There’s a familiar saying that resonates across cultures: "Give a person a fish, and you feed them for a day. Teach them to fish, and you feed them for a lifetime." At the Summit Foundation, we’ve long believed that financial support is just one part of creating lasting change. Sometimes the most powerful investment we can make is in people.

That belief is what led us to launch the Manager Leadership Series last year—a program designed not just to support nonprofits with funding, but to support the individuals driving these missions forward.

The response? Overwhelmingly positive.

So much so, that we’re proud to announce the launch of a second cohort in 2025. This renewed class brings together nonprofit managers from across Summit County, including: 

  • CASA of the Continental Divide
  • Mountain Dreamers
  • Summit County Preschool
  • Arise
  • FIRC (Family & Intercultural Resource Center)
  • Youth and Family Services
  • Team Summit
  • Keystone Science School
  • Friends of the Dillon Ranger District
  • BOEC (Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center)
  • The Cycle Effect
  • High Country Conservation Center

These organizations represent a broad range of services—education, environmental conservation, mental health, recreation, immigration support, and more. But what they have in common is a shared commitment to building a stronger Summit County.

The Manager Leadership Series, offered in collaboration with Sheri Fischer Coaching and Integrated Growth, isn’t about lectures or PowerPoint decks. It’s a collaborative space where nonprofit leaders explore tools for resilience, accountability, communication, and connection. It’s about learning how to navigate the very real challenges of doing big things with small teams and limited resources. And perhaps most importantly, it’s about building a network of local thought partners—people you can call when you need advice, a sounding board, or just someone who understands.

As one participant from last year’s class shared, “It’s rare to be in a room where everyone just gets it. Where you don’t have to explain how stretched you are—you can just focus on growing.”

The Summit Foundation is committed to providing more than dollars. We’re committed to developing leaders who can drive impact far into the future. Because when you equip someone with the right tools—and surround them with the right people—they’re not just better at their jobs. They’re better for the community.

Interested in the next round of the Manager Leadership Series?
If you're a nonprofit leader in Summit County looking to grow your skills—or a donor who believes in the power of leadership development—reach out to us.