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Matchmakers.

About Us

We create powerful community partners

The Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado facilitates the growth and effectiveness of philanthropic contributions and expands the culture of giving to meet the needs of our communities.

The Community Foundation inspires hope, leadership, and generosity in the region by bringing economic stability, professional development, and collaboration to the nonprofit sector.

As a community facilitator, our Foundation works to increase efficiency, resiliency, and success for nonprofits, while maximizing effective grantmaking for philanthropists, to make Southwest Colorado a better place to live. In 2023, the Community Foundation infused $5.7 million into the region. We invite you to create, grow and give funds through our careful management.

What is a Community Foundation?

WHAT IS A COMMUNITY FOUNDATION?

The concept of a Community Foundation is as ingenious as it is simple – it is a means to build, over time, substantial funds for the community through contributions. The Community Foundation is a hybrid. Unlike our cousin, the private foundation (whose financial base typically comes from a single donor, family or company), the Community Foundation garners its support from the public. It grows because individuals, corporations, other nonprofits and even government entities believe in it.

The Community Foundation is unlike other nonprofits that focus on specific areas of interest, such as health care, disaster relief and the arts, or specific causes such as poverty, heart disease and classical music.

The Community Foundation looks to the well-being of the total community, not just a part of it.

ANNUAL REPORTS, FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS & GOVERNANCE

2023 Annual report

2022 Annual Report

2021 Annual Report

HISTORY

During the mid-1990s, individuals involved with several nonprofit organizations in Southwest Colorado had become aware that the “traditional” forms of funding on which they relied to support their various causes were becoming strained. Federal and State governments had reduced or eliminated funding for many programs local community members needed and desired, and local businesses and citizens were growing weary of being asked to contribute to numerous community fundraisers. Many of these organizations were successfully generating some revenue through fundraisers, but their efforts to do so were requiring a larger amount of staff time than they could commit – and they were still struggling to pay the bills. Therefore, the concept of the Community Foundation was introduced to the local community. Nonprofit professionals were encouraged to learn that donors of large gifts are often more willing to contribute to a foundation that is developed primarily to ensure that community assets are managed according to donor wishes and invested to maximize their earnings potential than they are to donate directly to a nonprofit organization which could experience frequent changes in management and board governance.

In the fall of 1997, various avenues for creating or joining an existing community foundation were researched. After many long discussions and public meetings, the decision was made to create the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado as a Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Currently, the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado manages more than $13 million.

Who We Serve

The Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado serves five counties, each with their own needs and unique services to offer. Learn more about these counties by clicking on the images below.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

MOLLY MARTIN

Molly Martin has lived in Durango since the early ‘90s with her husband, Gregg. They raised their two children, Brigid and Dennis, here.

Molly Martin has lived in Durango since the early ‘90s with her husband, Gregg. They raised their two children, Brigid and Dennis, here. After their children moved away for many years, both are now back raising their own children here. Molly and Gregg have five grandchildren living in La Plata County and couldn’t feel more blessed. “We all feel incredibly lucky to live here and feel the importance of giving back where we live,” says Molly. She has worked in nonprofits locally as a volunteer, executive director, and board member. She believes the nonprofits in our region are one of the many reasons our communities are so special.
Past President

JOHN ARMS

John is an experienced investor with more than 25 years of experience in capital investments in land, minerals and energy.

John Arms is an experienced investor with more than 25 years of experience in capital investments in land, minerals and energy. Having worked for several large public and private companies in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, John worked with acquisition analysis and mergers totaling over $7 billion in his career. He has a technical background in engineering and has managed budgets, personnel and human resources. He has volunteered for the local school district, Habitat for Humanities, and as a Board Member for his local Temple. His family recently moved to Durango after falling in love with southwest Colorado. The family has spent many years vacationing and working in the area. John joined the Community Foundation of Southwest Colorado to give back to his community and to support local nonprofits with direct impact for the residents of Southwest Colorado. He, his wife and four children enjoy the outdoors and the all the tangible benefits of Colorado living.
Secretary

MARTHA MINOT

Martha has lived in Durango for almost forty years. She previously worked as an attorney in private practice for twelve years and then served as the La Plata County Court Judge for 22 years.

