About the Educational Fund

KOTO Community Radio operates under the stewardship of the San Miguel Educational Fund (SMEF), a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to fostering education, culture, and community connection. SMEF ensures that KOTO remains a trusted and independent voice for Telluride and the surrounding region. Through their guidance and support, we continue to provide high-quality, commercial-free programming that reflects the diverse spirit of our community. Every contribution to KOTO supports this vital mission, helping us sustain and grow the legacy of grassroots radio.

The San Miguel Educational Fund EIN: 23-7317485

Three people joyfully performing high kicks at the entrance of KOTO Radio, with one person holding the door open. They are casually dressed and smiling, surrounded by a small garden and wooden wall with the stations sign.

Meet the Board of Directors

  • Laura Shaunette

  • Brian Wolahan

  • Gene Weil

    President

  • Mark Izard

    Secretary ex officio

  • Kathleen Erie

    Treasurer

  • Patrick Shehan

  • Kathleen Bonneau

  • Meghan Knowles

    Vice President

  • Grey Rembert

    ex officio

2025 KOTO Monthly Board Meetings

KOTO’s board of directors hold their monthly meetings in person and via Zoom. In-person meetings are held at Wilkinson Public Library unless otherwise noted. KOTO members, DJs, and the public are welcome to participate. The link to join the call will be posted here at koto.org or you are welcome to email your comments to board president Gene Weil at [email protected] or KOTO’s executive director Cara Pallone at [email protected].

2025 SMEF Board Meeting Calendar

All SMEF Board meetings will take place in person in the Telluride Room at Wilkinson Public Library, and online via Zoom, unless otherwise noted & noticed.

January 6: Meet the Appointment Candidates Special Meeting
January 27: Vote on Appointments
February 24: Board Retreat *at the home of Gene Weil
March 24 *in Meeting Room #6 at Wilkinson Public Library
June 9
July 21
August 18
September 22* normally Sept 15, Blues and Brews break
October 20
November 17
December 15

Apply for the San Miguel Educational Fund Scholarship

We are thrilled to award this year’s San Miguel Educational Fund scholarship to Katie Pumayalli!

Katie was a key member of Telluride High School’s Miner Dome Broadcasting Club and participated in every broadcast during the club’s inaugural year. The club was intended to be student-led, and under Katie’s leadership, it most certainly was. She announced games in both English & Spanish, ensuring programming could be enjoyed broadly across our community and beyond.
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We are so excited for Katie and her next chapter!
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* The SMEF scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating student in the R-1 School District and is generously matched by its founder, Robert Allen, for a total of $2K. The San Miguel Educational Fund is KOTO’s governing board.
A person with long brown and blonde hair, wearing glasses and a floral orange dress, stands outdoors next to a wooden wall, smiling at the camera.

Frequently Asked Questions

This scholarship was established and funded in 2018 by a recurring $1000 contribution from Robert Allen, AKA Bobalouie, which is matched by the San Miguel Educational Fund and distributed annually. The $2000 total can be awarded to one or more students. The first scholarship award was granted in June of 2018.

The SMEF Scholarship Committee will be responsible for reviewing scholarship applications, determining the recipient of the award with the help of the school’s guidance office. The committee will report directly to the SMEF Board and will provide any information requested by the board as to the scholarship.

If additional money is collected via donations allocated specifically to the scholarship fund, the Scholarship Committee can review the funds available in the scholarship fund to determine if the scholarship should be amended (i.e. increased scholarship amount or providing a scholarship to multiple students in a single year.) Robert Allen will handle the administration side of any additional funds collected. The Scholarship Committee would bring any requests to modify the scholarship award to the SMEF Board of Directors for review.

Seniors graduating from any school within San Miguel County with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and with a sincere intention of continuing their education. Weight will be given to participation in Radio Club, intention to pursue a career in broadcast journalism, music, or a related field, and volunteer history with KOTO or other community non-profits. Ineligibility: Immediate family members of current SMEF board members and KOTO staff are ineligible.

Past recipients include:

  • 2018- Will PLantz
  • 2019- Maya Ordonez
  • 2020- Jonah Jodlowski
  • 2021- Rowen Warren
  • 2022 – Ayla Kanow
  • 2023- Fintan Cole
  • 2024 – Aizy Luna Alvarez Lezcano

Applicants must complete a written application and submit it to SMEF Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1069, Telluride, CO 81435 by April 30. Applicants must also provide an unofficial transcript. Applications may be submitted through the school, or via email to [email protected].

The recipient of the SMEF Scholarship will be chosen by the SMEF Scholarship Committee. That committee will be comprised of at least three members to include Robert Allen, one current SMEF board member, and one KOTO station employee. Application will be reviewed to determine if they meet all eligibility requirements. Award decision will be made by consensus of the SMEF Scholarship committee with weight given to participation in Radio Club, intention to pursue a career in broadcast journalism, music, or a related field, and volunteer history with KOTO or other community non-profits.

The student awarded the San Miguel Educational Fund Scholarship must submit a letter to the editor of the Daily Planet Newspaper within two weeks of receiving the scholarship thanking San Miguel Educational Fund and KOTO Radio.

Application deadline is April 22. An unofficial school transcript must be attached to this application. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.