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West end of Montrose County (Nucla/Naturita) and the Telluride service area

Telluride Foundation Equity Share: down payment help for Telluride-area workers

Full-time workers in the Telluride service area can get equity-share help of up to 20% of the price (max $30,000 in Nucla and Naturita) on homes up to $300,000.

Fact sheet

Telluride Foundation Equity Share DPA

Open

West end of Montrose County (Nucla/Naturita) and the Telluride service area

Buyers
Buyers working full time in the Telluride Service Area (San Miguel, Ouray, west Montrose, Rico) for 12+ months
Amount
Up to 20% of price (max $30,000 in Nucla/Naturita)
Form
deferred (shared equity)
Income cap
Up to 150% AMI
Price cap
$300,000
Conditions
Primary residence; homebuyer education

Repaid at sale or refinance with shared appreciation unless repaid within 36 months.

Checked November 2026 · method

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How the equity share works

The Telluride Foundation funds this program and Impact Development Fund makes the loans. It is a deferred second: no monthly payments, repaid when you sell or refinance, along with a share of appreciation. Repay within 36 months and the appreciation share is waived. In the west end of Montrose County, the Nucla and Naturita area, the cap is $30,000.

Who qualifies?

You must have worked full time in the Telluride Service Area, which covers San Miguel and Ouray counties, the west end of Montrose County and Rico, for at least 12 months. Income can reach 150% of AMI. The home must be a primary residence priced at $300,000 or less, and homebuyer education is required. A first-time buyer rule is not stated.

How it fits with state programs

Teachers in the West End School District RE-2 may qualify for CHFA Schools To Home, which accepts only another provider's grant on top; this equity-share loan is not a grant, so expect to choose between them. Deputies and firefighters may look at Colorado Champions, and a participating lender confirms whether the Foundation's loan can be added. Montrose and Delta buyers outside the service area can look at Housing Resources of Western Colorado or Colorado Roots, which lists Montrose.

On a $250,000 home in Montrose County's west end, 20% would be $50,000, but the $30,000 cap applies in Nucla and Naturita. Because of the $300,000 price limit, check prices before you set your search area. The 36-month payoff window lets buyers who expect a raise or an inheritance avoid the appreciation share.

Ask IDF how the appreciation share is calculated on your purchase, and whether seasonal or multiple jobs count toward the full-time requirement before you rely on them. Workers in Olathe or Montrose itself fall outside the Telluride Service Area.

How to apply

Gather 12 months of pay records showing full-time work in the service area, complete homebuyer education, and apply through IDF with a participating lender. Shop with the $300,000 cap in mind. See the Montrose County page, our buying steps guide, and check eligibility.

County guides for this program: Montrose County.

Questions about Telluride Foundation Equity Share DPA

How much does the Telluride Foundation provide?

Up to 20% of the price, with a $30,000 maximum in Nucla and Naturita.

What is the price limit?

$300,000.

Is there a work requirement?

Yes. 12+ months of full-time work in the Telluride Service Area.

Similar programs

Summarized from the program's official page, November 2026. Money and rules shift; check today's terms with the administrator or a participating lender. Colorado Down Payment Assistance has no tie to this program.

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