Katie Speer was instrumental in the founding of the EPNRC, and for many years served as a member of its Board of Directors. An outspoken advocate for the causes and organizations she espoused, Katie was a strong leader, putting her actions behind her words. She was a gifted writer, and demonstrated time and again her skills at writing successful grant proposals that benefited dozens of nonprofit organizations in the Estes Valley. Her perceptive ability to seek out and secure funding for organizations was legendary: untold thousands of dollars were thus channeled to Estes Park charities and nonprofits, enabling them to achieve their missions to serve others

On behalf of the EPNRC, Katie acted as fiscal agent for many fledgling organizations, enabling them to get a foothold toward financial sustainability.

Katie’s selfless service on behalf of others earned her, among other recognitions, the “Citizen of the Year” award from the Town of Estes Park.

It is fitting, therefore, that the Estes Park Nonprofit Resource Center designate its annual award to recognize the value and importance of philanthropy in our community as the Katie Speer Philanthropist of the Year Award in memory of her steadfast commitment to the spirit and achievement of philanthropy.

In honor of the memory of Katie Speer, the Estes Park Nonprofit Resource Center hereby designates its annual award, “The Katie Speer Philanthropist of the Year Award,” effective 2014, and for all years hereafter.

-2014 EPNRC Board

Katie Speer passed away on September 15, 2014