CFGV Resource Library

It can sometimes be difficult to connect with people. This video from The Life Formula has tips about how to use active listening and other techniques to connect with new …

This TED Talk is from Julia Dhar, a behavioral economist and world debate champion. She shares what she has learned from research and personal experience about how to disagree in a productive way and find common …

As the divides seem to grow deeper, the art, and science, of having a constructive, tough conversation is one we seem to be losing. This TED talk from Julia Dhar offers a framework for how to successfully have constructive conversations grounded in …

This very funny TED Talk from Derek Sivers goes over the key factors to launching a movement in just under three minutes. You will probably learn something and you will definitely chuckle if you give it a …

This practical, short guide from Bonterra offers concrete steps to planning an advocacy …

This 15-minute TED talk from Daniel Posmik gives tips for how to effectively tell stories with data. Data makes stories more meaningful, and building a story around data makes that data more meaningful, …

Since its founding as part of the One Valley Prosperity Project, CFGV has been a member of the Gunnison County Community Health Coalition (CHC). Formed to address the major challenges our community faces with regards to community health and equity, we have been working with other key community partners (including representatives from the County Department of Health and Human Services, the GVH Foundation, Juvenile Services, Adult Protective Services, and Gunnison Valley Family Physicians) to improve collaboration in addressing basic needs for community members. In 2022, the CHC released the State of the Community Report that examined behavioral health and community challenges. The findings were quite alarming and have helped inform community investments made in behavioral health and other …

2024 Salary Survey results to nonprofit organizations in Gunnison County.

In 2025, CFGV and partners undertook the first community-wide Gunnison Valley Salary & Benefits Survey to better understand local compensation practices across all sectors.

Workshopper offers this guide called “8 Essential Skills of an Effective Facilitator (and How to Improve Them!).” This very clear, usable short article includes a couple of embedded videos from …

Nonprofits are one leg of the “three-legged stool” that supports our society in the United States of America. This article gives an overview of why nonprofits …

Community Foundation Gunnison Valley’s YouTube Channel with board resources.

Community Foundation Gunnison Valley’s YouTube Channel with board resources.

Community Foundation Gunnison Valley’s YouTube Channel with board resources.

Website supporting boards and chief executives

Science professors Carl Bergstrom and Jevin West “give us the tools to dismantle misinformation and think clearly in a world of fake news and bad …

This book from Carolyn Dewar et al will help you understand how the best leaders think and approach …

If you’re the kind of person who likes the truly big picture perspective, this book was published in the 1830’s, looking at how democracy in the United States is unique, and also sets the scene for the proliferation of …

Sometimes it seems like “progress” is glacial and you want to give up. Melinda Gates says: “It … explains why progress is so often secret and silent and teaches readers how to see it …

Sometimes change starts in small ways years before it ever becomes a generally accepted reality. In The Tipping Point, learn how you can lay foundations for change with a long …

This is a clear, succinct book for people interested in unnderstanding how local government works. This book focuses on the basic characteristics shared by local …

This book by Tim Urban offers a new way of approaching complex …

Template examples to bring your current or most recent year budget to actual and a sample budget for project grants.

Meet Cinthia Saenz, real-life relationship master and community leader. Cinthia has long been an advocate in the Gunnison community. Click download to learn how she has had an impact on the Gunnison …

The City of Gunnison undergoes a public budgeting process every year. You can find current and past budgets on the City’s Finance Department …

A lot of your general questions about the city of Gunnison may be answered on the city’s website. If you can’t find the answer to your question, they offer a form to ask a question. If you prefer to talk to someone at the city, you can call the main phone number at …

The Gunnison City Council meets at 5:30 P.M. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month in the council chambers of City Hall. Meeting agendas and minutes from past meetings are available on their website. If you would like to appear on an agenda, please contact the City Clerk at …

The City of Gunnison has a number of departments. Each is in charge of a different aspect of city government and/or services. You can find a list, a description of what each one does, and their phone numbers on the city’s website. Click the download button go to that …

Meet Cole Cooper, real-life architect/analyst and community leader. Cole is a researcher who uses data to bring about change in the …

Examine the housing challenges our community is facing and establish shared understanding as a baseline from which local municipalities, nonprofits, and other community-based organizations can work toward solutions.

This article from Brightest offers a framework for getting started as a community organizer. Community organizing is a tool with a proven track record of success in building unity and solidarity around a cause then activating that group to work together and bring about …

There are federal laws and policies; there are state laws and policies; and there are local ordinances and policies. This Civic Engagement Toolkit primarily discusses Government County but it’s important to understand the ultimate framework within which government …

Website with articles, education, events, and resources for board members.

