Deep Roots. New Trails. Our 2026–2029 Strategic Plan.
The Summit Foundation is where anyone who wants to make a difference knows to start. Where everyone who loves Summit County knows they belong. Our 2026–2029 Strategic Plan is a roadmap for the next chapter: grounded in 40 years of community investment, and designed for the decades ahead. It's built on three commitments...
Inspiring Philanthropy, Investing in Community, and Innovating for the Future.
Mission
We enrich and improve the lives of the people and communities we serve.
Vision
To build a thriving community through enduring and innovative philanthropic leadership.
Read the full plan
Our vision for Summit County
Three commitments guiding 2026–2029
What's ahead under each commitment
Voices from local philanthropists and community leaders
Growing who gives, how they give, and why it matters.
Philanthropy in Summit County runs deep. Our job is to make it a central part of our local culture — approachable, normalized, open to everyone. A community where anyone can proudly say: "I am a philanthropist."
Youth programs that put real grantmaking in the hands of the next generation
Giving circles that bring neighbors together around shared purpose
Business engagement that makes every employee part of the community
Storytelling that makes generosity visible across Summit County
"I can't give much money, but I show up. I fundraise for my school and pick up trash on the trails. I want to give back in bigger ways but what I'm doing right now counts." — Anna, Middle School Student
2
Investing in Community
Behind every strong nonprofit is a community that invested in it.
Summit County's nonprofits are the backbone of this community. Our job is to make sure they have the funding, capacity, and partnerships they need to thrive — and to go beyond funding to build leadership, strengthen organizations, and collaborate on the challenges that matter most.
Grantmaking designed around trust, collaboration, and community impact
Nonprofit capacity building that helps organizations grow and lead
Convenings that move from conversation to collective action
Community-driven special initiatives targeting our greatest challenges
"The Summit Foundation's leadership series empowered me to successfully fundraise, build community ties, and lead the Colorado Learning Connection team." — Kaitlyn, CLC Executive Director
3
Innovating for the Future
Four decades of impact. Building for what's next.
A great mission requires a strong organization behind it. The Summit Foundation is investing in its own capacity, governance, and leadership — examining our business model, strengthening our board, modernizing our systems, and investing in the team that makes everything else possible.
Sustainable business model built for the next generation of giving
Governance and board leadership designed for strategic impact
Stronger internal systems that support every program and partnership
Investment in our people, because the team behind the mission matters
"We don't just want to give. We want our giving to grow. Summit Foundation turns our investment into lasting change." — Barb and Todd, Leaders, Community Members and Philanthropists
CORE VALUES AND BELIEFS
We are inspired and guided by our vision, mission, and core values/beliefs. These are not just words, but principles that we uphold in our work, our interactions, and our intentions in everything we do.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and making sure that everyone has the opportunity to access what they need to be successful. These principles are paramount in everything we do, including our scholarships, grants, and our work in the community. We are committed to learning and growing. Read our full statement HERE.
