Of the many ways we work to fulfill our mission, we’ve found peer networks to be among the most promising strategies. Meaningful connections between funders allows for sharing practices, opportunities, and lessons learned; coordinating presence; and when appropriate, collaboration. Learn more about our various opportunities below. To be added to a peer network listserv, contact info@philanthropycolorado.org.
Member staff must log-in and register for peer network meetings in the Programs Calendar. Don't yet have a log-in? Find instructions here.
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"From accidental techies like myself to those who are IT professionals by training, Philanthropy Colorado has created a space where everyone has something to teach and something to learn. Our group covers a diverse range of IT topics each meeting and has such rich, helpful discussions. It is invaluable to have peers in similar roles at other philanthropic organizations to lean on for support, guidance and recommendations." - Kelli Rojas, Chief of Staff, Rose Community Foundation
Arts & Culture Funders Network
The Arts & Culture Funders Network provides a space for funders across the state to share projects, creative funding approaches, and opportunities to collaborate. Co-chairs: Anthony Grimes (Bonfils-Stanton Foundation) and Christy Costello (Colorado Creative Industries).
Register for Arts & Culture Funders Group meetings on the Programs Calendar.
Executive Admin Network
The Executive Admin Network is a peer group of executive admin staff and others who support senior-level executives at Philanthropy Colorado member organizations. The network provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and resources with those who perform similar job functions. Chair: Anna Alarid (Rose Community Foundation).
Register for Exec Admin peer group meetings on the Programs Calendar.
Human Resources & Operations Network
The Human Resources & Operations Network is a peer group designed to support HR/Operations professionals at Philanthropy Colorado member foundations. This peer network provides a supportive environment to share knowledge and resources, test complex ideas with peers related to managing a foundation, as well as strengthen professional skills and expertise.
Register for HR & Operations peer group meetings on the Programs Calendar.
CEO Leadership Network
The Leadership Forum was created for the leaders of Philanthropy Colorado member organizations. CEOs, Presidents, Executive Directors and heads of corporate giving programs are invited to participate. The Leadership Forum allows for: more in-depth and consistent discussion at the most senior level; relationship-building; open dialogue and sharing of expertise; and discussion of sector-wide issues that affect grantmakers. Leadership Forum members are asked to refrain from sending a representative if they cannot attend personally.
Impact Investing Network
Philanthropy Colorado initiated this group for members with an active interest in sharing and learning about impact investing trends and emerging models. The group meets quarterly to exchange information and to hear from peer and guest speakers on various topics such as social impact bonds and issue areas that can be addressed through alternative forms of investment. Co-chairs: Kelsey Nolan (Dakota Foundation) and Khanh Nguyen (The Colorado Health Foundation).
Register for Impact Investing meetings on the Programs Calendar.
Rural Funders Learning Network
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Early Childhood Funders Network
The Early Childhood Funders Network (ECFN) is a group of funders working to advance the well-being of Colorado’s young children and their families. ECFN members come together to share information on local and national developments; to deepen their knowledge of the field; to brainstorm possible solutions to systemic challenges; and, to collaborate when opportunities arise. Co-chairs: Laura Carlson (Buell Foundation) and Mara Holiday (Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation).
Register for Early Childhood Funders Network meetings on the Programs Calendar.
Climate Action Funders Network
Philanthropy Colorado's Climate Action Funders Network is focused on opportunities for sharing and potential collaboration on ways to address climate issues through philanthropic grants, investments, advocacy and policy change. Co-Chair: Erika Church (Buck Foundation), Amanda Hill (Gates Family Foundation) and Julie Voyles (The Denver Foundation).
Register for Climate Action Philanthropy Network meetings on the Programs Calendar.
Community Foundation CEO Network
Philanthropy Colorado Community Foundation CEOs meet quarterly via videoconfernce to share ideas, common challenges and discuss emerging issues and topics of interest. Philanthropy Colorado also hosts special webinars or calls on various topics for community foundation members as opportunities arise. Co-chairs: Tim Wohlgenant (Yampa Valley Community Foundation) and Kristin Todd (Community Foundation of Northern Colorado).
Register for Community Foundation CEO meetings on the Programs Calendar.
Small Funders Network
The Small Funders Network brings together Colorado foundations with a small number of staff to build relationships, share best practices and resources, discuss common opportunities and challenges, and learn/brainstorm around topics of interest. Co-chairs: Kristi Petrie (AJL Foundation) and Robin Wood-Mason (Community Shares of Colorado).
Register for Small Funders Network meetings on the Programs Calendar.
Information Technology Network
The Information Technology Network is a peer group for information techology specialists, operations managers, technology directors, financial officers, CEOs, office managers, executive assistants, program officers, and anyone else with an interest in connecting with other foundation professionals about the latest in IT and cybersecurity. In the ever-changing landscape of IT, this peer group provides a supportive environment to exchange information and get updates on best practices. Co-chairs: Saurabh Gupta and Jason Pavia (Gyan-i).Register for IT Network meetings on the Programs Calendar.
"Philanthropy Colorado’s IT Network is a wonderful avenue for individuals across any department or skill level to stay informed on the most recent trends in cybersecurity and other best practices. Our meetings welcome everyone from seasoned IT professionals to CFOs and office managers who may be responsible for their organization’s IT upkeep. I am grateful for the supportive network of peers who are always there to answer questions and provide advice in this ever-changing sector."
- Kyle Boyle, IT and Media Specialist, El Pomar Foundation
Foundation Finance Network
The Foundation Finance Network provides a learning environment for sharing expertise and resources about topics related to foundation finance management. Co-chair: Joanne Moses Flores (NEFE) and Karen Kruse (Boettcher Foundation).
Register for Foundation Finance Network meetings on the Programs Calendar.
Policy Funders Network
The Policy Funders Network convenes foundation staff that champion advocacy and policy efforts for their member organizations. Policy Funders share and discuss their advocacy and public policy activities, grantmaking, models and lessons learned, as well as staying current on policy issues that impact the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors. Chair: Naomi Amaha (The Denver Foundation) and Alison Friedman Phillips (The Women's Foundation of Colorado).
Register for Policy Funders Network meetings on the Programs Calendar.