Impact & Programs
Over the past three years, our efforts have continued to build momentum, expanding support across the 10th Mountain Division community. From education and outdoor training to memorials and historical preservation, these efforts come to life through the people, programs, and partnerships they support.
Support creates opportunities for soldiers, veterans, and family members to build skills, pursue education, and grow as leaders—through mentorship and training that open pathways into outdoor careers.
Funding brings people together through outdoor programs and events—from Alpine Club climbing trips like The Gunks to community gatherings that strengthen connection and camaraderie.
Investments honor the service and sacrifice of the Division through preserved sites and places of reflection—carried forward through traditions like the Memorial Day Ceremony at Tennessee Pass.
Support helps document and share the Division’s history, making it accessible for research, education, and future generations—through films, public history initiatives, and a growing Resource Center.
“Our vision commits us to philanthropy inspired by the 10th Mountain Division legacy—a powerful reminder that every program, every grant, and every act of stewardship must reflect the courage, character, and values of those who came before us.”
– Nancy Kramer, Chairman, 10th Mountain Division Foundation
“As Director of the Rocky Mountain Division of the National Ski Patrol, one of my aims from day one has been to expand the opportunities for patrollers. The funding from the 10th Mountain Division Foundation helps us to deliver on that promise, especially because it becomes a funding resource specific to interactions between the 10th Mountain Division, and National Ski Patrol.
I found great inspiration from being present at the 50th Hale and Farewell event, and that has motivated me to bring that experience and spirit to other patrollers. I hope the programs we deliver to the active 10th Mountain soldiers create lasting memories and connections, and I’m very thankful to the 10th Mountain Division Foundation for the additional push up the climb that their funding provides.”
Director, National Ski Patrol
Rocky Mountain Division
“Support from the 10th Mountain Division Foundation helped advance A Walk Through History: Gothic Line, a documentary project dedicated to preserving and sharing the story of the 10th Mountain Division’s campaign in Italy during World War II. By connecting modern audiences with the landscapes, history, and personal stories of the Soldiers who served there, the project helps ensure that the legacy, sacrifice, and achievements of the 10th Mountain Division continue to educate and inspire future generations. We are grateful for the Foundation’s commitment to preserving this important chapter of history.”
Producer, Director, Screenwriter and Editor of A Walk Through History: Gothic Line
“Ninety-Pound Rucksack tells the 10th’s story in podcast form through the lens of climbing. The Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge is an annual ski mountaineering event that honors the legacy of the Division at ski areas around the country. Taken together, they’re proving harder to pull off than any mountain I’ve ever climbed. Without the 10th Mountain Division Foundation’s partnership and support, there’s no way I could do either one.”
Creator of the Ninety-Pound Rucksack Podcast and The Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge
“The 10th Mountain Division Foundation played a critical role in helping establish the 10th Mountain Alpine Club as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, providing the structure necessary for the Club’s long-term growth and success. That support has helped send club members to events such as the Hannes Schneider Meister Cup Race, climbing trips to the Shawangunk Mountains, and the annual Ski-In in Colorado, strengthening connections to the Division’s mountain heritage and community. We are grateful for the partnership and for the opportunities it has created to foster leadership, camaraderie, and outdoor adventure while preserving and advancing the traditions and mountain culture of the 10th Mountain Division.”
President and Co-Founder of the 10th Mountain Alpine Club
“The Military Mountain Mentorship Program has allowed me to continue growing as a mountain guide while helping other veterans pursue the same path. Watching participants build confidence, develop professional skills, and find community through climbing, skiing and mountain travel has been incredibly rewarding. The program carries forward the 10th Mountain Division’s historic connection to the outdoors by helping today’s veterans find purpose, mentorship, and opportunity in the mountains.”
Founder of Tactical Alpinism
The 10th Mountain Division Foundation invests in programs and partnerships that align with its mission and extend the legacy of the Division. Every funding decision is guided by a commitment to responsible stewardship, ensuring resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact.
Our process is structured, transparent, and focused on supporting initiatives that meaningfully serve the community and the legacy.
Every project must demonstrate a clear connection to the 10th Mountain Division and contribute to preserving and extending its legacy.
Applications are evaluated through a structured process by dedicated program teams to ensure fairness, consistency, and meaningful impact.
Funding decisions prioritize initiatives that deliver lasting value and reflect a careful and intentional use of resources.
We work closely with recipients and expect clear communication, follow-through, and recognition of support.
