Philanthropy News

Mile High United Way's Christine Benero wins Lifetime Achievement Award

Published:

Monday, July 25, 2022

Congratulations on this recognition by Denver Business Journal’s Outstanding Women in Business.

Santhosh Ramdoss promoted to Chief Investment Officer at Gary Community Ventures

Published:

Monday, July 25, 2022

Congratulations, In his new role Santhosh will oversee the foundation’s $400 million endowment assets.

Staff at The Weld Trust Complete Suicide Prevention Certification

Published:

Monday, July 25, 2022

Question, Persuade & Refer training for gatekeepers.

Colorado Grantmakers Support Denver H2H (Housing to Health) Program

Published:

Monday, July 11, 2022

H2H leverages funding from The Denver Foundation and Gary Community Ventures among others.

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.

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What Does the End of the COVID-19 'Public Health Emergency' Mean for Colorado?

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

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News type

Giving Voice Blog

Topic(s)

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Public Policy

Funding Area

Early Childhood Education & Services

Food, Agriculture, Hunger & Nutrition

Health: Health Access & Care

Human Services

Updated 5.26.2023

On May 11, 2023, the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration expired, with significant impacts on Coloradans, including:

Changes to COVID tests, vaccines & treatment
Elimination of COVID tracking and reporting requirements
End of the continuous Medicaid coverage requirement and eligibility redetermination that is expected to bump 325,000 Coloradans off Medicaid
End of the continuous Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage requirement and eligibility redetermination that will reduce the number of children covered by the program
Reduction in SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) benefits to families
Reduction to hospital reimbursements
Reduced flexibility in providing community-based care, including more restricted telehealth services and prescription access

Thanks to our presenters for Philanthropy Colorado's May 24 program What Does the End of the COVID-19 'Public Health Emergency' Mean to Colorado?

Elisabeth Arenales, Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Polis since 2019. In addition, she serves as the Deputy Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care
Adela Flores-Brennan, Medicaid Director, HCPF since 2022.
Ralph Choate, Chief Operations Officer, HCPF, who joined the department at the beginning of the pandemic and is proud that CMS recognizes Colorado as one of the ten "most prepared" states regarding the unwind of Covid-19 Medicaid policies.
Natalie Coulter, Communications Director, HCPF
Emily Eelman, Juniper Peak Consulting, who is supporting the Governor's Office and HCPF in Unwind coordination efforts. She previously served as the Chief of Staff for HCPF from 2019-2022.

Resources from HCPF:

For Funders

HCPF KeepCOCovered campaign with downloadable resources
All of our communications toolkits can be found on the HCPF PHE Planning webpage - much of this content is being translated thanks to a grant from CHF
HCPF video series on Updating Contact Info, Renewals, & Transitions in Coverage
Instructional video series on Renewals by CO Access in partnership with HCPF
CDHS SNAP resources

National Reports for Reference

Find additional information on how the expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency will affect Colorado:

Weekly Policy Blog: COVID-19 Public Health Emergency to Terminate on May 11, Colorado Bioscience Association, Feb. 20, 2023
These benefits will disappear when Biden ends the Covid national and public health emergencies in May, CNN Politics, Jan. 31, 2023
Estimated 325,000 Coloradans will lose Medicaid with the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, Colorado Politics, Feb. 21, 2023

Learn more about how Colorado is preparing for the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency:

Fact Sheet: COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Transition Roadmap, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
We can #KeepCOCovered, Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing
Planning for the end of the COVID-19 Continuous Coverage Requirement, Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing

Bridging the Rural-Urban Divide Keynote

Monday, March 20, 2023

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Giving Voice Blog

Topic(s)

Capacity-building

Grantmaking

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Bridging the Rural-Urban Divide

Philanthropy Colorado was pleased to present a special Luncheon event on April 11 with John Simpkins, a leading expert on advancing community-driven equity and rural prosperity.
Simpkins heads the nonprofit organization MDC, “a catalyst that accelerates equity change in the South.”
Simpkins will headline the luncheon event Bridging Rural-Urban Divide: Exploring Philanthropy’s Role and Impact.

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Keynote speaker John Simpkins comments “Colorado’s future is both urban and rural. I appreciated the chance to share what we at MDC are learning regionally and nationally about how philanthropy can facilitate the development of healthy, thriving rural and urban communities.”

After Simpkins remarks, he was joined for reflections and Q & A by Amy Latham, Chief Impact Officer at The Colorado Health Foundation and co-lead of Philanthropy Colorado’s Rural Funders Learning Network. Latham reflected, "I was excited to join John Simpkins for this valuable program. This was a great opportunity to become better informed about rural communities and learn how Colorado grantmakers can be a catalyst for equity in both rural and urban areas of our state

Learn more about John Simpkins and MDC: John L.S. Simpkins bio

MDC website MDC 2022 Impact Report

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Colorado State Demography Office Shares Data Resources

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

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Topic(s)

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Public Policy

State Demographer Elizabeth Garner joined Philanthropy Colorado in February for a discussion on population and economic trends in Colorado.
Garner shared with members how 2020 census data on employment, labor force and population can measure need and inform effective community support.

Some of the resources shared by the Department of Local Affairs’ State Demography Office and Colorado Resiliency Office include:

Comparison tool for social and economically burdened areas from Colorado Demography Office
Main page for maps and visualizations on Colorado State Demography webpage
Colorado Resiliency Framework
Regional Resiliency Roadmaps (Planning Program)
Guidance document for use of the Microgrids for Community Resilience Climate and Social Vulnerabilities Mapping Tool, with link to the tool
Resiliency Dashboard of the Colorado Resiliency Office

The Colorado State Demography Office is available for questions or information

Update: Migrants arriving from Southern border: Resources and Needs

Thursday, January 26, 2023

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Giving Voice Blog

Topic(s)

Grantmaking

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Public Policy

Philanthropy Colorado and numerous members participated in briefings in December and May to discuss the recent influx of migrants from the southern border and Colorado's philanthropic response. Our appreciation to Rose Community Foundation and The Denver Foundation for keeping us all updated on this issue.

Background:
Over 1,400 migrants have arrived in the Denver area from Central and South America over the last several months. 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.

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

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.

Updated January, 2023

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.