Martha has lived in Durango for almost forty years. She previously worked as an attorney in private practice for twelve years and then served as the La Plata County Court Judge for 22 years. She has volunteered for numerous organizations in Durango, helping to write the bylaws for the Family Center of Durango, serving as a board member and past president of Alternative Horizons. In addition, she has served as a board member for the Adult Education Center, a hospice volunteer, and numerous volunteer positions with the Southwest Colorado Bar Association and the County Court Judges Association, and the Judicial Department. She was a board member on the Judicial Discipline Commission for twelve years and the chair for three years. Martha believes strongly in the importance of community service the support of non-profit organizations and is excited to join The Community Foundation.
Treasurer

DAVID SMILEY

Dave Smiley serves as the Board's treasurer. In 2008, Dave and his wife Gloria moved to Durango where he joined Oxford Financial Planners.

Dave was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Microbiology from Miami University, and a Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Illinois State University.

Dave and his wife, Gloria, moved to the front range of Colorado in 1981, where Dave worked as a scientist/microbiologist for 27 years. For the last 14 years of his science career, Dave worked at Amgen, Inc. as a senior scientist. His primary responsibilities were managing a group that assisted in commercialization activities for several of Amgen's biotechnology medicines.

Dave’s second career as a financial planner/investment advisor began in 2007. In 2008, Dave and his wife Gloria moved to Durango where he joined Oxford Financial Planners (formerly known as Oxford Asset Management). Dave has helped his clients plan for and enjoy their retirement for over 15 years.

Dave retired at the end of 2023, and he plans to spend his third career giving back through volunteering and helping others in Durango. Dave and Gloria have two children (one in Denver and one in Japan). He enjoys reading, hiking, and Colorado history. Dave is an active member of the Durango Daybreak Rotary Club and has served on their board for six years.

Board Member

DAVE ALBRECHTA

Dave is excited to be a part of the Community Foundation Board to assist in creating strong, resilient, and local funding sources for local nonprofits.

Dave first made his way to Colorado in 2006, when he met his wife Eleni working as interns on a statewide campaign. He then worked in the Governor’s policy office and later as a policy analyst for the Colorado Senate. In 2015 Dave and Eleni opened a law firm in Durango.

Dave practices employment law and represents employees in civil rights, discrimination, and other employment related claims. Dave has also assisted local nonprofits with bylaws, employment policies, and other administrative issues. He has served as a volunteer attorney for numerous legal resource fairs and provides free employment law workshops.

Dave, Eleni, their two boys and dog are proud to call Southwest Colorado home. Dave is excited to be a part of the Community Foundation Board to assist in creating strong, resilient, and local funding sources for causes that directly improve the quality of life for everyone who calls this region their home.

Board Member

HOLLY ASHER

Holly Asher moved to Durango to join her husband Edward after they purchased a local home building company in 2020.

Holly Asher moved to Durango to join her husband Edward after they purchased a local home building company in 2020. Holly practiced antitrust law in Washington D.C. at Arnold & Porter for ten years before she moved to New York and “retired” to raise her four children. Holly has always been active in her local community, including volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, serving on several boards, and assisting students as a writing tutor at Westchester Community College. Since moving to Colorado, Holly has obtained her real estate license. Holly and Ed enjoy spending time with their combined six children and their Berne doodle, Teddy. They love to travel, especially to ski and scuba dive. Holly looks forward to working with the Community Foundation to help improve the lives of people in the local community.
Board Member

NICOLE BONN

Nicole looks forward to the contributions The Community Foundation can provide to Southwest Colorado.

Nicole Bonn headed west after growing up the Chicago area to attend Northern Arizona University. While her devotion to the greater community began in Flagstaff, she carried that passion with her to Durango 13 years ago. Trained as a paralegal, she joined Osprey Packs in 2014 working to grow the company and support its leadership team in all aspects of the business. She volunteers in a variety of settings in Durango —from assisting children’s ski programs to coaching elementary and middle school soccer. Nicole and her significant other, Matt, along with four-legged friend Duke, enjoy skiing, rafting, mountain biking, camping and enjoying friends. They both are proud to call Southwest Colorado their home. Nicole looks forward to the contributions The Community Foundation can provide to Southwest Colorado.
Board Member

KIM EISNER

Kim is a designer with Elevation Custom Builders, working in the residential and commercial construction industry throughout the Southwest for over 30 years.

