2025 Volunteer of the Year |
The Telluride Foundation is honored to announce its 2025 Volunteer of the Year recipient, Barbara Hinterkopf (Awarded posthumously).
Barbara Hinterkopf’s dedication to education, equity, and the empowerment of young women left an enduring impact on the Telluride community and beyond. As President of SPARKy, Barbara championed access to higher education for first-generation Latinas by leading the Latina Scholarship Fund, mentoring students, and ensuring they felt supported both financially and emotionally.
Barbara went far beyond traditional volunteer service—she believed in each student’s potential and never gave up on them. Whether guiding young women through SAT prep, checking in with college students, or comforting a student overwhelmed by financial aid concerns, she was always present and compassionate. In addition to her work with SPARKy, Barbara was a founding board member of CARE Elementary School and supported local arts and education initiatives, including the Ah Haa School’s capital campaign. Her efforts have helped hundreds of students realize their academic and personal goals.
We are honored to present this posthumous Volunteer of the Year Award to Barbara Hinterkopf in recognition of her extraordinary service, leadership, and lasting legacy. Her spirit continues to uplift the community she served so passionately. A community celebration is being planned for early January. |
Health & Human Services - Skippy Keeps Kids Smiling |
For over 15 years, Tri-County Health Network (TCHN) has provided high-quality, school-based preventive dental care through its SKIPPY Dental Program to more than 7,000 children across 16 rural schools in San Miguel, Montrose, Ouray, Delta, and West End communities. Each year, the program reaches approximately 250 children, ensuring they receive the dental care they need without having to travel hours or miss school. In communities like Naturita, where the nearest dentist is over 90 miles away, SKIPPY closes a critical gap in healthcare.
The real impact of SKIPPY is best captured through stories like this: Two siblings, one in the 5th grade and the other younger, had never been to the dentist. They were nervous, full of questions, and curious about every tool. The hygienist took time to teach them how cavities form and how to brush and floss at home. When SKIPPY returned in the spring, the boy shouted, "I remember you!" He couldn’t wait to share how he’d been taking care of his teeth. His sister said her favorite part was the "tooth tickler". Both left their appointments feeling proud and empowered.” TCHN hears stories like this every clinic day.
With support from local partners and the generosity of donors, SKIPPY is building a future where every child has access to care, confidence, and a healthy smile. |
Economic Empowerment: Yeehaw! Coffee Cowboy Opens Another Location |
The Coffee Cowboy has officially opened its second location—and the Telluride Venture Network (TVN) is proud to have played a small role in making that dream a reality. The beloved local institution received a loan from the TVN Loan Fund, and owners Scott Keating and Hailey Arnold also participate in TVN’s mentorship program.
When asked what inspired the expansion, Scott shared: "We've always wanted a space to invite people in and create a cozy coffee shop vibe. The Cart is a great outdoor, to-go business, but on rainy days, the low traffic is a bummer, and Telluride has few places to gather and hang with friends. It was only fitting for our soft opening to be on a rainy September weekend!” Scott also expressed his gratitude for the support received from TVN: "The mentorship program has been stellar. We’ve been connected with such talented, experienced people—our team is stacked! And being among the first recipients of the new loan fund made all the difference when we were scratching for funding to get this location off the ground."
Through acceleration boot camps, mentorship, and access to capital, TVN provides resources typically unavailable in rural communities, helping support founders and small business owners across southwest Colorado. TVN has made loans totaling $100K to Coffee Cowboy, Disco Swell, Dolce Casa, and Telluride Moto, and aims to raise an additional $90K to support future lending. If you are interested in contributing or learning more, please contact Program Director Annemarie Jodlowski.
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Health & Human Services: First Executive Director Hired Amid Fresh Foundation Transition |
The Fresh Foundation (aka the Fresh Food Hub "Hub"), a Norwood-based nonprofit, operates eight integrated programs, including the Norwood Food Pantry, that expand food access, reduce food insecurity, and support local agriculture. Together, these efforts help build a more resilient food system and healthier rural communities. Serving as a food hub for the West End of San Miguel County—an area officially designated as a food desert—the organization is a vital resource for hundreds of families.
