50 Years of Philanthropy: Celebrating Our Past, Inspiring the Future.
Fifty years ago, a group of forward-looking community leaders created the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado. Their first project? Creating a performing arts center in Downtown Fort Collins. The Lincoln Center, formerly a junior high school, sprung to life through public, private, and philanthropic partnerships.
And that was just the start of hundreds of grand accomplishments!
Since our founding, our donors and stakeholders have prioritized community impact through generosity and leadership.
This year, we honor them—and you.
During our jubilee year, we’re not only reflecting on the past, but we are also looking boldly to the future. And we are calling on the next generation of community leaders passionate about Northern Colorado, to do the same.
Check out our 50-year timeline.
Learn more about the key milestone projects, businesspeople, civic leaders, philanthropists, and community members who created our thriving region through their involvement with the NoCo Foundation.
From a handful of visionary leaders to thousands of donors, the NoCo Foundation has stewarded donors’ funds and created neutral spaces to have difficult conversations for 50 years.
Generosity is contagious. Something special happened as we grew and developed. And the numbers show it.
Why do people participate in philanthropy and Community Foundation work?
What big, and small, projects are forever in the hearts of your neighbors, friends, and nonprofit leaders?
We’re engaging a new generation of changemakers – fueled by innovation and creative problem solving – join us as we shape the future of our communities!
Check out other newer and brand-new initiatives that will shape the future of the region.
May 8th Community Celebration – Check out photos from the event!
Cheers to Change beers coming soon
Commemorative magazine release party
& More!
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50 Years of Philanthropy & Community Impact
Celebrating the Past
In the fall of 1975, the City of Fort Collins was a very different place, it was a small college town of approximately 60,000 people on the verge of major growth.
Mayor Karl Carson and City leaders were making plans to turn the Lincoln Junior High School building into what we know today as the Lincoln Center, and a group of visionary citizens were actively planning for the future through an initiative called Designing Tomorrow Today (DT2).
Mayor Carson contacted Buford Plemmons, a Poudre School District administrator and community leader, to suggest the creation of a community foundation. There was a need for a nonprofit organization to collect charitable contributions made in support of the new Lincoln Center. In addition, a Mrs. Olive Ludlow had left a $25,000 bequest for a purpose that was somewhat unclear, and a community foundation would be an appropriate vehicle to receive this gift as well.
With this telephone call from Mayor Carson to Buford Plemmons, the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado was born. Initially, the foundation was called the Fort Collins Community Foundation (now called the NoCo Foundation), but it later expanded to serve the entire Northern Colorado region.
Foundations encourage us to dream, to seek solutions with partners, and to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. While a lot of the NoCo Foundation’s work is behind the scenes, the fingerprints and impact from generous donors and problem-solving leaders are everywhere you look.
While we have lost many of our founding donors and partners, we want to take this opportunity, our 50th anniversary, to feature the accomplishments and wide-reaching impact of individuals and organizations who have shaped our area into what it is today.
Historical Spotlight
Designing Tomorrow Today 1973-1975
Designing Tomorrow Today 1973-1975
The Designing Tomorrow Today (DT2) process was the outcome of nearly 20 years of community discussions and dreaming about what the growing community COULD be, with partnerships and strategic planning.
After two years of meetings across the community with 500 people participating 18 items were recommended, including a community backed ballot initiative proposing a one cent sales tax for seven years to provide the necessary financing, estimated at $16 million. Voters approved the measure, and the rest is history!
The Lincoln Center was the top priority out of the 18 recommendations. In order to accomplish the ambitious renovations of the former Lincoln Junior High site, the City needed more resources than they had. Establishment of the Fort Collins Community Foundation provided a vehicle for private donors to contribute to the project. In all, $350,000 of privately raised funds helped complete the project.
DT2 was one example of how communities can come together with ideas, create solutions, and then, witness and enjoy the impact.
Boettcher Challenge 1990’s
Boettcher Challenge 1990’s
In early 1990’s, area communities were learning about community foundations, and we looking for a way to build local permanent endowments with contributions from local residents and administering them for the benefit of the community.
The Boettcher Foundation connected with the NoCo Foundation and challenged the communities of Berthoud, Estes Valley, and Loveland to create their own community funds, under the NoCo Foundation umbrella. With one lead organization, supporting four communities, they were able to provide administrative support, education, collateral materials, technical assistance and equipment.