The 10th Mountain Division Foundation supports a range of programs that honor service, preserve history, and carry the legacy forward. Through funding, partnerships, and community engagement, we invest in efforts that connect the Division’s past, present, and future – ensuring that the legacy remains active, relevant, and impactful.
The legacy of the 10th Mountain Division began in the mountains. During World War II, soldiers trained in extreme alpine conditions at places like Camp Hale, mastering skiing, mountaineering, and winter survival. These experiences not only prepared them for combat – they shaped a culture of resilience, adaptability, and leadership that continues to define the Division today.
After the war, veterans carried that experience into civilian life, helping to build the modern outdoor industry. They founded ski resorts, advanced outdoor equipment, and established organizations that continue to influence outdoor recreation and education across the United States.
Today, the Foundation supports outdoor education, recreation, and leadership development opportunities that reflect this legacy. These programs provide individuals – especially soldiers, veterans, and young leaders – with opportunities to build confidence, develop technical skills, and connect with the outdoors in meaningful ways.
Scholarships and funding support individuals pursuing outdoor training, certifications, and leadership development programs.
Sponsorship of outdoor programs and events that provide hands-on experience, skill building, and community connection.
Partnerships with organizations that make outdoor experiences more accessible to soldiers, veterans, and future leaders.
The Foundation was established through an act of remembrance. In the 1950s, 10th Mountain Division veterans came together to build a memorial at Tennessee Pass, Colorado, honoring their fallen comrades from World War II. That effort became the foundation’s origin – and set the tone for its enduring commitment to remembrance.
Over time, monuments and memorials have been established across the country and around the world, reflecting the continued service and sacrifice of the Division. From the original Tennessee Pass Memorial to the Military Mountaineer Statue at Fort Drum, these sites serve as lasting reminders of the Division’s history and its connection across generations.
Today, the Foundation supports the creation, restoration, and preservation of these spaces. These efforts ensure that the stories of those who served are not lost – and that communities have places to gather, reflect, and remember.
Funding for the development and installation of new monuments that honor the service and sacrifice of the 10th Mountain Division.
Support for maintaining and restoring existing memorials to ensure they remain accessible and meaningful for future generations.
Efforts to document and connect memorial sites through a centralized database, making them easier to discover, visit, and learn from.
Preserving the history of the 10th Mountain Division has long been a shared effort between veterans, institutions, and community partners. In the 1980s, this commitment took shape through the creation of the 10th Mountain Division Resource Center, where organizations like the Denver Public Library and History Colorado built one of the most comprehensive collections of World War II materials related to the Division.
These efforts have supported decades of research, publications, documentaries, and public education, ensuring that the Division’s story is not only preserved, but understood and shared.
Today, the Foundation continues this work by supporting the preservation and accessibility of historical materials across all eras of the Division. From archival collections to modern documentation efforts, these initiatives ensure the legacy continues to inform and connect future generations.
Support for preserving and digitizing historical materials, ensuring records are protected and accessible for future generations.
Collaboration with museums, libraries, and research institutions to expand and maintain comprehensive collections.
Development of public-facing resources that make the Division’s history easier to explore, understand, and engage with.
From its earliest days, the Foundation recognized that investing in people was essential to carrying the legacy forward. In 1993, World War II veterans launched the “Your Foundation Is Forever” campaign, establishing scholarships as one of the most enduring expressions of that commitment.
Today, these programs support soldiers, descendants, and family members of the 10th Mountain Division as they pursue higher education, technical training, and advanced study. These scholarships go beyond financial support, investing in individuals who carry forward the values of service, leadership, and community.
Many recipients are also encouraged to reflect on their connection to the Division’s history, strengthening both their educational journey and their understanding of the legacy. In this way, the scholarship program serves as a bridge between generations.
Scholarships that support college, graduate study, and technical education across a wide range of disciplines.
Support for soldiers, family members, and descendants of the Division who carry a personal connection to its legacy.
Scholarships that recognize academic achievement, financial need, and a demonstrated commitment to service and leadership.
Annual awards supporting students who demonstrate financial need, community service, and a meaningful connection to the Division’s legacy.
Merit-based support for descendants of World War II 10th Mountain Division soldiers.
Support for advanced study in military history, contributing to ongoing research and understanding of the Division’s impact.
Every story of impact begins with support. Whether you’re contributing to the mission or seeking funding to move an idea forward, your involvement helps extend the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division and create meaningful opportunities for others.