To amplify your impact, CFGV is your local partner
Many people are not fully aware of the extent to which charitable organizations shape everyday life in our communities. From social services to education, healthcare, and the arts, nonprofits touch nearly every aspect of quality of life here in the Gunnison Valley.
Nationwide, Americans give hundreds of billions of dollars to charity each year, supporting roughly 1.9 million organizations. These organizations often become even more essential during periods of economic uncertainty, when demand for services tends to rise just as resources can feel more constrained.
That dynamic is especially relevant as many are watching the markets closely this spring. Even the possibility of a downturn can influence financial decisions, including charitable giving. It is natural to feel more cautious. At the same time, history shows that community needs often increase during challenging economic periods—making it all the more important to stay engaged in philanthropy.
As you think about your charitable giving this year, this may be a good moment to step back and consider not only where you give, but also how you structure your giving for long-term impact. A gift to CFGV this spring uplifts the entire community, right now, and for years to come. This can take several forms, each of which plays a meaningful role.
CFGV's Annual Fund
Some donors choose to support CFGV’s operations with a gift to the Annual Fund. This type of support helps ensure that CFGV can continue serving as a trusted resource—connecting donors to causes, responding to emerging needs, and supporting nonprofit capacity building. It is an investment not only in today’s giving, but also in the long-term strength of the philanthropic infrastructure in our community.
Support for Community Grants
Other donors focus on increasing CFGV’s grantmaking resources so that more money can flow from the community foundation to nonprofits that are helping those in need, especially when times are tough. Applications are due for CFGV’s competitive annual Community Grants cycle on May 15, 2026, making right now a really great time to give. Between 2021 and 2025, CFGV increased the amount of Community Grants by 40%.
In 2025, gifts to Community Grants strengthened essential services like the Gunnison Country Food Pantry and Mountain Roots Food Project, supported healing and well‑being through organizations such as Living Journeys and Project Hope, and advanced housing stability with investments in the Valley Housing Fund. You helped protect landscapes and outdoor experiences that shape life here through the work of the Crested Butte Land Trust and High Country Conservation Advocates, while nourishing arts and culture through the Crested Butte Museum, Crested Butte Mountain Theatre, and KBUT. Through grants to the local PTAs, the school district’s Pathways Program, and the Book Bus, you fostered learning, creativity, and belonging for young people across our valley. Just as importantly, CFGV’s “more than money” approach helps strengthen nonprofits for the long term through capacity building, connection, and community leadership.
A Hybrid, Customized Approach
In many cases, donors adopt a customized strategy—continuing to support favorite organizations directly or through CFGV’s grant programs while also allocating a portion of their giving to CFGV itself. This approach can help balance personal philanthropic interests with broader community impact, creating a more resilient and adaptable giving strategy.
CFGV also offers a variety of fund types that can help you set aside money now to support your favorite Gunnison Valley causes for years, or generations, to come. It’s hard to beat the flexibility of a donor advised fund, but there are other options depending on your goals. Ashley Upchurch, CFGV’s Director of Philanthropy, can help you think through the benefits of different approaches to giving.
Sit Down with Ashley
If you’d like to set up a time to talk with Ashley about your charitable goals, send her an email or call the CFGV office at 970-641-8837
Here for Good
CFGV’s unique role is what makes any or all of these approaches so effective. As a perpetual institution governed by a local board of directors, CFGV is designed to serve the community not just today, but across generations. Our team maintains deep knowledge of local needs, works closely with nonprofit partners, and is positioned to deploy resources where they can do the greatest good over time. CFGV is your local philanthropic partner.
Especially in moments when the future feels uncertain, expanding your portfolio of giving in this way can provide an added layer of confidence. You can continue supporting the causes you care about while also strengthening CFGV’s ability to lead, respond, and make a difference—now and in the years ahead.
We are honored to work alongside you as you consider how your philanthropy can support both immediate needs and lasting impact for our entire community.
The team at CFGV is honored to serve as a resource and sounding board as you build your charitable plans and pursue your philanthropic objectives for making a difference in the community. This blog post is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisor to learn how this information might apply to your own situation.
Simplified Summary
Nonprofits shape everyday life in the Gunnison Valley. They work in social services. They work in education. They support the arts and creativity. Across the country, people give billions of dollars to charities. During times of uncertainty, people may choose not to give as much. A gift to CFGV supports the entire nonprofit community.
Giving to the “Annual Fund” supports CFGV’s operations. We connect donors with causes that matter to them. We help nonprofits learn and grow. We lead and collaborate on important community programs. You can make a gift here.
Or you can support the nonprofits by giving to Community Grants. Because of donors, CFGV has been able to increase grant funding by a lot over the last 5 years. Your gift to grants helps nonprofits uplift our community.
CFGV can also help you figure out a custom plan for giving. It might include gifts to the annual fund and grants. It might include starting a fund. Email Ashley Upchurch if you want to talk about your giving goals. We are honored to be your partner in building community in the Gunnison Valley
