The Summit Foundation
The Summit Foundation is a public charity based in Breckenridge, Colorado, formed in 1984. It supports nonprofit organizations serving Summit County and neighboring communities through grants and support services, scholarships for post-secondary education, and leadership and seed funding for special initiatives addressing community issues.
The Summit Foundation at a glance
In short: The Summit Foundation gave $4.1M across 107 grants in 2025 (avg $39K), mostly in Colorado. 16% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $4,132,404
- +86.2% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 107
- +11.5% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $38,621
- +67.1% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $13,000
- Total assets
- $28,443,818
- +14.1% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 16% first-time grantees (17 of 107, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Colorado (92% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Summit Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- Yes
- How to Apply
-
accepts unsolicited requests through its online application. Eligible applicants must be IRS tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations located within or actively programming in Summit County. First-time applicants must meet with the Foundation before submitting a request. Nonprofits may apply once per year. For neighboring communities—including Alma, Fairplay, Kremmling, and Leadville—requests in any priority area may be considered, with basic-needs requests prioritized and a maximum request of $10,000. Applications require a detailed description of the project and its budget; the Foundation’s filing describes a final report using the Colorado Common Grant Report Form. Ineligible requests include political campaigns, religious programs that require membership or advance a particular faith, completed programs or projects, and programs or staff salaries that cannot be sustained without the Foundation’s investment.
- Review Cycle
- The Fall 2026 general grant application closes September 24, 2026. The 2026 event marketing sponsorship application period is October 1–23, 2026.
- Deadline
- The Fall 2026 general grant application closes September 24, 2026.
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 4000, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Phone: (970) 453-5970
Website: https://summitfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The Summit Foundation
Who The Summit Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Summit School District Re-1 ($756K). Together the top 10 received $2.2M.
Grant Size Distribution
493 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 419 grants of 493 (85%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation identifies Summit County and neighboring Lake, Park, and West Grand Counties as communities served by its grant program. It also specifies that organizations serving Alma, Fairplay, Kremmling, and Leadville may apply under the neighboring-community guidelines. In its 2025 grant filings, 92% of grant dollars went to recipients in Colorado, 6% to Texas, and 2% to California.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 107 itemized grants.
Cities
Is The Summit Foundation open to new grantees?
16%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 17 of 107 grantees (16%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $106K; repeat grants $26K. How we count
Medians: $13K first-time, $13K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $2.2M (2024) to $4.1M (2025). In 2025 it made 107 grants totaling $4.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Summit School District Re-1 Frisco, CO | General Operating | $755,500 |
| The Brunetti Family Foundation Houston, TX | General Operating | $247,113 |
| Family & Intercultural Resource Center (Firc) Breckenridge, CO | General Operating | $242,712 |
| Elevated Community Health Frisco, CO | General Operating | $213,850 |
| Theatre Silco Silverthorne, CO | General Operating | $163,850 |
| Colorado Mountain College Glenwood Springs, CO | General Operating | $153,000 |
| Smart Bellies Breckenridge, CO | General Operating | $104,500 |
| From the Heart Productions Inc Oxnard, CA | General Operating | $100,000 |
| High Country Conservation Center Frisco, CO | General Operating | $86,000 |
| Arise Frisco, CO | General Operating | $84,628 |
Ready to take the next step with The Summit Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $28,443,818 | $9,046,610 | $6,686,718 | $4,132,404 | 107 | $1,216,577 |
| 2024 | $24,933,878 | $6,381,865 | $6,001,722 | $2,219,372 | 96 | $978,435 |
| 2023 | $21,789,741 | $7,224,766 | $5,163,813 | $2,786,508 | 86 | $446,097 |
| 2022 | $18,397,790 | $4,939,479 | $4,887,496 | $3,060,897 | 94 | $401,908 |
| 2021 | $22,333,564 | $6,446,939 | $5,484,033 | $3,720,831 | 110 | $575,269 |
| 2020 | $18,792,311 | $8,053,681 | $4,947,112 | $2,906,174 | 95 | $460,650 |
| 2019 | $15,599,465 | $5,190,320 | $4,412,213 | $2,578,643 | 105 | $354,258 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s grant priorities are Healthy and Safe Communities; Youth Development and Education; Arts and Culture; and Environmental Stewardship. Its 2024 filing also describes support for scholarships and community initiatives, alongside grants and support services for qualified tax-exempt organizations.
Its 2025 grantees illustrate a range of supported work. For example, Smart Bellies describes its mission as providing weekend food to Summit County students, while High Country Conservation Center says it promotes waste reduction and resource conservation in the mountain community. Building Hope Summit County describes its work as coordinating and improving access to mental health care and support. Colorado Mountain College Foundation says it builds community support for the college’s and students’ needs and priorities.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the Foundation reported 107 grants totaling $4,132,404. Grants ranged from $5,510 to $755,500, with a median grant of $13,000. The largest awards included $755,500 to Summit School District RE-1, $247,113 to The Brunetti Family Foundation, $242,712 to the Family & Intercultural Resource Center, $213,850 to Elevated Community Health, and $163,850 to Theatre SilCo. Each was reported for general operating support.