Disaster Response and Recovery 2001-Present
Disaster Response and Recovery 2001-Present
Over the last twenty years, the NoCo Foundation has jumped into action when our Northern Colorado community, and communities beyond our state’s borders, needed philanthropic support for swift response and distribution of vital resources. NoCo Foundation does not do this work alone. We are grateful for long term partnerships with Bohemian Foundation and the United Way of Larimer County. All three organizations have brought together donors during times of calamity and have made a difference in relief and recovery efforts from 9/11 to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, to the High Park Fire in 2012.
Most recently, the NoCo Foundation collected and distributed more than $1.3 million in philanthropic dollars to local nonprofits responding during the COVID-19 public health emergency, and then later in 2020, collected and distributed approximately $1.2 million in philanthropic dollars to support wildland restoration in the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome burn areas.
In 2024, the Northern Colorado Disaster Recovery Fund was established to meet the immediate and long-term relief and recovery needs for the people and places affected following an environmental or man-made disaster in Northern Colorado. The permanent fund was created in response to the Alexander Mountain Fire, but will be in place for future disasters as needed.
Firefighter from the High Park Fire, 2012.
Flood waters in Fort Collins, 2013.
Flood waters up Highway 34, 2013.
Grant made by the Foundation to Glen Haven Area Volunteer Fire Department for Flood Recovery, 2013.
View of Cameron Peak Fire, 2020.
Ray Caraway and Gordan Thibedeau in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, 2005.
Firefighter from the High Park Fire, 2012.
Flood waters in Fort Collins, 2013.
Flood waters up Highway 34, 2013.
Grant made by the Foundation to Glen Haven Area Volunteer Fire Department for Flood Recovery, 2013.
View of Cameron Peak Fire, 2020.
Ray Caraway and Gordan Thibedeau in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, 2005.
Firefighter from the High Park Fire, 2012.
Flood waters in Fort Collins, 2013.
Flood waters up Highway 34, 2013.
Grant made by the Foundation to Glen Haven Area Volunteer Fire Department for Flood Recovery, 2013.
UniverCity Connections 2007
UniverCity Connections 2007
It all started with a bicycle ride. In spring of 2006, then-President of Colorado State University Dr. Larry Penley and the City of Fort Collins Manager Darin Atteberry, were riding their bicycles through downtown Fort Collins, talking about creating better connections between the City and the University.
Within months, this conversation sparked the creation of UniverCity Connections, a collaboration convened by the NoCo Foundation, and driven by the City of Fort Collins, Colorado State University, the Downtown Development Authority, and over 100 Fort Collins citizens. UniverCity Connections challenged the community to come together, imagine a great future and make that future a reality.
Eight task forces worked for several months developing their plans and visions, and for the next several years used this vision as guidance for new projects. Over the years (2007-mid 2000’s), the stakeholders and leaders met regularly to discuss time sensitive topics such as homelessness, Cache la Poudre River health and access, housing, and more.
Currently UniverCity Connections is serving as a point of connection between the City, CSU, the Downtown Development Authority, and Bohemian Foundation through regular Executive Team meetings. In addition, we look for ways to encourage citizens to get involved and to help groups collaborate for the future of Fort Collins.
Destination Downtown Loveland 2008
Destination Downtown Loveland 2008
In 2008, downtown Loveland’s development had stalled. A way forward was not clear. With the blessings of the NoCo Foundation Board of Trustees, members of the Loveland Community Fund Committee decided to focus their efforts on downtown revitalization. Over the next two years, they worked with Foundation staff on the not-insignificant task of planning and carrying out several large-scale events, including Destination Downton Loveland, a years-long effort that solidified public-private-philanthropic partnerships.
New perspectives and momentum of downtown Loveland emerged from the Foundation-driven events. The Foundation not only hosted meetings that convened downtown experts, stakeholders, and city staff, but they also tapped into the generous Loveland community. The Foundation and its donors paved the way for the final renovation push and proudly re-opened the Rialto Theater Center in 2021. This is another flagship project that demonstrated that remarkable things can be achieved when the Foundation steps in to lead and convene. It is an example of highly leveraged, catalytic grantmaking and the power of committed volunteers.
Intersection of E 4th St and N Lincoln Ave in Loveland.
Historical photo of the Rialto Theater.
Concert at Foote Lagoon Amphitheater.
