Trailhead Institute is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public health organization based in Denver, Colorado, established in 1993. Originally known as the Colorado Foundation for Public Health and the Environment, the organization serves as a strategic partner and catalyst enabling communities to make informed decisions and implement critical health and environmental initiatives. The Institute operates as a fiscal sponsor, administrative partner, project manager, and collaborative convener for public and environmental health work across Colorado.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$11.5M
+11.1% YoY
Revenue
$23.2M
+32.5% YoY
Net Investment Income
$124K
+7.0% YoY
Expenses
$22.2M
+20.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Trailhead Institute advances innovation and collaboration in public and environmental health.
The organization complements the activities of public and private organizations by providing professional and technical consultation. Its core work includes:
- Community engagement programs
- Administrative partnerships and fiscal sponsorship
- Youth sexual health and education services
- Food access and security initiatives
- Workforce development and apprenticeships in public and environmental health
- Program development and strategic support
- Collaborative leadership initiatives
The Institute positions itself as a "think tank of the possible," providing tools, platforms, and personnel to realize the full potential of public health in Colorado through conscious collaboration and equity-oriented approaches.
Grantmaking
Trailhead Institute makes grants with typical award ranges of $5,100–$1,611,500. The organization has an active Community Food Grants opportunity.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Trailhead Institute primarily funds initiatives in Colorado and the District of Columbia.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total assets: $11,464,104
- Total revenues: $23,208,772
- Total expenses: $22,163,157
- Total giving: $2,861,489
- Employees: 52
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $11,464,104 | $10,321,448 | $10,482,186 |
| Revenue | $23,208,772 | $17,510,818 | $16,671,934 |
| Expenses | $22,163,157 | $18,429,732 | $13,247,499 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $124,029 | $115,895 | $18,688 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 0 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
200 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from Trailhead Institute
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
President and Executive Director: Michele Shimomura
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOM BUTTS MSC REHS | CHAIR | 1 | — |
| JENNIFER LUDWIG | VICE CHAIR (AS OF 8/24) | 1 | — |
| JON SAMET MD MS | VICE CHAIR (THRU 8/24) | 1 | — |
| MEGHAN GUEVARA | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| SUSAN PERRIGO | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| KAIA GALLAGHER PHD MFA | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| LAUREN GEARHART | DIRECTOR (THRU 8/24) | 1 | — |
| JANA PERSKY | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ERICA SNOW | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| BRUNO SOBRAL | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MELANIE ZEITLER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| SARAH LAMPE | PRESIDENT/EXEC DIR (THRU 1/24) | 40 | $34,438 |
| MICHELE SHIMOMURA | PRESIDENT/EXEC DIR (AS OF 8/24) | 40 | $49,105 |
| LISA OLCESE | SENIOR DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS | 40 | $133,502 |
| MARIA DELORES RAMIREZ | ED OF CBEH | 40 | $155,091 |
| JOEL MCCLURG | ED INTEGRATION CBEH | 40 | $151,886 |
| ROGER LOW | CEO & FOUNDER CEEMI | 40 | $135,835 |
| MICHELLE STRONGWATER | ED NCRHC | 40 | $117,437 |
| GRETA ALLEN | POLICY DIRECTOR | 40 | $115,599 |
| BENJAMIN ROBB | DIR PROJECT AND PARTNERSHIPS | 40 | $114,892 |
| JENNIFER EDWARDS | DIR WORKFORCE PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES | 40 | $110,891 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
Trailhead Institute has been active in several recent initiatives:
Trailhead Institute Announces Role as a Hub Partner of the National ...Announced its role as a Hub Partner of the National Public Health Infrastructure Grant program
TRAILS: A Landmark Public-Private Partnership for Youth Mental Health |Supported Colorado Public Health Partners in receiving nearly $3 million in HRSA Community Health Worker Training Program funding
TRAILS: A Landmark Public-Private Partnership for Youth Mental Health |Received a $756,000 grant in July 2024 from AmeriCorps Public Allies
Maintains an active Workforce Programs & Initiatives (WPI) that activates public and environmental health career entry pathways with equity and inclusion orientation
TRAILS: A Landmark Public-Private Partnership for Youth Mental Health |The organization publishes annual reports documenting its funding sources, budgets, and audit reports, demonstrating commitment to transparency with partners, funders, and communities.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
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Total Given
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Fie Family Foundation
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Assets
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Total Given
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Truthfc
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Assets
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Total Given
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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