ah Haa, Telluride, CO |
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Help us grow the Telluride Foundation If you know a community member who may be interested in
becoming a donor or a volunteer please make an introduction! Contact Jason at jason@telluridefoundation.org. With your help, we can make more possible!
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About
The Telluride Foundation is committed to enriching the lives of our community members by investing in initiatives and supporting nonprofits in the region. telluridefoundation.org |
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