In places as special as Jackson Hole and Teton Valley, gratitude comes naturally. From days spent in the Tetons to the sense of belonging that comes from living in a tight-knit mountain town, there’s no shortage of reasons to feel thankful. But one of the most meaningful things about calling this community home is the way people give back — to one another, to the land, and to the organizations that keep these valleys thriving.
A Community Built on Giving
Philanthropy is at the heart of life in the Tetons. Residents and visitors alike are known for their generosity — whether that’s volunteering at a local event, supporting small businesses, or donating to causes that strengthen our community. Across Jackson Hole and Teton Valley, countless nonprofits work year-round to support the arts, education, healthcare, conservation, and recreation — ensuring that the place we love continues to flourish for generations to come.
Local Organizations Making an Impact
From the slopes to the Town Square, there’s no shortage of organizations making a difference here. A few that are especially close to the Mountain Standard Realty team include:
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Community Foundation of Jackson Hole – From Old Bill’s Fun Run to its year-round grantmaking, this foundation connects donors with causes that matter and strengthens the fabric of our valley. One of the most notable charitable organizations in Jackson, the Community Foundation has been focused on enrichment of our community for the last 36 years.
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Community Foundation of Teton Valley – Known for its impactful work supporting nonprofits across the valley in Idaho, this organization helps fund vital programs and hosts Tin Cup Challenge, one of the valley’s most important annual fundraising events. This event alone has raised nearly $27 million for the community since 2008!
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Center for the Arts – A hub for creativity and connection in downtown Jackson, the Center for the Arts hosts performances, exhibits, and community events that bring people together. Our very own, Randy Walmsley, serves on the board today and has been involved with the Center since 2021.
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Teton Valley Foundation – The nonprofit behind beloved community events like Music on Main, the Teton Valley Foundation works to strengthen local culture and connection through music, recreation, and shared experiences. Mountain Standard Realty is a proud sponsor of Music on Main! Look out for us there next summer, be sure to stop by our table and say hello!
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Jackson Hole Shrine Club – Supporting local families through medical assistance and community events, the Shrine Club plays an important role in helping those in need. Supported by Nick Houfek & his father, the Shriners are a group near and dear to the heart of the Mountain Standard Realty team and Foster self improvement through leadership, education, the perpetuation of moral values and community involvement.
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Old Wilson Schoolhouse – A beloved landmark and gathering place, the Old Wilson Schoolhouse hosts events and programs for our community that preserve the character and history of Wilson—and is proudly supported by Nick Houfek and the Mountain Standard Team.
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Community Housing Fund – The Teton Board of Realtors Community Housing Fund helps create affordable housing opportunities for Teton County’s essential employees. The fund allows agents and sellers to designate proceeds from their commission at closing, and the Mountain Standard team is proud to be a part of this incredibly important initiative in our community.
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Snake River Fund - Promoting stewardship of and public access to the Snake River watershed, the Snake River Fund works to protect the river at the heart of our community for past and future generations. Having served on the board, this initiative is close to the heart of Andrew Byron and the rest of the MSR team.
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Jackson Hole Fire / EMS Foundation - With Andrew Byron serving as a volunteer fire fighter, the Jackson Hole Fire / EMS Foundation is a cause close to the team. The foundation’s work is focused on recruiting, enhancing team performance, relieving the housing burden, supporting fallen firefighters and engaging our community through education.
How to Get Involved
There are countless opportunities to give back in Jackson & Teton Valley—while certainly not exhaustive, the list above is a great place to start. If you’re looking for ways to give back this season — from volunteering at local events to attending fundraisers or simply spreading the word about organizations doing good work — there are plenty of ways. Many nonprofits have holiday drives or donation programs, making it easy to make an impact.
Whether you’ve lived here for decades or are new to the valley, being part of the Jackson Hole and Teton Valley communities means being part of something bigger — a collective spirit of generosity and gratitude that defines life in the Tetons, and we are happy to be a part of it.
