Philanthropy News

Caring for Colorado's 2021 Annual Report

Published:

Monday, July 11, 2022

The report highlights stories about how their community partners reached more than 2 million Coloradans.

Emergence of Black Funds article features LaDawn Sullivan of BRIC

Published:

Monday, July 11, 2022

Read comments from LaDawn, Director of the BRIC (Black Resilience in Colorado) Fund

Rose Community Foundation Nonprofit Endowment Cohort Program

Published:

Monday, July 11, 2022

This program helps staff launch and build endowment funds.

Comcast Releases Internet Essentials Report on Increased Access

Published:

Monday, July 11, 2022

Highlights $1B efforts to connect low-income homes to the internet.

Caring for Colorado announces 71 grants totaling $3.5 million

Published:

Monday, June 27, 2022

Caring for Colorado has announced 71 grants to nonprofit organizations totaling $3.5 million.

Gary Community Ventures welcomes new Managing Director for Dearfield Fund for Black Wealth

Published:

Monday, June 27, 2022

Gary Community Ventures is excited to welcome Aisha Weeks as the new Managing Director of our Dearfield Fund for Black Wealth. Aisha is an MPA recruited from Cleveland, where she ran community development initiatives for the city and led in a number of private sector banking and finance roles.

El Pomar Foundation co-founder Julie Penrose inducted into Colorado Women's Hall of Fame

Published:

Monday, June 27, 2022

Read about Julie Penrose's philanthropic legacy.

Boettcher Foundation Leverages $1.88 million in Research Grants

Published:

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Eight Colorado biomedical researchers recieve grant awards.

Kristen Todd, CEO of Community Fdn of No Colorado, Reflects on First Year

Published:

Monday, June 13, 2022

The Community Foundation of Northern Colorado welcomed Kristin Todd as its new president and CEO in the spring of 2021. Since joining staff, Kristin has acquainted herself with the community, built a new team, and established an ambitious ten-year vision for the Foundation.

Mile High United Way Acquires Long-Term Housing Facility

Published:

Monday, June 13, 2022

Mile High United Way recently purchased the 24-unit Pennsylvania Street building as a part of our $8 million investment in five transformational community projects.

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Update: Migrants arriving from Southern border: Resources and Needs

Thursday, January 26, 2023

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Giving Voice Blog

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Grantmaking

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Public Policy

Updated Jan. 26, 2023

Philanthropy Colorado and several of its members participated in a meeting in late December organized by The Denver Foundation to discuss the recent influx of migrants from the southern border and Colorado's philanthropic response.

We will post additional updates as they are received.

Background:
Over 1,400 migrants have arrived in the Denver area from Central and South America over the last several weeks. Efforts are under way to assist migrants traveling to other destinations, but many will remain in Denver and Colorado. Approximately 650 people are currently being housed in local emergency shelters.

January 2023 Update from the Colorado Office of New Americans:
The Colorado Migrant Welcome Guide is now available in both English and Spanish. The Guide assists asylum seekers and migrants who are interested in remaining in Colorado. The Office is asking for help getting the guide out to those who need it most.
Colorado Welcome Guide English and Spanish versions

Resources for Individuals seeking help:

211 help line
Mile High United Way Immigrant & Refugee Services
Colorado Hosting Asylum Network Information Sheet
Denver Office of Emergency Management Migrant Resources Read daily updates from the City of Denver

How Colorado philanthropy can assist:

Refer those seeking help to 211 for resources.
Support nonprofits through Rose Community Foundation’s Newcomers Fund, which will distribute support to nonprofit partners working with these migrants in the Denver Metro area and statewide.
Read the Rose Community Foundation's Press Release
Directly support key service providers, including American Friends Service Committee, Colorado Hosting Asylum Network, Iglesia Cuidad de Dios, Denver Community Church, Casa de Paz, Papagayo and SOS Venezuela.
We are still collecting a list of nonprofits outside of the Denver area that are welcoming migrants in other parts of the state. Watch for additional updates.
Support Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund for those who seek asylum in Denver.
Advocate with the Dept. of Homeland Security & Colorado’s Congressional delegation to give status to migrants that would allow for employment and refugee support.
Help with matchmaking between potential nonprofit hosts and immigrants needing housing & support. Refer interested organizations to Colorado Hosting Asylum Network
Promote and provide staffing and volunteers for this effort, particularly bilingual individuals.

