THE VALLEY’S FIRST ENVIRONMENTAL GIVING CIRCLE.
We are at a watershed moment.
In the Roaring Fork Valley, we have clean air, clean water, diverse landscapes, and ambitious climate policies thanks to the incredible vision and dedication of people who have championed them.
The Watershed Environmental Giving Circle is designed for philanthropists, environmental leaders, and mountain lovers of all ages who value carrying this legacy forward. The circle will learn about and fund inspiring projects that further climate solutions, protect landscapes, enhance biodiversity, and develop the next generation of environmental leaders.
As a community, we have the opportunity to ensure we are not backsliding, but instead, leaning into the future we want to see.
Our Giving Circles is social, educational, and philanthropic.
Our giving circle transcends organizational missions by bringing our valley's environmental voices together to learn about, celebrate, and fund the ongoing impact of local environmental work.
Our Mission
We are creating a multigenerational community in the Roaring Fork Valley that pools money to amplify climate solutions, enhance biodiversity, and develop the next generation of environmental leaders and philanthropists. We support locally based environmental non-profits and collaborative projects.
Our 2025 Goal
In 2025, we are learning about local environmental work through the lens of climate change. Our goal is to collectively fund 3 to 5 inspiring climate-related environmental projects, while raising community awareness about the rich ecosystems of people and organizations working on solutions.
Our 2025 Events
Our first year will set the tone for years to come. Whether you bring experience from the past or a vision for the future, we'd love for you to join us!
Watershed Launch Parties
We’ll launch with a series of summer gatherings open to prospective members to visit interesting local organizations, get to know each other, and hear about our new giving circle.
Basalt Happy Hour at RMI
Wednesday, August 6th from 5-6 pm
Aspen Happy Hour at ACES on Hallam Lake
Wednesday, August 27th from 5-6pm
Grant-making R&D
In the fall, we’ll bring together a grant committee of Next Generation Leaders to work through grant-making criteria, learn about local projects from experts, and spend time together in nature at the AVLT Marble Basecamp. The grant committee will host an update and discussion with members at the Farm Collaborative in October.
Watershed Retreat: grant committee
Friday, Sept 19th - Saturday, Sept 20th
Fall Farm Party: all member update
A late afternoon in early October, TBD
Vote & Celebrate!
Finally, we’ll bring all the members together to a final grant-making party in November to learn about and vote on the projects we want to support at ACES' Catto Center at Toklat.
Grant-making Party: all members
Sunday, November 23rd from 4-7 pm
Support the tradition and future of environmental giving throughout the Roaring Fork Watershed.
Climate scientist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson loves to ask,
"What if we get it right?"
The Watershed Environmental Giving Circle is dedicated to getting it right. We owe it to our kids and our planet.
Founding Member Giving Levels
Legacy Leaders: $1,000+
Generous donors who support next-generation leadership and critical environmental projects in the Roaring Fork while amplifying the spirit of collective giving in our community.
Dream Builders: $500
Young families and dedicated community leaders who support inspiring environmental projects and value being part of the environmental community.
Environmental Movers & Shakers: $250
Experts and non-profit leaders who are shaping and guiding impactful environmental conservation, preservation, education, and policy efforts in the valley.
Future Luminaries: $50-100
Young adults and aspiring environmental experts who are giving what feels comfortable and are shaping the heart of this community. Your gift goes a long way; you’ll have the opportunity to connect with environmental leaders and philanthropists, play in Marble with like-minded peers, and participate in the power of collective giving!
Special Opportunity!
Future Luminaries and members of the grant committee are invited to a weekend retreat at AVLT’s Marble Basecamp Septmeber 19th-20th. You’ll have a chance to spend a few days unplugged to explore basecamp and learn from experts about impactful local environmental work and values-based collective giving.
Our giving-circle is hosted by
Aspen Community Foundation & brought to life by:
The Watershed Committee, the Mtn Bio Board, and Beth Shoemaker
Special thanks to Tessa Pagiter-Hatem, Sierra Flannigan, Sophie Catto, and Catherine Ward.
Early Watershed Founding Members Include:
Angie & Jeff Davlyn, Emily & Grady Lenkin, Denali Barron & Adam McCurdy, Rebecca Mirsky,
Margaret & Will Roush, and Beth & Sloan Shoemaker.
If you have questions or are interested in sponsoring our events,
please contact Beth Shoemaker at hello@mtnbio.org or (970) 618-6635
or ACF at givingcircles@
aspencommunityfoundation.org
