The Western Colorado University Foundation, Inc., is a private non-profit corporation founded in 1975 to advance the mission and goals of Western Colorado University. The Foundation is the primary depository of private gifts from alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations. In the last 10 years, Western Colorado University has received $50 million in gifts from donors investing in Western’s people and mission. Each year, the Foundation gives more than $4 million to the University, with the greatest portion directed to scholarships.

In 1997, the Foundation established The Foundation Scholars Program. This program offers the most prestigious, renewable scholarships awarded at Western to date.

In recent years, the Foundation has increased its role in raising private support for Western. The Foundation receives annual fund contributions, one-time gifts, and major gifts made over a period of years. Many different gift options are available: bequests, cash, securities, savings bonds, real estate, trusts, life insurance, and personal property.

Since Western is a state-assisted institution, private gifts to the Foundation are critical to maintaining and enhancing excellence in faculty and student programs.  An annual report of the Foundation is available for those wishing further information. Contact the Foundation at (970) 641-2237, tburggraf@western.edu, or mail inquiries to the

Western Foundation, Inc.
909 Escalante Drive
P.O. Box 1264
Gunnison, CO 81230.