The Hub's efforts play a critical role as demand for its services continues to grow. Rising housing, healthcare, and grocery costs—paired with funding cuts to food assistance programs—are putting significant stress on local families. In the past nine months alone, the Norwood Food Pantry has supported over 500 households with supplemental groceries across the West End. For much of the past decade, the Hub has been sustained largely by volunteers. As its programs have grown, volunteer capacity has reached its limits—creating the need for a full-time Executive Director. In July, the organization hired Stephanie Griebe for the role, only to learn soon after that the Pantry would need to relocate from its space at Norwood Public School before the end of the year. Securing a new location has since become the top priority. Over the past two months, the Hub has evaluated more than 20 properties; however, options in Norwood are limited, with most requiring costly upgrades and higher rent. In the meantime, the San Miguel County BOCC approved emergency funding to help cover moving expenses and additional costs. |
Telluride Education Foundation: Plans to Fund Key Positions |
The Telluride Education Foundation (TEF) is an all-volunteer-run nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Telluride School District. Since its founding, TEF has invested over $1.3 million in local schools, directly benefiting more than 1,000 teachers, educators, and students through its grant programs. A hallmark of TEF’s support is experiential learning, like the hands-on science lab pictured above, and innovative classroom initiatives that enrich the educational experience.
TEF is kicking off the year with a very ambitious goal to support the school community: to raise $250,000 to continue funding the school’s social and behavioral health and literacy departments, as well as to maintain its longstanding grant support to teachers and students. Due to federal and state cuts, critical behavioral health and literacy positions were eliminated, and the District does not expect this funding to be reinstated, despite the ongoing student need for these essential positions.
TEF’s fundraising initiatives this year include a fall raffle for Wagner Skis and a ski pass, as well as a silent auction during the holiday gift-giving season. In addition, it will continue to organize community events, such as the Halloween Festival with Haunted House, Me and My VIP Dance, Ice-Skating party, and Telluride‘s Got Talent. TEF will continue to build on the successes of last year’s inaugural School Supper Club and Party in Town Park by organizing those events again for the spring. TEF welcomes the community to support its fundraisers and attend its events. For more information and/or to get involved, please contact telluridewer1@gmail.com
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Naturita Community Library: Outdoor Education Program Expansion |
With continued support from the Telluride Foundation, the Naturita Community Library has significantly expanded its outdoor educational programming, bringing the rich archaeological and geological history of the West End to life for both residents and visitors. In collaboration with Urraca Archaeological Services and local archaeologist and geologist Glade Hadden, the library introduced two new guided hikes: the Cottonwood Panel Hike near Mesa Creek and the Roc Creek Trail. Both excursions explore stunning petroglyph sites and have reached maximum participation, prompting the library to add additional dates to accommodate waitlisted participants.
Looking ahead, the library plans to offer multi-day archaeological rafting trips along the Dolores River, guided by Hadden. These expeditions will explore the geology, petroglyphs, and cultural heritage of the ancient peoples who once inhabited both sides of the river. Additionally, the library’s Summer Literacy Program saw a resurgence. In partnership with West End Family Link and URRACA, the program included a geological field trip to Bedrock, where 15 children enjoyed rock hounding, gold panning, and stone polishing with lapidary artist Jesse Sutherland. Program hours expanded from 1.5 to 8 hours daily, offering full-day educational adventures, meals, and plenty of fun. With an overwhelmingly positive response from the community, the library looks forward to building upon these successes. |
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25th Anniversary Celebration |
On August 1st, the Telluride Foundation celebrated its 25th Anniversary at Oak Street Gondola Plaza, attended by over 500 community members, nonprofit partners, board members, and friends. It was an inspiring evening recognizing our legacy, including Ron Allred, who helped launch the Foundation, and Paul Major, who served as CEO for 20 years.
The celebration featured performances by several nonprofits and a recital of the original poem "Sustenance" by San Miguel County Poet Laureate Emeritus. Thank you to all who attended, supported, and celebrated—you made the evening truly special. Here’s to the next 25 years of impact, collaboration, and community. |
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On August 3, the Chang Chavkin Scholars Program hosted its annual gathering at the Sherbino Theatre in Ridgway. Each year, the program welcomes scholars and their families to celebrate the achievements of its students. This year’s event featured Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, who inspired the audience by sharing her journey from growing up in a rural community to becoming the first in her family to graduate from college.
