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Nonprofit Resources

Find the extra boost you need to make a difference.

In 2023, the Community Foundation infused $5.7 million into Southwest Colorado’s nonprofits. We’re proud to come alongside you as we strive to strengthen our region through this impactful work. Whether you’re seeking grants or professional development opportunities, let us help you secure the resources you need to succeed.

Professional Development

Grant Opportunities

Fiscal Sponsorship

Local Research & Resources

LAUNCH Fund

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Community Foundation inspires hope, leadership, and generosity in our community by bringing economic stability, professional development, and collaboration to the nonprofit sector. As a community facilitator, we coordinate with nonprofit professionals throughout Colorado to provide opportunities that:

  • Increase efficiency and success for nonprofits in Southwest Colorado
  • Build relationships and facilitate networking between nonprofit professionals
  • Create opportunities for peer discussion around best practices
  • Enhance relationships across county and geographic boundaries

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

April 2024 – Resilience in Action: Empowering Southwest Colorado Nonprofits

In partnership with Knudsen Coaching & Consulting, the Community Foundation serving SW Colorado is hosting a professional development opportunity for SW Colorado nonprofits through a three-hour workshop tailored for any size organization. Resilience in Action will delve into the critical aspects of building resilient organizations, covering topics such as organizational structure, succession planning, and leveraging the Let’s Do Good Well™ Mapping Tool as a resource for action planning and implementation.

Key Focus Areas:

  1. Organizational Structure: Attendees will explore effective organizational structures that promote adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges. They will gain insights into optimizing their organizational frameworks to better navigate changing landscapes and sustain long-term impacts.
  2. Succession Planning: Understanding the importance of succession planning is essential for the continuity of nonprofit operations. The workshop will provide practical strategies for identifying and nurturing future leaders within organizations, ensuring seamless transitions and sustained momentum.
  3. Let’s Do Good Well™ Mapping Tool: Attendees will be introduced to the Let’s Do Good Well™ Mapping Tool, a resource designed to facilitate strategic planning and decision-making processes. Through hands-on exercises, participants will learn how to leverage this tool to assess strengths, identify areas for improvement, and chart a course for organizational resilience.

This transformative workshop is ideal for:

  • Nonprofits of all Sizes: Whether you’re a small grassroots organization or a large established entity, this workshop is tailored to meet the needs of nonprofits at every stage of development.
  • Strategy Leaders: Board members, executives, and leadership teams will benefit from gaining deeper insights into building stronger organizations and fostering resilience.
  • Anyone Seeking to Strengthen Organizational Knowledge and Resources: From program managers to volunteers, anyone invested in the sustainability and success of nonprofit organizations will find value in this workshop.

The workshop will be offered at the following locations:

Pagosa Springs – First Southwest Bank, Tuesday, April 2, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Register Here For Pagosa

Durango – Durango Public Library, Wednesday, April 3, 8:30 AM-11:30 AM

Register Here For Durango

Cortez – Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce, Thursday, April 4, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Register Here For Cortez

COLORADO GIVES

The Community Foundation is a proud Regional Champion for ColoradoGives! We spearhead local participation in the state’s largest online giving event, Colorado Gives Day. We provide the regional giving platform, swcogives.org, and facilitate the collaborative promotion of more than 100 local organizations across our five counties, as part of Southwest Colorado Gives.

Learn MoreWatch Video

ORGANIZATION FUND

An Organization Fund is a long-term fund held and managed by the Community Foundation on behalf of a nonprofit organization. It provides consolidated investment management, convenience, and guidance for donors. Donors always receive assurance that money will be managed for the long term. After discussions with the organization about objectives for the fund, we would recommend a financial goal. For more information on organization funds, please see our Organization Fund Fact Sheet.

Current Organization Funds

FISCAL SPONSORSHIP

The Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado supports the nonprofit community through various partnerships and initiatives, as well as provides an opportunity for certain organizations that want to provide charitable services to their community, but need additional support.

To learn more about Fiscal Sponsorship and the application process, please take a look at our Fiscal Sponsorship Packet.

Current Fiscal Sponsorships

LAUNCH FUND

The Community Foundation’s LAUNCH Fund assists nonprofits to secure affordable capital to accommodate growth and keep fiscal health a priority. The Community Foundation has partnered with First Southwest Bank and First Southwest Community Fund to provide low-interest loan packages for nonprofits for projects such as the purchase or renovation of real estate or the purchase a piece of equipment. Leveraging First Southwest Bank’s CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) designation, the Community Foundation can provide access to terms that appeal to nonprofit boards and staff.

LOCAL RESEARCH

Southwest Colorado Index

The Southwest Colorado Index is intended to assist nonprofits and funding entities across the region by accurately gauging the overall economic, social and environmental health of the communities in Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan Counties (Region 9).

The separate reports of the Index, which are provided courtesy of community sponsors, can be found below.  Nonprofits may find this information and data helpful in their grant writing.

Previously called the Pathways to Healthier Communities Indicator Report, the Index was first published by Operation Healthy Communities Inc. (OHC) in 1996. After OHC produced five editions of the Indicator Report in 2006, the Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado took over publication.

RESOURCES

  • Board Source inspires and supports excellence in nonprofit governance, as well as board and staff leadership.
  • Blue Avocado is the bimonthly newsletter of American Nonprofits, a membership organization that provides practical financial information and support to U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, staff, stakeholders, and volunteers.
  • The Colorado Nonprofit Association is the voice of Colorado’s nonprofit community, offering its members a variety of services and technical assistance on starting and managing nonprofit organizations. Click here to download CNA’s Principles & Practices.
  • The Colorado Grants Guide is a comprehensive directory of funding sources published by the Community Resource Center. For information, call (303) 623-1540 or visit CRC’s website.
  • Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Colorado Chapter enables people and organizations to practice effective fundraising through ethical standards, education resources, and networking.
  • Thinking of starting a new nonprofit? Click here for some valuable assessment tools from GrantSpace by Candid, and click here for some start-up resources from the Community Resource Center.

Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.

Helen Keller