Kim is a designer with Elevation Custom Builders, working in the residential and commercial construction industry throughout the Southwest for over 30 years. Originally from the Chicagoland area, she moved to Colorado to attend college on the front range receiving both fine art and art education degrees. She has served on the local School Board while passionately supporting arts education. Kim feels fortunate to have raised her two sons, own a business, and live in this beautiful corner of Colorado. She looks forward to being part of the Community Foundation Board supporting the mission of so many nonprofits, believing our unique community is enhanced by the generous philanthropy the Foundation manages, administers, and infuses into Southwest Colorado.
Board Member

KAREN THOMPSON

Karen and her husband, Larry, moved to Durango from Washington, D.C., in 2001, where Karen had a professional training, development, and facilitation company for over 25 years.

Karen and her husband, Larry, moved to Durango from Washington, D.C., in 2001, where Karen had a professional training, development, and facilitation company for over 25 years. Karen continued her facilitation/training in Durango working with several not-for-profits and businesses and learning about La Plata County. In addition, she has served on the Board of Directors for the Durango Art Center and has held several positions on the Boards and Committees of Leadership La Plata. While mostly retired, Karen still enjoys engaging with the community in a variety of capacities. She enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and gardening. She has a genuine interest in and commitment to the nonprofit sector in La Plata County and is looking forward to making a contribution to the Community Foundation and the world of not-for-profits in an effort to help SW Colorado continue to be the exceptional community it is.
Board Member

WILSON WARMACK

Wilson's passion for making Southwest Colorado an unparalleled place to live and work led him to join the Community Foundation Board in 2024.

Wilson is a serial entrepreneur with a finance degree from the University of Texas. After buying, managing, and selling over a dozen software companies he retired and relocated to Durango in 2020 amid the pandemic. He subsequently founded a nonprofit dedicated to financial literacy education and began committing his time and energy to community service.

Currently he spends substantial time volunteering with Fort Lewis College and partnering with Know Your Dough on their educational outreach. Wilson's passion for making Southwest Colorado an unparalleled place to live and work led him to join the Community Foundation Board in 2024. Eager to contribute to the growth and impact of the Community Foundation, he hopes to continue to enhance their integral presence in the region.

Wilson and his wife, Brittany, spend their free time working their hobby farm, caring for the animals, enjoying board games, and playing way too much pickleball.

STAFF

Executive Director

BRIGGEN WRINKLE

Briggen focuses on increasing generosity in our community by matching philanthropists with nonprofits that meet their strategic giving goals.

Briggen Wrinkle is the Executive Director of the Community Foundation serving SW Colorado. She focuses on helping our funding partners maximize strategic lifetime investments, now and into the future. In addition, she concentrates on bringing professional development, capacity-building opportunities and new grant prospects to nonprofits.

Briggen moved to Durango in 2003 with 2 ½ year old twins. In 2005, she had another set of twins. She is very active in her children’s education and with the 9-R school district as a whole. She enjoys hiking, biking and watching her kids grow up in this amazing corner of the world.

Deputy Director

TRACY POPE

As Deputy Directory, Tracy spearheads efforts in programmatic grant management, nonprofit support, and marketing, helping to chart the direction of the Foundation's strategic work in the community.

Tracy Pope is the Deputy Director of the Community Foundation. Tracy has lived in Durango for more than 25 years and has been actively involved in many nonprofits in our area.

She holds bachelor’s degrees in journalism and economics, with a background in communications and management. Tracy enjoys the opportunity to serve the nonprofit sector of Southwest Colorado in this role, expanding the culture of giving to meet the needs of our community.

She and her husband, Matt, have raised three children in Durango and are grateful for the many blessings Southwest Colorado has offered their family.

Finance & Operations Director

DELANEY SMITH RIEKE

As the organization's key financial advisor, Delaney is charged with ensuring the accuracy of all financial data, providing budgets, and producing timely financial reporting.

Delaney is the Finance Director of the Community Foundation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and is working towards a master’s degree in finance.

She has deep roots in the nonprofit sector, with 15 years of experience as a board president, treasurer, and employee. Her connection to the area as a fourth-generation resident has nurtured a deep appreciation for the community and its nonprofit sector.

