What is community? Beautiful surroundings, great place to raise a family or retire, fun and interesting things to do…absolutely. But community is more than that. It’s people. It’s caring for each other. And it’s giving back and getting involved. Here in Summit County, we have a long history of giving back. If you are new to our community, or an existing resident, we hope you will join us all in making sure that tradition continues. Below are some local resources to help you Give Like A Local.

Each year, we give out over $1.5M in grants to support local nonprofits. We are fortunate to have such a caring community supported by so many nonprofits.

Here's a list of local nonprofits that we've supported over the years. Select a nonprofit to learn more about volunteer opportunities and upcoming events:

Volunteer Opportunities:

Habitat For Humanity is looking for volunteers! For volunteer opportunities, check out their website HERE

Far View Horse Rescue: Our Rescues NEED you!! We are looking for some volunteers to help us out at the Far View Horse Rescue in Fairplay, CO. Looking for individuals that could do something on both a regular basis _2-4 shifts/month AND/OR help here and there! PLEASE call/text Laura at 970-333-7353 if you can support! Our goal is provide each volunteer with an experience that connects them to our rescue horses and keeps you coming back. We also provide ongoing training and clinic opportunities to help develop horsemanship skills that will allow volunteers, that are interested in working with the horses. Consider joining this amazing non-profit (100% volunteer run) organization today!

Eagle Summit Wilderness Alliance: Eagle Summit Wilderness Alliance is an all-volunteer organization committed to the health and preservation of the three Wilderness Areas located in Eagle and Summit Counties, Colorado - Eagles Nest, Holy Cross, and Ptarmigan Peak. They help the US Forest Service look after these Wilderness Areas. While they contain some remote and rugged terrain, they are nevertheless fragile ecosystems that are slow to heal and are being "loved to death." More than 50,000 visitors hiked on one trail alone in Eagles Nest in 2020!

They offer many volunteer opportunities, which you can find HERE
Upcoming volunteer opportunities:

Contact: jimofcolorado@gmail.com if you are interested and to find out more information.

Blue River Horse Center: Blue River Horse Center offers the opportunity to volunteer with rescued horses who are being rehabilitated for adoption. No previous horse experience is necessary, they can train you in horsemanship whilst developing your self awareness and confidence. And if you want to help with Ranch maintenance and repairs but not be hands on with horses they have work for you! Check out their website for ways you can get involved HERE

ReSaddled Thrift store, which supports the Blue River Horse Center, needs volunteers to help sort donations, work in the store , tidy, help shoppers and donors and merchandise the donations we have. We can be flexible with an hour here and there, a regular schedule and even Community Service. 252 Warren Ave, Silverthorne, 80497

Friends of the Dillon Ranger District: There are a number of volunteer opportunities this summer with FDRD. Be sure to check out their volunteer opportunity page for a calendar of events. Click HERE

FIRC: YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU! FIRC's Food Market helped 685 families save up to $400 a month in fresh groceries from March 2020 to April 2021. Help us continue providing to our community by volunteering. Please click HERE

The Summit Foundation: The Summit Foundation offers a variety of services through our Nonprofit Resources for Grantees (NRG) program. This program enhances the leadership and capacity of our local nonprofits, while offering essential partnerships and expertise. Part of our NRG program includes an Executive Volunteer Corps, which we match high-level volunteer expertise with nonprofit leaders for short-term assistance and project-based advice. If you are interested in learning more, reach out to our Program Manager, Tara.

Blue River Watershed Group: The BRWG is hosting a river clean up on August 28th from 9am-noon. Volunteers can sign up as a team lead, group of volunteers, or individual volunteer. Groups will be assigned to a team lead and then assigned to a stretch of the Blue River or a tributary. For more info, check out their website www.blueriverwatershed.org

If your nonprofit organization has an upcoming volunteer opportunity that you would like us to share, please EMAIL us!!

Are you a new resident to Summit County? Welcome! We are glad you are here. Click HERE to receive your welcome gift on behalf of The Summit Foundation.