About Us
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.
MSCF Board Members (left to right): Ann Nichols, Ken Jaray, Shanti Toll, Beth Roalstad, Lyn Ettinger-Harwell, and Laura Neumann
The Manitou Springs Community Foundation was created by the desire to inspire and strengthen community connections, stewardship, and well-being.
The Foundation evolved from the Peak Living Project which was organized in 2012. That Project hosted community health and wellbeing events including Manifest 2014 and Waterfest 2016. Waterfest brought together mineral springs owners, operators, and users from the Rocky Mountain Region and beyond to explore the geology, hydrology, health benefits, business, culture and history of mineral water. In 2020, the Project expanded its mission to focus on community connections, stewardship and well-being, and became the Manitou Springs Community Foundation.
What We Do
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. We actively collaborate with community partners who can help promote and share in the vision we hold for the Manitou Springs community, while furthering the mission of each partnering organization.
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 Creatvie District (CRANE), and other community organizations. Our community partners provide resources, expertise and connections to help us work toward achieving the Foundation’s visions.