The Nick Would Foundation exists to expand meaningful access to outdoor adventure, wildland exploration and preservation, and creative expression. Experiences that build character, broaden perspective, and foster deep human connection. Inspired by the way Nick Simon lived, the foundation supports programs and partnerships that create opportunities for individuals, especially those facing economic, physical, or cognitive barriers, to explore the natural world, express themselves creatively, and build lasting community.
As access to these transformative experiences becomes increasingly limited, the need is real and urgent. Supporting the Nick Would Foundation is more than a donation—it is an investment in expanding human potential, strengthening communities, and a lasting legacy of adventure, creativity, and connection.
To donate to the “Nick Would” Foundation Fund by check, mail to:
Yampa Valley Community Foundation
348 Oak Street
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
* Please make the check out to YVCF and note the name of the Fund in the memo line.
This is a Donor Advised Fund of the Yampa Valley Community Foundation. Funds are being raised on behalf of rather than by the Foundation. Donations are irrevocable assets of the Foundation. Fund advisors make recommendations for where the funds will be distributed.
Grants from the fund will be made to qualified charitable organizations and targeted around expanding access to outdoor pursuits, wildland exploration, and creative development to those who otherwise could not experience these activities for physical, cognitive, or economic reasons.
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Nick Simon, who passed away Oct. 27, 2022, at age 25 in a tragic car accident while surfing in New Zealand, was passionate about each of these activities, and it’s the fund’s intention to help spread these experiences to honor Nick’s legacy. Nick loved to share his excitement (“share the stoke”) with anyone who joined in these pursuits, and with this foundation his “stoke” will be spread for future generations.
Nick lived his 25 years as fully as anyone we’ve ever known. He worked hard and played hard and squeezed the nectar out of every single day. Nick changed the world by inspiring all who had the privilege of sharing in his energetic orbit. If you knew Nick, you knew a special, golden spirit who was as enlightened as they came. He had a knowing in life that we all wish we had. He was an old soul, and his love, warmth, humor, and zest for squeezing every bit of joy out of life was infectious and intoxicating to be around. He just made you feel good, made everything okay.
Born and raised in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Nick embodied everything that makes his hometown such a special place for raising a family. Starting as a hockey player and Alpine racer with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, Nick progressed to freestyle skiing, then found his rightful place on the Big Mountain ski team, ultimately co-founding the Steamboat Van Clan, a team that successfully competed in the Open Class Big Mountain Tour in Canada and the USA.
Nick never missed an opportunity to be out in nature enjoying everything it had to offer. If he wasn’t skiing or surfing, he was mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, traveling, or trekking in the mountains. From his NOLS trip in the Himalayas to his post-college solo bike-packing trip on the Colorado and Continental Divide Trails, he did it all. Nick was also a highly gifted musician and songwriter, having written and recorded over 50 songs, and shared his talent for fortunate guests in every town he visited. He travelled to over 30 countries, charging into his passions while inspiring countless people along the way. But the thing he did best was love. No one loved better than Nicholas.
The concept of Nick Would is much more than approaching life boldly, it’s a set of lessons in living that we carry forward from here. Nick wasn’t just a great athlete with a huge adrenaline appetite; he was also a talented musician with an incredibly sensitive and caring heart. Since he was a young child, Nick was always the first to offer a helping hand, a supportive conversation, or simply let someone know they mattered. His spirit lives on for the legion of people he inspired, supported, and loved in his short 25 years.
The Nick Would Foundation is a vehicle to share Nick’s legacy for generations to come.
Live boldly. Create freely. Connect deeply. Together, we’re keeping Nick’s light alive through adventure, exploration, creativity, and connection.