Additional questions? Reach out to Janet Lopez with The Denver Foundation or Sarah Kurz with Rose Community Foundation.

January 2023 Federal Funding Update: We will share information on specific needs & gaps as Colorado communities seek to access this funding.
$800 million Shelter and Services grant program
The FY 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill provides a new $800 million Shelter and Services grant program to support states, localities and NGOs providing shelter and respite to recently arrived migrants. The funding includes up to $50 million for construction and expansion of shelter facilities. The funds will be administered by FEMA as grants or cooperative agreements.

Update: Standing against hate with Colorado Springs and LGBTQ+ community

Thursday, January 19, 2023

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Giving Voice Blog

Updated Jan. 19, 2023 (we will provide more updates as we learn more)

It's with very heavy hearts that Philanthropy Colorado acknowledges and speaks out against another horrific act of violence in our state and against our LGBTQ+ community and neighbors in Colorado Springs.

Several dozen representatives from Philanthropy Colorado's network took part in a virtual convening on Monday, November 21 to talk about reactions and responses in the aftermath of the weekend shooting at Club Q.

Since this time, Philanthropy Colorado staff have been in regular communication with our members at the local and statewide level to help connect, communicate and coordinate efforts for the response efforts, as well as longer-term, community-focused support. The Gill Foundation and Chinook Fund have been providing leadership, staff expertise and their national LGBTQ+, funder networks to leverage support, resources and technical assistance for the response to the Club Q tragedy.

Updates from the Gill Foundation, January 2023

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On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, the Colorado Healing Fund announced a new joint effort with Community Health Partnership (CHP) to create a dedicated “navigator” role to reach and assist Club Q victims, as well as the formation of its Club Q Advisory Committee – composed of LGBTQIA+ leaders, victim assistance experts, and community partners – which has already met twice to provide guidance on Club Q response efforts and shape a plan for distributing remaining funds to victims.

The Colorado Healing Fund has collected approximately $2.1 million to date, which includes donations made through the Colorado Gives platform as well as contributions made directly to CHF from foundations, corporations, and individuals. More than $450,000 has been distributed to victims through the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, providing financial support to 81 individuals -- $188,500 covered immediate expenses and $265,000 distributed as cash disbursements to the five families of those killed and the 33 individuals injured during the shooting. Going forward, Colorado Health Partnership will also serve as a distribution partner for funds to victims.

For the full press release from the Colorado Healing Fund on these developments, visit: https://www.coloradohealingfund.org/2023/01/17/chf-announces-new-distribution-partner-and-advisory-committee-for-clubq-response/

Previous information from the Gill Foundation: (December, 2022)

We understand that the immediate response remains under-resourced and that coordination is critical to make sure no one slips through the cracks. There will never be enough dollars to meet every need that emerges from this horrific tragedy. Here are the donation links to the main funds and we can also connect you directly to the executive director of either fund if you would like to make a gift by another method.
• Colorado Healing Fund for Club Q victims
• National Compassion Fund for Club Q victims

On Tuesday December 6, the Colorado Healing Fund announced that the majority of their administrative costs have been covered, and they are working to get their overhead fully underwritten so that they can waive their admin fee and ensure 100% of donations to the Club Q fund go directly to victim assistance.

One of the most pressing issues the Gill Foundation and others have been working to address in the broader response effort is the need for victim advocacy/assistance outside of the typical law enforcement channels. It has become evident that some victims may not be coming forward out of fear of interacting with law enforcement and because aspects of the assistance process can be re-traumatizing for LGBTQ victims (e.g., limited options for self-identification, like binary pronouns and requirements for legal/dead name vs. chosen name, etc).

To ensure no one is left behind, the Gill Foundation is collaborating with Community Health Partnership in Colorado Springs to stand up a “navigator” position that will be filled by a trusted member of the LGBTQ community in the Springs who is also part of the direct services field. Additional funds are needed to extend the timeline for this role and/or bring additional capacity to this critical function.

