The Giving Network, led by local donors and supported by the Aspen Community Foundation (ACF), is gaining momentum as a force in Roaring Fork Valley philanthropy. Founded in 2016 to pool local resources for impactful, community-focused grants, the Giving Network aligns with ACF’s mission to “inspire philanthropy and ignite collaborative action that leads to community-
led change.”
The Sopris Sun recently spoke with Ramona Bruland, chair of the Giving Network and ACF board secretary, who detailed the network’s broadening scope and growing impact. Initially focused on youth initiatives, the Giving Network’s mission evolved to include grants for health, human services and other essential community needs across the region from Aspen to Parachute.
The Giving Network serves the Valley’s diverse population, mainly supporting those living downvalley with limited access to resources. “There’s a lot of awareness about socioeconomic disparities and a desire among Aspen’s philanthropists to level the playing field and support underserved communities,” Bruland said.
Pooling donations enables the network to fund significant grants with a lasting impact. Unlike one-time individual donations, the network provides a social and educational experience, immersing members in community needs and fostering collaborative decision-making to enhance a nonprofit’s long-term sustainability.
Bruland credited Laura Lauder, a well-known philanthropist, for inspiring the Giving Network. Lauder and her husband, Gary, viewed the network as a way to involve Aspen residents in addressing local issues and maximizing the impact of their contributions. By pooling resources, the network empowers donors to collaborate, identify regional needs and allocate substantial, impactful grants.
Since its inception with 22 members, the Giving Network’s membership has quadrupled, largely through word-of-mouth referrals and new residents eager to contribute. “People have moved here and immediately wanted to make a difference. Today, it’s no longer about recruiting — people find us and want to join,” Bruland explained.
Community-led funding is a core approach of giving networks, enabling members to prioritize local issues. In the Roaring Fork Valley, the Giving Network’s focus expanded to include broader issues like health and human services, empowering nonprofits to deliver lasting change.
In August, after members reviewed 49 applications, the network awarded $575,250 to 15 nonprofits. “Our members examine each application closely and vote based on where they see the greatest need and potential for transformative impact,” Bruland noted.
Beyond financial support, the Giving Network’s involvement frequently includes hands-on assistance. After a recent visit to The Meeting Place, where a childcare room needed updating, network members took it upon themselves to repaint and refurbish the space, creating a welcoming environment for children. “When members see needs firsthand, they often feel moved to help directly,” Bruland shared.
ACF provides essential administrative support for the network, assisting in managing fund distributions while allowing members to focus on decision-making. This support is critical in helping the network address the needs of a Valley with more than 600 nonprofits.
Network members convene several times a year to hear from local experts, review data, discuss challenges, and strategize solutions for regional needs. Membership begins at $5,000 annually, though Bruland encourages individuals to start their own giving circles if they want to pool funds for meaningful causes. “It doesn’t need to be high-dollar to make an impact. Even pooling smaller amounts can make a difference,” she said.
In recent years, the Giving Network has prioritized a comprehensive response to ever-evolving community needs by helping nonprofits operate more effectively, serve more people and launch impactful programs.
“Instead of spreading small grants across multiple organizations, we aim for high-impact grants that can elevate a nonprofit’s reach.” Bruland continued. “We hope to help each nonprofit grow to its full potential.”
Originally from Australia, Bruland worked in broadcast journalism. Moving to Aspen 22 years ago and later having children led to a greater awareness of the needs of her community. In 2019, she became chair of the Giving Network.
“As a mother, I think about what we’re providing for young people in the Valley. Are we creating a fair and equal playing field? That’s what drives me,” she said.
Applications for 2025 Giving Network grants open in January. For more information, go to www.aspencommunityfoundation.org