Eastern Colorado 2015
Eastern Colorado 2015
In December 2015, community leaders from Eastern Colorado formalized an arrangement for the creation of the NoCo Foundation Eastern Colorado office. Spreading our work to the far Northeastern corner of Colorado has helped boost community impact in that region. The Eastern Colorado office provides community foundation services to the Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, and Yuma County communities.
We are in the midst of the largest transfer of wealth in history; our communities in Eastern Colorado are seeing this firsthand as heirs move away from rural America. This wealth is often forever lost from these rural communities. If just a small percentage of inter-generational wealth was gifted back to its community of origin, it could provide substantial dollars for long-term community benefit.
Shortly after the Easter Colorado office was established, the Sterling Community Fund (SCF) was created by local residents to provide a sustainable funding source for projects that make Logan County a more attractive place to live, raise a family, establish a business, and retire.
The SCF currently has over $3.5 million in assets and has made grants to projects such as Heritage Park, the city’s hiking trails, and overhead lighting at the Logan County Fairgrounds indoor arena. Over time, the Fund will have a greater impact as it grows through donations and investment returns.
Founding Trustees 1975-1978
The following leaders came forward during a time of great change in our area. All they really wanted to accomplish was to pull friends and neighbors together to pool their funds and make an impact for the community’s future. Kudos to them, it worked!
- Wayne Ballah
- Robert Brunton
- Karl Carson
- Ray Chamberlain
- Robert Clark
- Robert Everitt
- Tom Gleason
- Merle Goddard
- Nancy Gray
- Elwin Hunter
- Wes Johnson
- Viola Moore
- Wiliam Morgan
- Charles Patchen
- Eric Peterson
- R. Phillips
- Buford Plemmons
- Charles Terrell
- Donald Webber
- First Executive Director: Kaye Arnold, 1982-1986
A few of the Founding Trustee members.
Founder Award Winners
The Founders Award recognizes individuals and families who have provided exceptional leadership, both to the NoCo Foundation and to our region.
- Karl Carson – 2004
- Doc and Helen Fickel – 2005
- Jack Devereaux and Harry Devereaux – 2006
- Gene Markley – 2007
- Bob Everitt -2008
- Dave and Paula Edwards – 2013
- Burce and Muriel Hach – 2017
- The Sutherland Family – 2018
- Lynn and Norma Hammond – 2019
- Phil and Janice Farley – 2022
- Cindy Horner – 2023
Most of the Founder Award Recipients
Community Legacy Award Winners
The Community Legacy Award is given annually to a Northern Colorado family business that has demonstrated philanthropy and community leadership through multiple generations.
- Mike Dellenbach and Family -2014
- The VanAlsburg and Clay Family – 2015
- The Markley Family – 2016
- The Houska Family – 2017
- The Schrader Family – 2018
- The Gallegos Family – 2019
- Larry and Kay Edwards- 2022
- The Dohn Family – 2023
- The Sethre and Jorgensen Families -2024
Most of the Community Legacy Award Recipients
Special Shout Out
The NoCo Foundation is extraordinarily grateful for the following community members who helped shape the 50 Years of Philanthropy activities and celebration. They attended many planning meetings and brought ideas and solutions to the Foundation team in order to execute a wonderful six months of recognition and appreciation to all who have touched the NoCo Foundation.
Cheers to the 50 Years of Philanthropy External Steering Committee!
- LuAnn Ball
- Kyle Anderson
- Carol & Tim Cochran
- Paula & Dave Edwards
- Annette Geiselman
- Jennifer & Doug Johnson
- Denise Juliana
- Teresa & Paul Mueller
- Michelle Provaznik
- Trudy & Wes Sargent
- Laurie Steele
- Cheryl Zimlich
- Katie Zwetzig
10 Fast Facts
- We were the 3rd community foundation in Colorado when we opened our doors in June 1975.
- In our first 50 years, we have had three Presidents and, at the very beginning, a part-time Executive Director.
- We are in our fifth office location and may need to move in the future to accommodate our growing work and staff.
- The NoCo Foundation began in 1975 as the Fort Collins Foundation. When Berthoud, Estes Park, and Loveland joined in the 1990s, our name was updated to the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado. Earlier this year, we adopted our nickname and are now known as the NoCo Foundation.
- In the early 1990s, the NoCo Foundation helped community leaders in Weld County start up the Weld Community Foundation, one of our closest partners in our Larimer County and Weld County convening work.
