Background Statement
Since its establishment in 1980, Aspen Community Foundation (ACF) has matured from its roots as the recipient of funds from transferable ski passes from Aspen Skiing Company to a self-sustained organization, responding to needs throughout our valley and remaining dedicated to improving our community's quality of life. Through collaborations, partnerships and grantmaking, ACF addresses the diverse and changing needs of our region by providing leadership, support and guidance. Based in Aspen with a satellite office in Carbondale, ACF roots itself in communities through the greater Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys: Aspen, Snowmass Village, Basalt, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, New Castle, Silt, Rifle, Battlement Mesa and Parachute.
In the spring of 2012, Aspen Community Foundation launched the Cradle to Career Initiative, a collective impact initiative that brings non-profits, business, education, philanthropy and government together to effectively support the success of our children from Aspen to Parachute. Gus the Bus is a signature project of the continuum of services comprising the Cradle to Career Initiative.
The National Standards Seal by our name indicates official confirmation from the Community Foundations National Standards Board that we have met the most rigorous standards in philanthropy. It affirms our commitment to financial security, transparency and accountability. It says our grantmaking includes an open, competitive process designed to address the changing needs of our community. The National Standards Seal also confirms our history of honoring donors' wishes-to support the arts, cultivate gardens, save endangered species, cure illness, expand literacy, feed children-and support countless other important causes.