MISSION STATEMENT

Just for Kids empowers the youth of the San Miguel Watershed region and assists the organizations serving our youth through financial and developmental support.


WHAT MAKES JUST FOR KIDS UNIQUE?

  • JFK will accept any request from well-managed and effective children’s programs.
  • JFK provides seed capital and start-up funding for innovative organizations.
  • We give Monetary Awards to outstanding mentors, leaders, and teachers.
  • We interview grant applicants in both Telluride and Norwood.
  • We provide a six-week turnaround from application to award.
  • We offer mini-grants and special project grants out of cycle.
  • We offer two grant cycles each year and invite organizations and individuals to apply for either or both our Spring and Fall grants.

OUR AREAS OF INTEREST

Just For Kids serves children from birth through high school graduation throughout the San Miguel Watershed, including the towns of Telluride, Norwood, Nucla, Naturita, Paradox.

We provide seed funds for start-up projects, operating grants, program support, capital needs, and equipment. We particularly target projects with leadership opportunities for children and projects promoting self-sufficiency and responsibility.

Some of the innovative programs we have funded include:

  • Experiential learning programs
  • Collaborative efforts between children’s organizations
  • Character building programs
  • Therapeutic programming
  • Early childhood programming
  • Programs offering job skills training and assistance
  • College scholarships through the Man of La Mancha scholarship program

 

 

 

OUR BOARD MEMBERS

Steven Siegel, President
Executive Director, Uncompaghre Medical Center

Wendy Brooks, Vice-President
Former Exec Director, Telluride Academy
International Travel Guide

Cheryl Carstens Miller, Secretary/Treasurer
Commercial Real Estate Investor/Manager

Eric Saunders
Realtor

Elaine Demas
Executive Director, Telluride Academy


Lindsey Walker
Veterinary Technician

Jesse James McTigue
Educator, Athlete, Mom

Susan Rice

Chad Kusuno

Erik Fallenius, Trustee, Founding President, Emeritus Board Member
Executive Director, M2D
President/Managing Broker and Owner, Nevasca Realty Inc.

HISTORY

JFK Founder William Carstens

JFK was created in 2000 by Bill Carstens, long-time Telluride resident, entrepreneur and philanthropist. JFK is funded by an endowment established by Mr. Carstens and managed by the Denver Foundation. Each year the endowment matches proceeds from our annual fundraiser, Mountains to Desert Bike Ride (M2D) and private donations. M2D was created in 2004 and is organized and operated by JFK founding president Erik Fallenius and his wife, Josephine.

Mr. Carstens passed away in 2006 and while much of his entrepreneurial talent cannot be duplicated, the JFK board emphasizes a few core Carstens imperatives: valuing innovation, pursuing a creative route to overcome challenges, intellectual vitality, and maintaining a grass roots familiarity with local needs. We honor our founder with the Man of La Mancha scholarship award for promising graduating seniors who dream and achieve at the highest levels.