Meet Dave Wiens, real-life spontaneous motivator and community leader. Dave has decades of involvement in trail work and recreation advocacy under his belt and it’s all built on his ability to bridge divides and motivate people to work together. Click download to learn his secret to getting things …

Effective meetings require a common understanding of a set of ground rules. This article from Roger Schwarz & Associates offers not only important ground rules, but also advice for how to inplement the ground rules in a way that will be effective for your …

This practical, short guide from Move On has tips for finding people to sign your …

Information about Government Grants and loans as well as scams to watch for.

Information about government grants and loans.

An introduction to the Great Governance Series which discuss best practices for nonprofit excellence.

Seminar 1: Learn about the essential duties that a board member must fulfill, and how to build a governing board that ensures organizational health and sustainability.

Giving programs, giving campaigns, estate planning, planned giving, identifying prospects, bequest language, tips for asking for money.

Organization succession planning and executive transition.

Executive Directors, Treasurers, and all Board Members are responsible for knowing best practices regarding financial oversight.

Great Strategic Planning for Mission Impact  participants will gain understanding of all the strategic planning guideposts in Principles and Practices for Nonprofit  Excellence and more.

This workshop is intended for organizations of all sizes, as the principles of HR are relevant for a board president working with a single staff member; a director working with a very small number of staff; or a director of a large-staff organization.

Crafting a Strategic Plan.

Collective Impact Seminar.

Download a nonprofit business plan template. GrowThink will guide you through the essential elements of a nonprofit business plan.

La Guía de Recursos Básicas puede ayudar siestás tratando de llegar a fin de mes, eres un inmigrante, un anciano, un padre, un veterano, o solamente quieres aprender más sobre los varios recursos disponibles en el Valle de Gunnison.

Reviewing an organization’s budget is a great way to learn a lot about their priorities. Every year, Gunnison County goes through a public budgeting process in the fall including a public work session and a public …

Ultimately, decisions in Gunnison County are made by the three people on the Board of County Commissioners. These people are elected by voters in Gunnison County. Each month they typically have 2 regular meetings at which they vote,with work sessions between. Sessions begin at 8:30 on Tuesdays and may last all day. If you go here you can learn a bit about the Commissioners, find their emails and phone numbers, find a calendar of their meetings so that you can attend, find agendas, and find records and recordings of past meetings. The public is always welcome to attend meetings except when the officials are discussing personnel or other sensitive matters. Typically there’s a designated time on the agenda for public input, and there is likely to be a formal time limit. If websites don’t describe how to get on the agenda, contact the County clerk. Elected officials address laws, ordinances and policies. It may be that your concern can be best addressed by a specific office or department, so we suggest you start …

There are many advisory groups to the Gunnison County Commissioners, called “commissions.” What are these commissions, how do you get appointed to them, who is on them and when do their terms end? You may have a special interest or expertise and might want to start your engagement via one of these. Members of Commissions are appointed, not elected. Vacancies are advertised in the newspapers and on the …

Consult the Gunnison County Elections office to learn how to register to vote, how to vote, and what upcoming elections …

If you’ve ever wondered how your local government is organized for Gunnison County, we recommend you check out the Gunnison County Org Chart. It’s a clear and simplified chart that shows the different departments in county government, who reports to whom, and which positions are elected. Next, if you look here, you can click on the departments and find out what they do and their individual phone …

In late 2024 and early 2025, CFGV worked with Triple Point Strategic Consulting and Gunnison County Juvenile Services to produce an update to the original 2022 State of the Community Report. Narrowing the focus to fewer metrics allowed the team to reexamine some key findings of the original report and gauge our community’s progress. Like with the 2022 version, this updated report gives us areas of focus that can guide community investment over the next few years. Thank you to Crested Butte Mountain Resort and Vail Resorts EPICPromise for supporting this important …

There are 46 taxing authorities in Gunnison County like Gunnison Watershed School District, the Gunnison County Libraries, MetRec, Gunnison Valley Health, the Upper Gunnison Water Conservancy District, fire protection districts, the cemetery district and many more. They are supported at least in part by taxes or other public funds. Some – like the school district – are governed by people who are elected. Some – like the hospital – are governed by boards appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. Some – like the Upper Gunnison Water Conservancy District – are governed by individuals appointed by the Gunnison District Judge of the 7th Judicial District. The download button on this page will take you to a complete list of 46 taxing authorities. Gunnison County is very large, and includes places like Pitkin, Somerset and Marble which aren’t incorporated municipalities but are able to receive some tax money. If any of the listed entities is of interest, locate their website or contact the Gunnison County Assessor’s Office to learn how to contact …

Each month the Gunnison Police Department posts a report offering a one-page summary in English and Spanish that includes the number and types of calls the department …

The Basic Needs Guide may be helpful if you are trying to make ends meet, an immigrant, a senior, a parent, a veteran, or just want to learn more about the myriad of resources available in the Gunnison Valley.

