20 Aug Telluride Foundation: Nominations Open for 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award!
The Telluride Foundation is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award, which celebrates an individual whose volunteerism and philanthropy have made a lasting impact across the region.
To submit a nomination, visit telluridefoundation.org/volunteer-of-the-year. For questions, contact Courtney McEleney at courtneym@telluridefoundation.org or 970-728-8717.
Go here for more about the Telluride Foundation (back to 2009).
Now in its 23rd year, the award honors the volunteers who strengthen our communities through their dedication to causes ranging from health and human services to education, the environment, arts and culture, and athletics.
“Volunteers are the heart and soul of our communities,” said April Montgomery, VP Programs at the Telluride Foundation.
“This year, we’ve seen so many people step up for their neighbors — whether responding to the resort closure, fires, and mudslides, or quietly running nonprofit programs day in and day out. They’re what makes our home so special.”
The recipient will receive a $5,000 grant from the Telluride Foundation to designate to the regional nonprofit of their choice and will be recognized at a community celebration in October.
Eligibility Requirements:
• Nominees must live or volunteer within the Telluride Foundation’s service area, which includes San Miguel, Ouray, and western Montrose county, as well as the Town of Rico.
• The award recognizes unpaid volunteer service. Individuals employed by nonprofits may be nominated for volunteer efforts outside their paid roles.
• While the award typically recognizes one individual, joint nominations may be considered.
Nominations must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
Past recipients include Barbara Hinterkopf (2025); Emily Haight and Leila Seraphin (2024); David Sussman (2023); Claudia Garcia Curzió, Julia Millan Avila, and Andres Jacinto Alonzo (2022); Corinne Cavender, Lollie Lavercombe, and Cara Wilder (2021); along with many other extraordinary volunteers who have helped shape the region.
Telluride Foundation, more:
Telluride Foundation sign by metal artist Lisa Issenberg
The Telluride Foundation is committed to enriching the quality of life of the residents, workforce, and visitors of the Telluride region. It is a nonprofit, apolitical community foundation that makes grants and runs programs in arts, education, health and human services, community development, and social enterprises.
The Foundation strives to achieve excellence for the community through its mission and core values of inclusion, self-reliance, and innovation.
The work is funded through the generous support of hundreds of donors and grants from state and national foundations.
Pease visit telluridefoundation.org.
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