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.

Our History

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.

The Current members of the Board of Directors are: Ann Nichols, Ken Jaray, Laura Neumann, Shanti Toll, Lyn Ettinger-Harwell, and Jim Page (Emeritus Director)

Community Partners

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.

Building Community Awareness & Connections

Building Community Awareness & Connections

 

What THE PEAK LIVING PROJECT Achieved 

  • Operated as the Peak Living Project (2012) through a fiscal sponsorship with Pikes Peak Community Foundation.

  • Created a fiscal sponsorship with Pikes Peak United Way to operate as a 501 (c)(3) organization (2017).

  • Transformed the Peak Living Project to become the Manitou Springs Community Foundation (2020).

  • Developed our vision, mission and working plans to help Manitou Springs become THE place for health, healing, and well-being. 

  • Encouraged a culture of physical activity, healing and well-being through collaboration with the City of Manitou Springs, Live Well Colorado, D14 Partners for Health Choices, the Mineral Springs Foundation.

  • Presented at the 2013 Colorado Sustainability Conference

  • Helped create and run Manifest 2014, a day-long celebration of fitness and health in partnership with the United States Olympic Training Center.

  • Accepted as an Encore Fellowship site for a part-time executive director, funded through Intel  

  • Assisted with annual Community Health Fair.

  • Developed the framework for Manitou Springs to become a HEAL (healthy eating, active living) city.

  • Organized Waterfest 2016, a multi day celebration of our mineral waters.