Consider what you love about the Gunnison Valley. Is it our open spaces and public lands? Our vibrant, creative communities? Education, mentorship, and recreation for youth or the way we care for pets needing homes? What about how organizations step in to fill gaps in serving community members’ basic needs like food, homes, and connection? Whatever it is you love about this place, your generous support of local nonprofits, including the Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley, uplifts our entire community. Thank you. There are many ways to make a legacy gift in the Gunnison Valley. This overview walks you through some of the options and gives you advice on next steps you can take to keep your love of the Gunnison Valley alive, …

The Gunnison Valley is currently home to nearly 100 local and regional nonprofits. Each organization has a unique role to play in the tapestry of our community. You can sort the list by category and find addresses, websites, email addresses, and phone numbers for the different …

Website for the most pressing topics facing business today. Information about management, leadership, strategy, managing teams, and more.

In this article by Gustavo Razzetti, you’ll learn concrete steps for helping create a culture of safety in your workplace or among your group so your teammates feel comfortable speaking …

Joining a board can be a great way to serve the community and give back, but it also comes with significant responsibilities. This article from OnBoard Meetings walks you through the steps to join a nonprofit …

This video from Lead with Words offers tips on how to improve communications among a team with people from different cultures. While most examples are from business, the advice is relevant to …

This article from Brightest offers a sample agenda and best practices for hosting a kickoff meeting to advocate for a …

A petition is a tool that has been used by people seeking change in their communities for decades, or maybe even centuries. The internet makes it even easier to secure support for petitions. Change.org has become a popular tool for people to publicize and secure signatures from people for their petitions and they’ve developed this ultimate guide for starting a …

Colorado nonprofit startup guide.

This resource from the Center for Community Health and Development at the University of Kansas offers a detailed guide for how to develop a plan to influence policy development and …

Join LinkedIn (the world’s largest professional network) . . . and then join some of their discussion groups!

Meet Lauren Koelliker, real-life driver and community leader. Lauren has worked in a variety of roles in the community, including as a teacher, an elected official, and an nonprofit executive director. Across all of these roles, she has consistently shown a capacity to set goals, develop plans, and execute on those plans to achieve those …

Gunnison County and each of our local municipalities have strategic plans. Most other big entities, such as Gunnison Valley Health, the Gunnison County Library District, MetRec, the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District, Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley, etc., have plans which are often available on their websites. Find out how the change you seek may or may not be addressed in current strategic plans so you have a context for your work. Here is a list of current strategic plans for Gunnison County and the three municipalities in the Gunnison Valley: Gunnison County Strategic Plan, adopted 2024 City of Gunnison Strategic Framework, adopted 2024 Town of Crested Butte “Community Compass,” adopted 2022 Town of Mt. Crested Butte Strategic Plan, adopted …

Online article with insights on For-Profit and Nonprofit boards of directors.

A comprehensive list of Nonprofit Network Meetings and Trainings from 2014 – 2022. Summaries and/or resources from the meetings are listed by date and title.

Website about current nonprofit issues.

Browse CFGV Nonprofit Resource Library titles at Gunnison County Library.

Nonprofit Resources for Evaluation.

There are basic requirements and rules involved in running for federal, state, county, or municipal office. The Colorado Secretary of State’s website offers a hub of information for people interested in running for political offices at all levels of …

The Self-Sufficiency Standard is a project of the Center for Women’s Welfare at University of Washington. This “budget-based, living wage measure” calculates the actual cost of living for many different types of families and you can look at it by …

This practical, and brief, guide from Integration and Implementation Insights offers tips (and some points of caution) for how to influence public policy with research and data. It includes advice on networking, adapting to opportunities, and other important information, especially for academics who want to influence policy …

The latest news, advice, opinions, webinars, events, data, and more about the world of philanthropy.

