The Community Grants Program offered by the Telluride Foundation is a long-standing initiative aimed at supporting local organizations aligned with the foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life for residents in the Telluride region. With over 25 years of philanthropic engagement, the Foundation prioritizes sustainable, outcome-oriented nonprofit work and fosters the financial health and accountability of community-serving organizations.
This annual, competitive grant program focuses on seven key areas: early childhood development, education, environment and climate, arts and culture, health, human services, and athletics. The goal is to support projects that enhance child school readiness, promote lifelong learning, preserve natural resources, foster inclusive and engaging cultural experiences, improve community health, provide social safety nets, and encourage life-skills through sports. Grants are awarded once annually in December, with disbursements made throughout the following year.
Applications are reviewed by the Telluride Foundation’s Grants Committee, comprising 10 members from the Executive Board and Leadership Council. The Committee evaluates proposals based on alignment with the Foundation’s mission, outcome metrics, and the financial health of the applying nonprofit. Recommendations are then submitted to the full Executive Board and Leadership Council for final approval at the December meeting. Foundation staff manage the logistics of the grant process but do not have voting power.
The 2025 application deadline is September 29th at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online portal, which can be accessed via their Community Grants Guidelines page. A webinar detailing the application process was held on August 20th; applicants can access the recording and slide deck for additional guidance.
The program is open to local nonprofits operating within the Telluride region. While the Foundation’s website does not specify ineligible activities or organizations, applicants should ensure their missions and programs fall within the stated priority areas and community-focused framework. Contact information for the Foundation is provided, including a general phone number and email address.
Given its annual cadence, the Community Grants Program is a recurring opportunity with a consistent fall deadline. Applicants are advised to begin preparation early, review the webinar materials, and ensure alignment with the foundation's targeted impact areas to improve their chances of success.
Strongly encourage webinar participation and modest requests for first-time applicants; emphasize financial stability and alignment with community needs.
