Nestled in the Elk Mountains of Colorado, Crested Butte is a small town with a big heart. Known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant outdoor culture, this mountain community is also home to a thriving network of organizations that are deeply committed to preserving the environment, supporting residents, and enriching the cultural fabric of the area. These organizations are the backbone of Crested Butte and Gunnison, working tirelessly to maintain the town’s unique character and ensure its future prosperity.
Environmental and Conservation Organizations
- Crested Butte Land Trust
The Crested Butte Land Trust is dedicated to conserving the open spaces that define this picturesque mountain town. Since 1991, the Land Trust has protected over 6,000 acres of land in the Gunnison Valley, ensuring that these pristine landscapes remain accessible to the public for recreation and enjoyment. Through land acquisitions, easements, and partnerships with local stakeholders, the Crested Butte Land Trust is securing the future of the area’s natural heritage. - High Country Conservation Advocates (HCCA)
HCCA’s mission is to protect the natural ecosystems of the Gunnison Valley through advocacy, education, and stewardship. From safeguarding public lands to promoting sustainable land use, HCCA plays a critical role in preserving the wild beauty that makes Crested Butte so special. - Coal Creek Watershed Coalition
The CCWC aims to protect and enhance the water quality and ecological health of the Coal Creek Watershed through monitoring, restoration, and community involvement. - Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
Dedicated to celebrating and preserving the area’s rich wildflower heritage through educational programs, hikes, and events that highlight the natural beauty of Crested Butte.
Arts and Culture
- Center for the Arts Crested Butte
Serves as a cultural hub, offering a wide range of artistic programming, including performances, exhibitions, and classes, to enrich our community culture. - Crested Butte Arts Festival
Focuses on bringing together artists and art lovers through an annual festival that showcases fine arts and crafts, while also supporting art education and community outreach. - Crested Butte Mountain Theatre
As the longest continuously running community theatre in Colorado, the Crested Butte Mountain Theatre has been a cultural cornerstone since 1972. This nonprofit organization provides a creative outlet for locals and visitors alike, offering a diverse range of performances. - Gunnison Arts Center
Supports the arts in the broader Gunnison Valley by offering a variety of classes, performances, and exhibitions that promote creativity and cultural engagement.
Community and Social Services
- Tough Enough
Gunnison Tough is dedicated to providing comprehensive cancer programs to keep our community strong. - Living Journeys
Living Journeys is a nonprofit that offers support to individuals and families affected by cancer in the Gunnison Valley. With a focus on providing emotional, financial, and educational resources, Living Journeys helps those facing the challenges of cancer navigate their journey with dignity and hope. The organization’s services include support groups, financial assistance, and a compassionate network of volunteers who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those they serve. - Gunnison Valley Health Foundation
This nonprofit organization raises funds to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare in the region, ensuring that residents and visitors have access to the medical care they need. Whether it’s supporting the local hospital, providing scholarships for medical students, or funding critical health programs, the Foundation is a vital resource for the community’s well-being. - Six Points Evaluation and Training
Provides support services for individuals with disabilities in the Gunnison Valley, offering vocational training, job placement, and life skills development. - CB State of Mind
Focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention in the Crested Butte community, offering resources, education, and support to improve mental wellness. - Paradise Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
Dedicated to animal welfare, providing shelter, adoption services, and support for pets in need in the Crested Butte area. - Project Hope
The mission of Project Hope of Gunnison Valley is to support, educate and provide confidential advocacy to individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and/or human trafficking. - Crested Butte Rotary
The Rotary is involved with community service projects and fundraising. Much of their fundraising events go to benefit the youth, health and human services, arts and culture and education in our community. - Gunnison Country Food Pantry
Gunnison Country Food Pantry serves those in need by providing food assistance in a kind, confidential and supportive environment. - KBUT
KBUT Community Radio provides a non-commercial medium to our listening population and business partners that respects and strengthens the diverse fabric of our community. KBUT has been broadcasting since 1986. KBUT is a community radio station serving Gunnison County, Colorado with diverse on-air programs, volunteer opportunities for community members, and ongoing support for the area’s nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and musicians and artists.
Education and Youth Services
- Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory
A research institution dedicated to studying the ecology of the Rocky Mountains, offering educational programs and contributing valuable scientific knowledge about the region’s natural environment - Crested Butte Friends of the Library
Supports the local library through fundraising, volunteer efforts, and promoting literacy and educational programs in the community. - Gunnison Valley Mentors
In a celebration of diversity, the mission of Gunnison Valley Mentors is to promote the healthy growth of young people through one-to-one mentoring partnerships enhanced with enrichment opportunities. - CB Strong
Provides resources and support for mental health and wellness, particularly focused on youth and families in the Crested Butte community.
Outdoor and Recreation
- Adaptive Sports Center
The Adaptive Sports Center in Crested Butte is a shining example of inclusivity and empowerment. Founded in 1987, this nonprofit organization provides outdoor adventure opportunities for people with disabilities, helping them to achieve their personal goals and experience the joy of mountain sports. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter to mountain biking and kayaking in the summer, the Adaptive Sports Center is breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of community for all participants. - Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association (CBMBA)
Advocates for sustainable mountain biking by maintaining and developing trails, promoting responsible recreation, and fostering a love for mountain biking in the community. - Crested Butte Nordic
Supports cross-country skiing in Crested Butte by maintaining trails, offering lessons, and promoting the sport through community events and races. - Crested Butte Avalanche Center (CBAC)
CBAC is dedicated to promoting safety in the backcountry by providing accurate and timely avalanche forecasts, education, and awareness. Their mission is to minimize the risk of avalanche accidents by informing and educating the community, as well as visitors, about the dangers of avalanches and how to navigate the backcountry safely. CBAC works closely with local experts, observers, and organizations to deliver reliable information that helps backcountry enthusiasts make informed decisions while enjoying the outdoors. - Gunnison Trails
Gunnison Trails is a non-profit trail advocacy organization established to assist land managers and other organizations and stakeholders, in maintaining existing trails, educating users on responsible trail-based recreation and pursuing new opportunities for biking, running and hiking trails which promote sustainable trail use throughout Gunnison County. - Crested Butte Snowsports Foundation
Supports youth participation in snowsports by providing scholarships, equipment, and educational opportunities to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent access to skiing and snowboarding.
The nonprofit organizations in Gunnison County, are the lifeblood of this tight-knit community. They preserve our communities’ natural beauty, foster a vibrant cultural, and ensure that residents and visitors alike have access to essential services and opportunities. Whether you’re a local looking to get involved or a visitor hoping to give back to this special place, supporting these nonprofits is a meaningful way to contribute to the continued vitality of Crested Butte. Together, these organizations embody the spirit of community and the commitment to making a lasting impact in this remarkable mountain town, and they’re a big reason why we love living here so much!