In this article from GoodParty.org, McKayla Girardin gives an overview of what motivates voters to show up to the …

In this article by Thomas Miller and Michelle Kobayashi from International City/County Management Association (ICMA), you will learn “why surveys are valuable for finding out what residents want and need.” It offers guidance for designing a credible survey and ensuring you get worthwhile results so you actually understand what is important to people in your …

The Public Affairs Council published this brief article with tips on how to use storytelling to effectively communicate policy …

She successfully owned, operated, and exited her first company and has since been dedicated to fostering ingrained cultural values for innovation and entrepreneurship.

As a librarian, Drew is focused on furthering individual discovery and lifelong learning by championing intellectual freedom and a democracy of culture.

Ian has been the Executive Director of RMBL since 2000, building a scientific institution serving field scientists and students.

How communities pursue durable social changes, especially structural ones meant to boost people’s mental and physical well-being.

Filmed live at the Gunnison Arts Center, night one of two of CFGV’s inaugural TICtalks, featuring Drew Brookhart, Delaney Keating, Ian Billick, and Matt Aronson.

Chris Cappy is a change management expert, educator, entrepreneur, executive coach, and curator of learning experiences that develop high performing teams.

As an award-winning developer and place maker, Jeff Hermanson has directed transformative projects for more than four decades.

Jeni is an advocate and strong believer of industry collaborations and real-world projects for students, supporting community initiatives as well as student experiences.

Dr. John Hausdoerffer is an author, teacher, philosopher, and organizational founder who lives in Mt Crested Butte, CO.

Filmed live at the Center for the Arts in Crested Butte, night two of two of CFGV’s inaugural TICtalks, featuring Chris Cappy, Jenifer Blacklock, Jeff Hermanson, and John Hausdoerffer.

Anna Coburn’s “Wildish” podcast explores the controversial and complicated world of wild horses and burros roaming the Western United States. She is a range technician for the US Forest Service.

Jonathan has been channeling his efforts into pioneering research focused on enhancing the ecological resilience of landscapes through strategic forest management.

Quincy Knight is excited to honor that lifestyle and landscape with the written word through the Woman of the Land project.

James Calabaza is Director of the Indigenous Lands Program at Trees, Water & People. James engages and works with U.S. Tribal Nations in the American Southwest.

Glo has been a part of over 40 non-profits either through volunteering at events, on boards, being a member or helping to create or start many events and non-profits.

Doug Tredway has had many adventures during his life in Gunnison and abroad. He lives life large, travels widely, is involved in the community, and enjoys the many activities available to him.

As owner/editor of a newspaper in Crested Butte George realized that journalism is more interesting when you can write about things that could or should happen…

Colorado-born Ronda Connaway’s time in the Gunnison Valley – to which she came in 1994 – has been marked by public service and community activism. 

A letter to the editor can be a great way to advocate for your cause or motivate people who share your beliefs to join you. This article from goodparty.org offers tips for writing an effective letter to the …

Congratulations on being elected or appointed to a board, commission, or council! Now, what can you expect? GovPilot shared this article with tips and advice for what to expect in your new …

The Town of Crested Butte goes through a public budgeting process every year. You can find information about the budget on the town’s …

The Crested Butte Town Council meets at 7 P.M. on the first and third Mondays of each month. Each meeting opens with a public comment period for members of the public to speak with the council about any topic that is not on the agenda for that meeting. You can find Council Packets and the Minutes for their meetings on their …

To get involved with local government in Crested Butte, you need to know what its offices are, who makes decisions, and what the decision-making process is so that you can craft the right approach. It’s smart to attend town council meetings to get a “feel” for the process even if the meetings aren’t about something you are interested in. The public is welcome except for meetings about personnel or other sensitive issues. The town’s website is comprehensive and transparent. Spending time on the website is the first important place to …

The Town of Mt. Crested Butte goes through an annual budgeting process in the …

The Mt. Crested Butte Town Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6 P.M. You can find Agendas, Minutes, and Meeting Packets as well as links to recordings of the meetings on the town’s …

You can access census data from 2022 at census.gov. The links below are for Gunnison County: Social Characteristics Economic Characteristics Housing Characteristics Demographic …

“Civic engagement” can refer to participating in your government or participating in the nearly 100 nonprofits here. You can be involved in many ways: attend and speak at public meetings serve on a board or public commission run for elected office or work for a candidate organize and advocate for a cause you care about This two-minute video gives a great overview of what civic engagement is and why anyone can, and should, get more engaged with their …

In this article, Chris Hsiung writes for ICMA about how social media can, and should, be used as a communication …