Several Chang Chavkin alumni attended, including Ana Biolichini of Ouray, who spoke about the program’s life-changing impact on her journey. “Thank you, Arnie and Laura, for this opportunity. I would not be where I am today without it,” she shared. | |
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On September 3rd, the Telluride Foundation, Cornet Creek Foundation, EcoAction Partners, and Telluride Science co-hosted a panel discussion on Thermal Energy Networks at the Telluride Innovation Center. The panelists brought a wealth of knowledge and perspectives on thermal energy networks and the deployment of projects across the USA. Rounding out the presentations, Teal Stetson-Lee, Chairwoman of the Rico Geothermal Coalition, provided updates on local studies and projects in Rico.
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| Solving the Dual Challenge |
Telluride Foundation and Telluride Science helped kick off the OpenMinds Impact Summit by hosting presentations by the OpenMinds' NextGen leaders on September 25th. The bold projects offered a lens into the work being done to tackle the Dual Challenge of more energy and less emissions —fast. The presentations showcased challenges and solutions in the areas of nuclear, geothermal, methane abatement, battery-powered HVAC, carbon capture and sequestration (CCUS), and the creation of a scorecard to track progress toward advancing solutions to the dual challenge. |
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Facing Wildfire Risk in Ouray County Thursday, October 9, 2025 |
As wildfires and other climate related natural disasters become more frequent and severe, how can Ouray County prepare and adapt to this new reality?
Join the Telluride Foundation, the West Region Wildfire Council, and the Sherbino for a free event to learn about the wildfire risk in Western Colorado. Following a brief film about the Log Hill project, a panel discussion will address the evolving landscape of wildfire-related insurance challenges in Colorado, strategic mitigation planning at the homeowner and community levels, and the role of local government in coordinating preparedness and response.
Featured panelists include: Aaron Johnson - West Region Wildfire Council
Jason Lapham - Colorado Division of Insurance Jake Niece, Ouray County Commissioner 6:00pm The Sherbino in Ridgway |
| Harvest Celebration Dinner Saturday
October 11, 2025 |
Don your weekend best and dancing shoes and come on over for a special evening of fun. This annual community event features local cuisine, a silent auction, a cash bar, and plenty of dancing to the tunes of the famed Gold Kings! Tickets are $50 ($45 for two or more). Proceeds benefit the Lone Cone Legacy Trust, which funds grants for Wright's Mesa. 5:30pm - 9:00pm The Livery 1555 Summit Street Norwood, CO |
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Path to Homeownership: Mountain Edition Tuesday, October 14, 2025 |
Buying a home in the Telluride region can feel impossible. Prices are high, interest rates are challenging—but there are programs designed to help local workers and families achieve homeownership.
Join the Telluride Foundation for a free 2-hour seminar that will guide you through the steps. Learn about regional programs, how deed restrictions and lotteries work, financing strategies and down payment assistance, and upcoming workforce housing projects. 5:00pm - 7:00pm Wilkinson Library Program Room |
| Leveraging AI in Grant Writing Tuesday, November 5, 2025 |
Level up your grant writing skills with tips from ThinkSharp! Consulting. Learn the basics of AI, explore platforms, and grant-specific tools, benefits, and cautions of using AI in the grant process, insights from Colorado funders, and hands-on practice with prompts you can take back to your organization. This workshop is free and open to the public, offered in person or via Zoom. 10:00 am - 12:00pm Wilkinson Library Program Room |
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Gratitude and Appreciation |
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"The Telluride Foundation has been a game-changer for our soccer community! Their support through grants has enabled every child, regardless of their financial background, to participate in our programs. Thanks to their tuition assistance, we've never had to turn away a family, and up to 75% of tuition costs are covered for those in need. Additionally, their funding supports our cultural liaison, who assists our English Language Learners with registration."
Andrew Brachle, Former Executive Director, Telluride Youth Soccer Club
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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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