About Us
The Manitou Springs Community Foundation was created by the desire to inspire and strengthen community connections, stewardship, and well-being.
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Foundation is to “Inspire and strengthen community connections, stewardship, and well-being.” The Foundation encourages programs and provides financial resources for Manitou Springs projects that promote environmental sustainability, physical, social and spiritual vitality, increased sense of belonging, and life-long learning.
WHAT WE DO
The Foundation works with community partners who can help achieve the visions of the Foundation while furthering the mission of each partnering organization. We actively collaborate with the City of Manitou Springs, School District 14, the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, MS Creative District (CRANE), and other community organizations. Our community partners provide resources, expertise and connections to help us work toward achieving the Foundation’s visions.
OUR THREE PILLARS
CONNECTIONS
Those of us who live here feel a strong sense of place. Our residents share a deep attachment to our community and feel we belong here. Our connections to each other and to a common purpose define our community character.
STEWARDSHIP
Manitou Springs residents are proud stewards of our community and natural environment. We share a deep sense of collective responsibility. We strengthen our community by contributing our talents, our time, and our treasure.
WELL-BEING
We honor and celebrate our community’s historical focus on well-being. Our residents are inspired to take care of our people, our environment, our community, and ourselves.
OUR HISTORY
The Foundation's roots go back to 2012, when it began as the Peak Living Project, hosting community health and well-being events like Manifest (2014) and Waterfest (2016). Waterfest brought together mineral springs owners, operators, and enthusiasts from across the Rocky Mountain region to explore the geology, hydrology, health benefits, business, culture, and history of mineral water. In 2020, the Project expanded its mission — becoming the Manitou Springs Community Foundation, with a renewed focus on community connections, stewardship, and well-being.