On Sunday December 4, the Good Judy Garage GoFundMe campaign announced a partnership with the National Compassion Fund to develop distribution protocols and manage disbursement of funds to Club Q victims. LGBTQ organizations in Florida have described National Compassion Fund’s involvement as a godsend in the aftermath of the Pulse shooting, given the breadth of their experience in supporting victims of mass shootings and bringing together everyone involved in response efforts.

Questions have come up about the differences between the Colorado Healing Fund and the National Compassion Fund. Based on our understanding, there are three key differences:
•   The Colorado Healing Fund releases funds to the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA), which distributes those funds based on the needs that victims identify through their victim advocates (and soon the new navigator role), whereas the National Compassion Fund distributes funds directly to victims based on distribution protocols that tier the severity of the shooting’s impact on victims.
•   It takes some time for the National Compassion Fund to begin distributing funds to victims – typically about six months after a tragedy in order to convene a steering committee, develop a distribution protocol, and collect input from the victims and community – whereas the Colorado Healing Fund has a seed fund that enables them to make cash disbursements right away and cover critical expenses like travel for victims’ families, rent, lost wages, and medical and funeral expenses that exceed the limits of what the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Victim Compensation Program covers.
•   The philosophy of the National Compassion Fund is to disburse all funds directly to victims as soon as possible to give victims complete control over how and when they use those funds to support their recovery, whereas the philosophy of the Colorado Healing Fund is to disburse funds over a longer timeline through various channels to account for the enduring and unexpected impact of trauma, e.g., direct cash assistance and expense reimbursement in the short term, to the expansion of community support services in the long-term (like a resiliency center).

Organizations already working locally in Colorado Springs on behalf of the LGBTQIA+ community include: Inside Out Youth Services, Commuity Heath Partnership LGBTQIA2+Health, UCCS MOSAIC LGBTQ+ Resource Center and Pikes Peak Pride. The mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs has mobilized community leaders and organizations to act and respond to needs beyond their capacities. Colorado Health Partnership (CHP) convened local and state-wide stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and develop an action plan to address immediate concerns and support victims, their families, and the LGBTQIA2+ community. Please contact CHP to learn more about these efforts and how you can contribute.

We will continue to provide updates on some funder efforts under way to provide additional longer-term, community-focused support.

Colorado Philanthropy Responds to the Club Q Tragedy. Follow updates from:

Pikes Peak Community Foundation: Club Q $10,000 commitment & Warning re Bogus Fundraisers

Gill Foundation: $100,000 commitment to Club Q victims

El Pomar Foundation: Response to Tragedy in Colorado Springs

The Denver Foundation: Statement & Ways to support the victims of the Club Q shooting

The Colorado Health Foundation: LGBTQ Coloradans Deserve Safe Spaces for Community, Belonging and Joy

Chinook Fund: Club Q Statement statement

Rose Community Foundation: A Message from our President & Supporting Club Q victims and Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community

Community Foundation Boulder County: Club Q Tragedy

Please contact info@philanthropycolorado.org if you have a response or statement you would like included.

See also

OnePulse Foundation: Statement on Club Q Mass Shooting

Member Spotlight: Curtis L. Esquibel and Boettcher Foundation

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

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About Philanthropy

Communications

Philanthropy Colorado invited Curtis Equibel, Director of Communications and Community Engagement with the Boettcher Foundation, to share a bit about himself and the foundation's work.

On the value of Philanthropy Colorado membership:
“Philanthropy Colorado helps our sector to deepen its understanding of the important and unmet needs of rural communities. The organization’s Rural Funders Learning Network is just that – a network where we connect and collaborate with other funders to work more effectively in how we support rural communities.”

Curtis Esquibel Headshot.jpg

On his background:
Curtis Esquibel explains he "leads the Boettcher Foundation’s communications and outreach, ensuring that the foundation connects with its diverse stakeholders through messaging, brand journalism and community engagement. Curtis also oversees Boettcher’s Doers & Difference Makers Fellowship Program and its statewide networks of leadership practitioners and rural leaders."

Curtis characterizes himself as a natural connector and Colorado native who believes in the power of philanthropy's impact on the lives of Coloradans and their communities. Prior to Boettcher, Curtis spent nearly 20 years working in the education and nonprofit sectors in Colorado and New Mexico. His purpose is to work for organizations that are invested in the public good while in roles that support the leadership journeys of individuals who choose to serve their communities. Early in his career, Curtis wrote professionally for newspapers in Colorado and California.

