Funded Projects
Our Foundation provides financial resources and sponsorship for community projects that promote community connections, stewardship, and well-being. We work closely with our local government, school district, and existing community organizations. In building this Foundation, we hope to be a model of robust participatory processes in which all residents who choose to be involved are valued. As a volunteer run community foundation, we truly appriciate your time, talent, and treasure. We are delighted to work with individuals and families to design personalized legacies or make-a-difference gift programs.
MUSTANG WAY TRAIL
2023: $3,000 Grant
The Manitou Springs Community Foundation provided a grant to the Manitou Springs School District to build the Mustang Way trail from the High School to the Intemann Trail. Students, Pikes Peak Trail CATS, Friends of the Peak, Friends of Red Rock Canyon, and other volunteer groups spent over 202 volunteer workdays completing the trail.
The trail is 1130 feet long with an average grade of 8%, which is good for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers. It replaces an eroded and unsafe trail that developed because students and local people in the community need that connection.
MANITOU SPRINGS POLLINATOR FESTIVAL
2023: $5,000 Grant
Manitou Springs desired to be among those forward thinking cities that wanted to act locally to effect globally. By enhancing our natural environment, the belief was we could make Manitou Springs a more “Pollinator friendly” city. The creation of Manitou Springs Pollinator district was an outgrowth of work begun in 2018 by the Manitou Springs Pollinator Project. Their mission is “to enhance the natural environment of Manitou Springs to make it a more pollinator friendly city”. In September of 2019, Manitou Springs City Council Adopted a Resolution Establishing the Commitment to Have a Sustainable Environment and An Ambitious Response to Climate Change for the City of Manitou Springs.
In April, 2023, Manitou Springs became the first certified Pollinator District in the World. 2023 was the third year of this Festival. To ensure the success of the National Pollinator Week and the Manitou Springs Pollinator District, this organization needed funds for a professional event planner, advertising, website and outreach which the Manitou Springs Community Foundation supported.
MANITOU MUSIC FOUNDATION
2022: $3,000 GRANT
Manitou Springs' vibrant music scene was disrupted by the pandemic, with two popular venues, Swirl and The Townhouse, forced to halt live performances for over two years. Recognizing the importance of live music in fostering community connections and enhancing social vitality, the Manitou Springs Community Foundation stepped in to address the financial barriers faced by these venues and local musicians.
To revitalize the music scene, the Foundation provided funding for local businesses enabling them to resume live performances. Additionally, the Foundation increased support for two outdoor concert series, the Library Lawn Concert Series and The Manitou Springs Summer Concert Series, ensuring fair compensation for the musicians.
Current and Past Funded Projects:
Carnegie Library Renovation Project
Children of Gaia
City of Manitou Springs 150th birthday celebration and community potluck
Flying Pig Farms learning center yurt
Friday Art Walk
Kiwanis Club Golf Tournament
MANNI Awards
Manitou Music Foundation live music initiative
Manitou Pollinators
Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce summer concerts
Manitou Springs Creative District Day of friendship
Manitou Springs Historical Society cemetery fundraiser
Manitou Springs School District trail project
Meditation and Movement Program
Moonlight Market
Poetry Heals summer theater program