Career-Connected Learning Asset Map
The Community Foundation, Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, and The Weld Trust are partnering with Colorado Succeeds to explore resources available for career-connected learning in Northern Colorado. The purpose of this partnership is to understand what programs and resources already exist and discover new opportunities to support learners in achieving career and post-secondary success in a way that ultimately supports the economic wellbeing of our region.
Colorado Succeeds conducted interviews with education providers throughout Larimer and Weld County to learn what services, programs, and plans are in place for career-based learning in our region. Findings indicate Northern Colorado is positioned well with some activity and collaboration already happening to support career-connected learning. Additionally, several “low-hanging” opportunities exist to better prepare students for in-demand careers which support Northern Colorado’s economic ecosystems.
KidsPak Celebrates Major Milestone in Feeding Children
Loveland nonprofit, KidsPak, is on a mission to provide weekend meals to food insecure children in Thompson School District.
What began as a program of Loveland Rotary has grown into a standalone nonprofit organization through the guidance and dedication of volunteers. KidsPak boasts a roster of 260 volunteers to meet the increasing demand for its food distribution services.
“Food insecurity is going up, not down,” says Tom Carrigan, Board President of KidsPak, “Our goal is to provide kids with nutritious meals over the weekend so they’re ready to learn on Monday.”
KidsPak had a record-breaking summer, providing 23,000 meals at 11 Thompson School District locations, Boys & Girls Clubs, and libraries. Now that the school year in underway, KidsPak is experiencing a significant increase in demand for its weekend food bags, which help feed the 5,000 families in Thompson School District who qualify for free and reduced lunch.
In response to the growing need, the organization purchased two acres of land in north Loveland this summer. “This land will allow for the construction of a 7,000 square-foot facility for food distribution,” announced Tom. “For the sake of our children, it’s time to invest in ourselves.”
KidsPak is in the pre-construction phase of developing their new facility with a handful of committed donors and a freshly minted campaign plan. Next month, the organization will celebrate 1 million meals distributed since its inception. The Community Foundation congratulates KidsPak on its impact to-date, as well as the thousands of students who will benefit from KidsPak’s program expansion.
KidsPak’s roster of dedicated volunteers help thousands of families in the Thompson School District who are facing food insecurity.
New Funds, a Complex Gift, Legacy Planning…Oh My!
It’s not every day a brand new donor gifts a house, sets up a fund, and joins the Legacy Society, but Steve and Cindy Stansfield aren’t your everyday donors. Learn how these longtime Northern Colorado residents are using a gift of real estate to honor a family member’s legacy, while creating a fund to leave a legacy of their own.
Sterling Community fund Celebrates with Grand Finale Gala
The Sterling Community Fund hosted its fourth and final gala on Saturday, September 10. The 550 attendees enjoyed food, fun, and fellowship while supporting their local community. Click here to view event photos.
Over the last four years, the gala raised significant funds for the purpose of establishing the Sterling Community Fund as a long-term funding source. This year’s event raised over $380,000, bringing the total of the Sterling Community Fund endowment to more than $2.25 million!
The Sterling Community Fund is part of the Eastern Colorado Community Fund portfolio and will support projects that make Logan County a more attractive place to live, raise a family, establish a business, and retire.
Click here to read the Sterling Journal-Advocate’s account of the event. Note: you may need a subscription to access the full article.
More than 550 people attended the fourth and final Sterling Community Fund Gala on Saturday, September 8, 2022.
Foundation’s Partnerships Strengthen Nonprofits
Last spring the Community Foundation surveyed nonprofits who have a fund at the Foundation. We were thrilled to learn 90% of nonprofit fund holders were likely or very likely to recommend our services to other nonprofits! We also heard nonprofits want the Foundation to play a more active role in providing nonprofit resources.
One of the Foundation’s strategic priorities is to strengthen local nonprofit organizations. Based on nonprofits’ feedback, the Foundation will offer the following resources in the coming year:
- Strategic planning support for nonprofit partners
- Relaunching of the Nonprofit Loan/Impact Investing Program
- Colorado Gives Day Regional Champion and nonprofit support
- Convening opportunities for nonprofit leaders
- Training opportunities through strategic partnerships
Watch for more information on these opportunities and resources soon on our website.
Foundation Hosts 2022 Investment Performance Briefing
On Thursday, September 8, the Community Foundation hosted its annual Investment Performance Briefing for fundholders, donors, and nonprofits. President and CEO Kristin Todd gave a brief update on the Foundation’s new ten-year vision and strategic priorities while Kurt Spieler, chief investment officer for FNBO, presented an overview of the current market conditions and how these impact the Foundation’s investment pools.
New Fee Schedule Coming January 2023
Donors and nonprofit partners trust the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado to invest and manage charitable assets responsibly. Transparency, accessibility, and impact are at the heart of our financial practices. Our tiered fee schedule will be updated, beginning January 1, 2023. View the new fee schedule
Upcoming Events
Eastern Colorado Community Fund Lunch and Learn via Zoom – October 20, 2022
Nonprofit Partner Appreciation/Nonprofit Film Festival – November 14, 2022
(for nonprofit partners, invitation forthcoming)
Gathering of Gratitude – November 17, 2022
(for individual fund holders, invitation forthcoming)
Breaking Good News NoCo
Showcase your success in our newsletter, on our website, and on social media
Good news is contagious, and we want to celebrate YOU! We invite 501(c)(3) organizations that serve Northern and Eastern Colorado residents to share a success story through Breaking Good News.
Through the support of Community Champions, the Community Foundation brings people and resources together to spark change, channel passion into action, and explore solutions. Learn more about Community Champions.