In the fall of 1997, various avenues for creating or joining an existing community foundation were researched. After many long discussions and public meetings, the decision was made to create the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado as a Colorado 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Wells Fargo was contracted with to provide professional services for the donor and the Community Foundation to assure the best financial tools were made available to maximize assets. With these tools, and through the generosity and passion, which many individuals possess for particular causes, the supporters of the Community Foundation are confident they have planted a seed from which abundant fruit will grow.
To address the ongoing issue of student dropouts, Toronto District School Board (TDSB) teacher Craig Morrison started a school-business program called the Oasis Skateboard Factory (OSF) to help keep teens stay in school.