Delaney met and fell in love with her husband in Durango, and they were married just after he graduated bootcamp with the U.S. Navy. The reality of being a military spouse meant having to relocate her growing family throughout the east coast for 10 years before returning to the Southwest when her husband took a job in Los Alamos. She happily made her way back to Durango with her husband and children seven years ago.

Delaney’s passions include philanthropy, economic justice, mental health, youth, and sustainability. Her energy and positivity are the traits she wants to exemplify most in her role with the Community Foundation.

Grants & Marketing Manager

RACHEL ROSENTHAL

Rachel is the Grants & Marketing Manager for the Community Foundation. She is responsible for many of the programmatic grants and communications coming from the Foundation.

Rachel is the Grant & Marketing Manager for the Community Foundation.

Rachel was born and raised in Durango and graduated from Fort Lewis College with a BA in English before returning to complete the Teacher Licensure Program. After a 13-year career in education, she was inspired to pursue a career that utilized her written communications roots, and she started freelancing full-time as a marketing content writer and editor in 2022. She joined the CF team in December of 2023 and looks forward to using her skills to support nonprofits in Southwest Colorado.

She met her husband, Lee, while studying at the Fort and they have two terribly adorable, although precocious, children. Traveling, reading, and dogs are her three favorite things (in no particular order). Rachel also loves spending time at Lake Nighthorse in the warmer months with her family.

Headshot of Kim Cassels
Community Outreach Manager

KIM CASSELS

Kim is the Community Outreach Manager for the Community Foundation. She is responsible for many of the communications coming from the Foundation, as well as spearheading SW Colorado Gives Day and the 19th Hole Concerts in Pagosa Springs.

Kim is the Community Outreach Manager for the Community Foundation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and multimedia from Fort Lewis College.

Over the past six years, Kim has written for numerous organizations and publications, primarily focusing on Southwest travel, history, and conservation. In between her writing projects, she’s garnered a wealth of experience in marketing for small businesses and agencies across Colorado.

Kim grew up in Farmington, NM in a family who loves the outdoors. Subsequently, you can often find her on a ramble in the San Juan Mountains, mountain biking around Durango, and rock hounding in the desert.

She joined the Community Foundation in October 2024, excited to jump into the nonprofit world to help support the great work of organizations across the region.

Administrative Assistant

ALISON SMITH

Alison is the Bookkeeper & Administrative Assistant of the Community Foundation and works with the Foundation's fiscal projects.

Alison is the Bookkeeper & Administrative Assistant of the Community Foundation and works with the Foundation's fiscal projects. She is a graduate of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO with a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) and minor in Spanish. She has another bachelor's degree in value chain management from VIA University in Horsens, Denmark. The combination of the two degrees creates a unique blend of being able to empathize and relate to people, alongside an understanding of how business practices are linked to methods. She uses the intersection of these skills to add value and meet organizational goals.

Alison was born in Durango and is a graduate of Durango High School. She has also lived abroad, first as a foreign exchange student in Guaranda, Ecuador, during her junior year of high school. Then in Roatan, Honduras, as a scuba instructor, post college. And most recently, in Fredericia, Denmark, for 10 years, in her husband’s native country.

She and her family, which now includes two very active young daughters, relocated from Denmark back to Durango a few years ago. They recently hosted a foreign exchange student from Thailand. They enjoy the recreational activities of this amazing Southwest area. In addition, Alison is talented with knitting, floral arranging, carpentry, and woodworking.

She is looking forward to learning from the professionals involved with the Community Foundation, growing and contributing to the community through their work.

Events Manager

KELLY QUACH

As Events Manager, Kelly is integral in planning the Foundation’s events, which include Durango Wine Experience, Making a Difference Speaker Series, Professional Development workshops and other meetings.

Kelly is the Events and Marketing Manager. This position is responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of the Foundation’s marketing strategies, public relations activities, as well as the two signature community events, Durango Wine Experience and Making a Difference Speaker Series.

Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from University California Santa Barbara along with a Diversity and Inclusion certificate from Cornell University. Kelly has 30 years of marketing experience in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. She has spent the last 22 years working with several nonprofits in Durango to achieve their mission to enrich our community. She is excited to join the dynamic staff of the Foundation and grateful she can utilize her enthusiasm and experience to amplify vital work to raise and facilitate donations for our local nonprofits, improving the quality of life in Southwest Colorado.

Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.

Helen Keller