The Foundation also awarded $153,000 to Colorado Mountain College, $104,500 to Smart Bellies, $100,000 to From The Heart Productions, $86,000 to High Country Conservation Center, $84,628 to ARISE, $76,590 to Building Hope Summit County, and $72,505 to Starting Hearts. These grants were also reported for general operating support.
The Foundation also offers an event marketing sponsorship application for nonprofit community events. Typical awards are $500–$5,000; requests must include marketing or awareness benefits for the Foundation, and the Foundation does not seek title or presenting sponsorships.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Ellen Reid as executive director. It also lists Jeanne Bistranin as former executive director and Chad Covell as former director of finance. Board members listed are Tim Applegate, Chris Banas, James Beckmann, Josh Blanchard, Shannon Buhler, Tony Byrd, and Tony Cammarata.
The Summit Foundation is led by Barb Rankin, President since 2024 (on filings since 2019); 2 of 38 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Barb Rankin
President
Trustee → President, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ellen Reid
Executive Director
New on the 2025 filing
45 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeanne Bistranin
Former Executive Director
Executive Director → Former Executive Director, 2025
On filings since 2019
45 hrs/week
$131K (2019) → $209K (2025)
Chad Covell
Former Director of Finance
Director of Finance → Former Director of Finance, 2025
On filings since 2023
45 hrs/week
$65K (2024) → $122K (2025)
Andy Aerenson
Former President
President → Past President, 2024
Past President → Former President, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Banas
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Hughes
Board Member
Treasurer → Trustee, 2024
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dustin Lyman
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kelly Renoux
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Schilling
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nick Brinkman
Treasurer
Trustee → Secretary, 2021
Secretary → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Peggy Hiller
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steve Deppe
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tony Pestello
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Stelzer
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Emily Messegee
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Josh Blanchard
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Julie Magliocchetti
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nell Wareham
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robbins Manley
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Shannon Haynes
Secretary
Trustee → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Preaus
Vice President
Trustee → Vice President, 2024
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Loli Respini-Pollard
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Meg Lass
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Don Dankner
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Luella Chavez D'angelo
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tony Byrd
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tony Cammarata
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bob Kopp
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ginny Vietti
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James Beckmann
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jon Copeland
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Yirka Platt
Board Member
Trustee → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Allison Simson
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Erin McGinnis
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Paul Kelly
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Shannon Buhler
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tim Applegate
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (27)
- Former: Brian Binge (2019–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Jack Wolfe (2019–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Mike Dudick (2019–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Chris Sorensen (2021–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Cindy Bargell (2019–2023) — Past President
- Former: Jen Cawley (2019–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Jody Churich (2019–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Julie McCluskie (2019–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Mara Sheldon (2019–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Steve Shapiro (2019–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Susan Propper (2019–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Jim Beckman (2022–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Sandy Nelson (2023) — Former Director of Finance
- Former: Carre Warner (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Deb Crook (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Mark Spiers (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Barbara Rankin (2022) — Trustee
- Former: Ed Casias (2019–2020) — Trustee
- Former: John Buhler (2019–2020) — Trustee
- Former: Julie Magilocchetti (2019–2020) — Trustee
- Former: Kevin McDonald (2019–2020) — Past President
- Former: Lucy Kay (2019–2020) — Secretary
- Former: Steven Smith (2019–2020) — Trustee
- Former: Thomas Davidson (2019–2020) — Trustee
- Former: Andy Lewis (2019) — Trustee
- Former: Ed Kilpela (2019) — Trustee
- Former: Kathy Grotemeyer (2019) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $209K, to Jeanne Bistranin (Former Executive Director). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Summit Foundation
How much does The Summit Foundation give each year?
The Summit Foundation gave $4.1M across 107 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $2.2M across 96 grants.
What is The Summit Foundation's typical grant size?
The Summit Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $13,000, and its average grant was $38,621, across 107 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Summit Foundation that year got $106K on average.
Where does The Summit Foundation give grants?
The Summit Foundation gives mostly in Colorado: 92% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was Texas (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were Breckenridge, CO (24 grants), Frisco, CO (22 grants), Dillon, CO (12 grants) and Silverthorne, CO (8 grants).
Does The Summit Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of The Summit Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (107 of 107) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Who are The Summit Foundation's largest grantees?
The Summit Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Summit School District Re-1 ($755,500), The Brunetti Family Foundation ($247,113) and Family & Intercultural Resource Center (Firc) ($242,712), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 30% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Summit Foundation?
The Summit Foundation reported $28.4M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $9.0M.
What does The Summit Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s grant priorities are Healthy and Safe Communities; Youth Development and Education; Arts and Culture; and Environmental Stewardship. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Summit Foundation?
accepts unsolicited requests through its online application. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Summit Foundation's EIN?
The Summit Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 74-2341399. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Does The Summit Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
Yes, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS July 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS April 13, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 3, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS April 24, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS August 12, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS August 10, 2020)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS April 30, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Summit Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Summit Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-summit-foundation-morg_bf169823bf134ea694dadd21f0bedc09
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_742341399_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Summit Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-summit-foundation-morg_bf169823bf134ea694dadd21f0bedc09},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-12. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Summit Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
The Summit Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?