Building Community for All in the Gunnison Valley

There is no question that the Gunnison Valley is a vibrant community. Nonprofits and community-building organizations support that vibrancy in many ways. In 2023, our annual competitive Community Grants cycle invested nearly $175,000 in building a stronger Gunnison Valley through grants made to organizations working locally. Most grants go to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, however, we also grant to other community-building organizations that are largely financed through grants and donations or are providing a community service or benefit.

Below, we share stories from two more 2023 Community Grants recipients who are both building a more welcoming, connected Gunnison Valley.

Crested Butte Wildflower Festival

Photo by David Kish

Founded in 1986, the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival was established to celebrate the beauty of the mountain and alpine wildflower environments in and around the Gunnison Valley, and to promote Crested Butte as a summer visitor destination. In 1990 the state of Colorado recognized the uniqueness of this valley and its abundant annual wildflower displays by declaring Crested Butte the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado.” This 501(c)3 organization has since grown from a small weekend event run by a few volunteers to a 10-day Festival employing over 40 event leaders who help advocate for the preservation and appreciation of wildflowers. Through their events, they hope to instill both awareness and admiration of our interdependence with natural wildflower habitats. To learn more, view their event calendar, and register for events, visit CrestedButteWildflowerFestival.org

They shared this wonderful story from a participant who first joined the Festival virtually in 2020:

In 2020 I joined the Festival as a Member and took several online classes. As a person with a significant walking disability, and in a wheelchair, I was able to experience an alpine hike virtually for the first time. I moved my arms as if hiking the trail while the instructor explained the flora. It was so much fun! This year, my husband and I attended the Wildflower Festival in Crested Butte in person. He assisted me to wheel through the Historical Gardens tour with two excellent, entertaining guides. (…) The other online course I took was “Nature Journaling” with Judith Cassel-Mamet. She is a very talented engaging instructor. I learned so much and had fun. Judith goes the extra mile to assist with obtaining supplies and personal instruction to each student. I’ll take more of her courses. Thank you for all the work it took to provide the Festival (…) It was fantastic!

Wellness Elevated at Western Colorado University

Wellness Elevated serves residents in Gunnison County, many referred by their physician, who are in recovery from cognitive impairments, diabetes, cardiac and pulmonary disorders, musculoskeletal impairments, and mental health conditions. Western’s facility provides a safe environment to help them maintain their physical health coordinated by expert clinicians. The program focuses on the individual to ensure their participation, regardless of their financial status, which means the program serves a diverse population in age, gender, lifestyle, income, and specific need. It also allows students in the Exercise & Sport Science (ESS) program to have hands-on experience with clients while collecting scientific data. Wellness Elevated began with one referring physician and eight clients in 2015 and quickly grew 738% within its first 5 years. Wellness Elevated now serves over 21 referring physicians and an average of 50+ clients each semester and has to-date served over 425 individuals.

They shared this story of one client who has found friendship and connection through Wellness Elevated:

Richard, a gentle and reserved man, has recently relocated to Gunnison following the passing of his wife. Despite the challenges he’s faced, he remains remarkably kind-hearted and uplifting. He has shown up every day for the Elevated Wellness Program and has described how much he enjoys leaving his house and moving his body. Richard’s commitment to exercising regularly has helped him build muscle, showing how determined he is to improve his health and feel better overall. In the midst of his grief, Richard has discovered the transformative power of exercise which has proven immensely beneficial for both his physical and emotional well-being. Moreover, the connections he’s forged within the wellness community have provided him with much-needed support and companionship.

Join us at Here for Good

In 2024, thanks to the generous support of CFGV donors we awarded a record $200,000 in Community Grants. Join us at the Center for the Arts in Crested Butte on August 21 from 3:30-6 p.m. to celebrate 2024 grantees, connect with others who support a vibrant Gunnison Valley, and be entered in a drawing to award the nonprofit of the winner’s choice a bonus $1,000 grant.