Editor’s note: The Ouray County Plaindealer started publishing profiles of nonprofits between Thanksgiving and New Year’s in 2020 as a community service.

The purpose of these profiles is to highlight the meaningful work being performed by these organizations and let the community know how they can help them even more, as the holidays approach and we reach the end of 2024. Nonprofit organizations that are based in Ouray County and serve Ouray County are eligible for these profiles.

George Gardner Scholarship Fund

Year established as a nonprofit: 2008

What does your organization do for Ouray County?
The George Fund provides financial assistance to Ouray County youth who wish to pursue outdoor or experiential educational opportunities for personal and interpersonal growth. We believe that profound learning is often facilitated by time spent in the mountains, deserts, rivers and oceans of the world. These experiences provide an arena for leadership development and other lifelong skills.

What do you list as your greatest accomplishments in 2024?
In 2024, we awarded $26,200 in scholarships that benefited 112 students. This is an increase from 2023 and we plan to continue our growth. A new program we supported in 2024 was the Ridgway Special Education class learning to ski with the Telluride Adaptive Ski Program – it was a grand success!

What are some goals or projects you have planned for 2025?
We just completed our fall fundraiser and will have another one in 2025. Volunteers are always welcome!

Tell us how the community can help you do more here in Ouray County.
Donations are always welcome! Visit georgefund.org to make your contribution, or you may mail a check to P.O. Box 105, Ridgway, CO 81432.

Thank you to Lois Ziemann for submitting this information.