A native Coloradan, Curtis earned a BS with honors from the University of Colorado Boulder and an MPA from the CU Denver School of Public Affairs. He describes himself as the beyond lucky husband to his wife of 17 years, Rosemary, a registered nurse. The overcaffeinated and overscheduled couple live in Adams County and strive to raise good humans in their children, Samuel (15) and Adilene (9)."

Boettcherfeature-logo.png

On the Boettcher Foundation:
"The Boettcher Foundation is named for an early Colorado family with a story steeped in opportunity, entrepreneurship, and giving back to the Centennial State. Founded in 1937, the Boettcher Foundation believes in the promise of Colorado and the potential of Coloradans. Every day the Boettcher Foundation builds up and connects doers and difference makers from across the state, working to elevate people, programs and organizations. To date, the Boettcher Foundation has awarded grants and scholarships that total more than $410 million."

Katie Kramer, President & CEO of the Boettcher Foundation, serves on the Philanthropy Colorado Board of Directors.
Philanthropy Colorado is also very appreciative of Boettcher Foundation's grant support, which helps to support our mission and our rural work.

Register by Jan. 13 for Discount Rate at Leading Locally Conference Jun. 13-14

Monday, December 12, 2022

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Capacity-building

Grantmaking

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Communications

All Philanthropy Colorado members are eligible for the Early Bird Rate when they register by Jan. 13 for Council on Foundations's in-person Denver conference Leading Locally: The Power of Place-Based and Community Philanthropy.
"Community is the heart of philanthropy. It's the place where we connect with loved ones and neighbors, where investments change lives, and where solutions are born."
At the conference you will explore:

LeadingLocally_2023_EmailGIF-final.gif

The latest trends and analysis of place-based work
Collaboration among foundations and across sectors, especially through unlikely partnerships
The importance of local expertise and on-the-ground community engagement
The convening power of foundations, especially for building bridges
Effectively applying a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens to your work

Details: Leading Locally: The Power of Place-Based and Community Philanthropy
Tues., June 13 - Wed. June 14, 2023 | Denver, CO
Pre-conference sessions are offered on Mon., June 12
All Philanthropy Colorado members are eligible for the Member Early Bird Rate of $899 (a savings of $600) when you register by Fri., Jan. 13

Discount Registration Instructions:

On the Leading Locally registration page , click the "Log In to Register" button. Log into your existing COF account, or select "Don't have an account?" and create an account and log in. Membership in COF is not required to create an account.
When registering, choose Registration Type: Partners and below enter the Passcode: LL_PHILCO23 to get the special Philanthropy Colorado conference rate.

Thanks to Karen McNeil-Miller, President & CEO of The Colorado Health Foundation and Javier Alberto Soto, President & CEO of The Denver Foundation for their service on the conference Working Group and Host Committee.

Early Childhood Funders Network spurs collaboration on critical topic for Colorado

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

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Capacity-building

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Animals

Capacity-building

Community & Civic Involvement

A key benefit of Philanthropy Colorado membership is the opportunity to participate in peer learning networks that provide spaces for shared learning and collaboration.

One of the most enduring peer groups is the The Early Childhood Funders Network, which meets quarterly to discuss and coordinate funding efforts in support of early childhood efforts in Colorado. The group centers its work around the Early Childhood Colorado Framework, created by the Early Childhood Leadership Commission. The framework provides a shared vision guiding efforts to improve and expand early childhood services and ensures “all children are valued, healthy and thriving." The framework aims to promote strong partnerships, investment, policy, public engagement, shared accountability, effective leadership and relevant educational opportunities for young children.

If you're a Philanthropy Colorado member interested in early childhood efforts, you can log into the website to register for Early Childhood Funders Network meetings in 2023 or contact info@philanthropycolorado.org to be added to the Philanthropy Colorado early childhood listserv. Not a Philanthropy Colorado member? Learn more and join today to be part of our vibrant statewide philanthropic network.

Early Childhood Colorado Framework

Philanthropy News

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Updates from the Gill Foundation, January 2023 ClubQ.jpg

Colorado Philanthropy Responds to the Club Q Tragedy. Follow updates from:

Updates from the Gill Foundation, January 2023

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