Capital Gifts

"Having been nurtured by a family that fervently practices philanthropy, I realized that it was my turn to make a difference…  I hope that everyone will support the future of Colorado Rocky Mountain School in their own way." 
                                                        --Sherri Draper 
                                                          Member Board of Trustees and Parent of Alumni

Colorado Rocky Mountain School has two important goals related to the school’s capital needs—maintaining the historical integrity of the place that is Colorado Rocky Mountain School, and ensuring that the campus facilities are adequate for preparing the students of today and the future. There are two ways that gifts for capital projects can be made to Colorado Rocky Mountain School--through capital campaigns that support large campus-wide improvements, and through donations for specific capital projects.


Capital Campaigns
From John Holden’s first solicitation for capital dollars to buy the Bar Fork Ranch in 1953, capital campaigns have been an important part of Colorado Rocky Mountain School’s growth. The last campaign, which began in 2002, raised over $5 million to build the Charlotte A. Jossman Academic Building, to make renovations to the barn, and to increase the endowment.

CRMS is currently in the "quiet" or beginning phases of a new comprehensive campaign. The capital component of the campaign, projected at $10 million, will enable CRMS to improve the dormitories, and preserve ranch buildings that are integral to the school’s history. Two new dorms will vitalize the boarding program, and will enhance the campus’ connection to the Crystal River. In addition, the New Boys Dorm will be renovated to house Administration and Student Support offices, the Holden House will be restored to its historic configuration, the library will be relocated to the center of campus, and the remainder of the Jossman Building will be finished so that it can be used for academic purposes in addition to state-of-the-art science lab facilities. These projects are designed to expand the school’s ability to deliver its high quality programs.

CRMS has contracted with The Compass Group, www.therightdirection.com who will assist with the execution of the campaign. Compass brings a wealth of experience to this effort. A few of the hundreds of organizations that Compass has worked with are: the Colorado Springs School, the High Mountain Institute, the National Outdoor Leadership School, and The Access Fund. We look forward to learning from all of The Compass Group’s past success in helping independent schools and other organizations across the country reach their strategic goals.

We already have finished the first new dormitory, with the second one coming on-line early next year. We have also completed the new music building and remodeled the Crystal dormitory. The Board of Trustees and campus Buildings and Grounds Committees are working with the architect to ensure that the buildings will best meet the needs of our students, while being as energy efficient and green as possible.

If you are interested in supporting or volunteering for this campaign, please contact Lisa Raleigh at 970-963-2562, ext. 130, or lraleigh@crms.org.

This is an exciting time for CRMS! This important campaign will be a great opportunity for all of us to support this school that we believe in so strongly. Together we will preserve this historic and meaningful place, while ensuring that CRMS is sustainable far into the future.


Capital Gifts
The second type of capital gift would be one that is made at any time for a specific capital project. Colorado Rocky Mountain School has many capital projects on its Wish List that offer donors a chance to make a difference for the school. Please click here for our Colorado Rocky Mountain School Wish List to see how you can invest in the betterment of the school.