The Summit Foundation was first established in 1984 to promote the highest standards of living for visitors and tourists by acting as a revenue producer for community organizations. Through fundraising opportunities and donor contributions, the organization is known for dispersing money to local nonprofit organizations and awards local high school students with generous post-secondary education scholarships.
The most esteemed fundraising efforts at The Summit Foundation come from the Patron Pass Program supported by Vail Resorts, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area and Copper Mountain Resort. The Patron Pass is a transferable ski pass available to local individuals and businesses in exchange for a $6,000 donation per pass. Patron passes are donated each year by the local ski area and The Summit Foundation successfully sells out of all 301 transferable lift passes each year. Real Estate of the Summit is a proud supporter of the Summit County lifestyle and contributes to the organization with multiple yearly donations.
Each year, The Summit Foundation distributes two different rounds of grants to nonprofit organizations in Summit County, one in the fall and one in the spring. The fall grants marked the most dramatic increase ever recorded by the organization, with a growth of over $110,000. The revenue dispersed in December totaled $839,166 with the top three benefiting Summit County organizations being arts and culture, health and human services and education.
Twice a year, The Summit Foundation’s board of trustees gather to research local organizations and conduct various levels of interviews to determine how the funds will be allocated. The increase in grant money was greatly influenced by higher income levels from community fundraisers. Annual fundraising events such as the annual golf tournament, the rubber duck race and Parade of Homes events documented record-breaking contribution levels this past year. Many local employers have joined the efforts of the local employee giving program, which encourages employees in the area to donate portions of each paycheck directly The Summit Foundation. These donations have also contributed to the higher grant levels distributed within the community.
If you are interested in giving back to the Summit County community, visit The Summit Foundation online for different charitable and volunteer opportunities!
If you enjoyed this article, feel free to contact Dennis Clauer at (970) 389-5165 for more local Summit County information and professional real estate guidance!
