The historic nature of 2020 -- when a global health pandemic, an economic crisis, unprecedented wildfires and a reckoning with racial injustice have collided -- compelled Philanthropy Colorado's staff and board to think critically and carefully about the evolving needs of our members. We engaged in a process focused on listening and learning as we developed a new strategic roadmap to guide our work.
Over almost 50 years, we have played a variety of roles for organizations that make up our statewide network. Sometimes, we've been asked us to serve, concentrating on convening people with the resources, expertise, and experiences members need to achieve their missions. Other times, members have looked to us to lead by helping shape the philanthropic landscape of Colorado and their place within it.
We spent the early months of the COVID-19 crisis zeroing in on what members need most from us now and in the future. Based on what we heard, we envision a future in which we are committed to advancing members' missions as well as to achieving equity as an outcome for the philanthropic sector, the state of Colorado and its communities. After careful deliberation and board conversations that began back in 2016, we determined that now is the time for us to embrace equity and inclusion as imperatives, as the outcomes Colorado communities deserve that result from the connections of our statewide funder-led network. We invite members to learn, share, and connect with us and each other to imagine a future where all our missions are realized, and all communities thrive. We have much to learn and accomplish; we invite you to embark on this journey.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission: Strengthen Colorado communities by bringing people, information and resources together
Vision: An equitable and sustainable future for Colorado
Values: Collaboration, Diversity, Equity, Generosity, Humility, Inclusion, Leadership, Transformation
2021-2022 Priorities
#1 Advance equity by setting a leadership example and cultivating opportunities for shared learning and action
- Lead by setting an example of what philanthropy can be; Serve by providing necessary resources to the diverse, vibrant community of philanthropic organizations and individuals committed to investing in Colorado’s future;
- Invite our members on a journey of values-driven discovery, reflection and partnership to achieve equity and sustainability for Colorado communities;
- Build on the success of our growing rural and statewide networks by providing leadership and spaces for open and honest outcome-driven conversations, joint learning and action to address gaps and invest equitably in opportunities across the state.
#2 Create fresh momentum for expanding advocacy and policy work
- Maintain support for policies that support philanthropy and the broader nonprofit sector while also involving members in a review of existing positions to ensure they are relevant and also serve to advance equity and inclusion;
- Expand the capacity of philanthropic institutions to engage in advocacy and policy by providing leadership and elevating resources and tools;
- Explore bold and collective actions in the policy arena to achieve the mission and vision of Philanthropy Colorado and our members.
#3 Commit resources to support cultural change and collaboration
- Set measurable board and staff goals for improving the recent baseline assessment of our capacity to advance racial equity both internally and externally;
- Tap relationships with members and partner organizations to inventory, share and develop tailored resources and peer learning opportunities that meet members where they are in their commitment toward equity, while also supporting those already engaged actively;
- Implement a staffing and funding model to achieve and extend our mission, vision and values across Colorado.