- In 2001, more than 1,200 donors contributed $1.2 million to the 9/11 Fund to help those impacted by the September 11, 2001 tragedies in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. In total, more than $4 million was distributed to nonprofits serving victims’ families and survivors. Since then, the NoCo Foundation has partnered with United Way of Larimer County, Bohemian Foundation, and local organizations to raise money to support disaster survivors in our backyard and in other affected areas of the country, such as New Orleans and Florida.
- One of our fundholders was an astronaut and traveled to space.
- Sterling Community Fund, created in 2016, raised more than $2 million during its first five years (it is now a $3.5 million endowment) and has recently started making community improvement grants.
- We turn complex gifts into community impact on a regular basis, including bushels of corn, shopping centers, cell phone tower easements, and gold coin collections.
- About 80% of donor funds support nonprofits in one of the seven counties we serve.
Impact by the Number
TOTAL $150 million (as of May 2025) granted out.
- Two largest years
- FY24 ($12.2 million), FY18 ($12.9 million)
- FY25 is at $12 million through 3/25/25
20,000 grants made to create impactful change throughout the Northern and Eastern Colorado regions.
Over $280 million gifted to the NoCo Foundation through the years
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- Two largest years
- FY21 ($29.9 million, COVID + Fire)
- FY24 ($23.1 million)
- Over 45,000 unique gifts to the NoCo Foundation
- Two largest years
TOTAL # of funds current assets under management $230 million (as of May 2025).
Approximately $300,000 raised for Lincoln Center from 1975-1978
$12.5 million has been granted out from about 80 scholarship funds and dozens of donor advised funds.
Community Fund Committees Grant Summary
(for the years 2000-present)
NoCo Foundation’s discretionary funding amounts to approximately 2% of total funding and is distributed through a responsive grant process focused on the communities of Berthoud, Estes, Fort Collins, and Loveland.
These Community Funds are comprised of philanthropic dollars left by generous donors who held donor advised funds at the NoCo Foundation during their lifetimes and wished to leave a legacy in their community. Donations to these funds in any amount by anyone are welcomed and contribute to the community’s well-being.
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- Berthoud – $780,000, 300+ grants (since 1993)
- Estes – $1.1million, 360+ grants (since 1999)
- Fort Collins – $5.3 million, 1,100+ grants (since 1993)
- Loveland – $1.1 million, 180+ grants (since 1993)
- Sterling – $155,000, 7 grants (since 2017)
Watch Our Community Celebration Videos
Coming soon.
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Inspiring the Future
What do the next few years look like for the NoCo Foundation? After 50 years of focusing on something, we have learned a few things and are taking those lessons and applying them to the next 50, well, at least the next few foreseeable years!
Acres of Impact
Launched in 2024, the NoCo Foundation’s Acres for Impact is a unique program for those who own land or crops in Colorado or other locations. While we typically think of charitable giving in terms of what we can give from our checkbook, agricultural assets present another advantageous way to offer support.
Community Issue Briefings
Community Issue Briefings were created in 2022 to increase our donor’s understanding of the needs of our communities, share insights into local nonprofits providing solutions to those gaps, and highlight new and innovative models of philanthropy. We provide donors with the necessary knowledge to keep them informed and prepared to make the best decision for themselves, and for the benefit of the community.
NoCo Changemakers
Are you starting to make charitable investments and seek to create meaningful impact in Northern Colorado? Consider NoCo Changemakers, a NextGen Philanthropy Program designed to empower the next generation of changemakers that the NoCo Foundation launched in late 2024, in partnership with the Bohemian Foundation.
Nonprofit Support Programs
Launched in 2022, and evolving as the community changes, we work with nonprofits to help them access the resources needed to advance their important work in our communities and create positive impact. We seek to be responsive to the need within the sector and design programs that help nonprofits lead on key issues impacting our community as we continue to grow. We are grateful for the generous support of the Nonprofit support program’s sponsor, FirstBank.
Hot Off the Presses
The NoCo Foundation leaders are working on exciting new initiatives – how new you ask? So new that we don’t have website content for these but reach out to info@nocofoundation.org or call us at 970-224-3462 for more information.
2024 Northern Colorado Intersections Report’s next steps.
We are actively mapping services and programs identified in the Intersections Report and will convene groups of people and organizations later this year and into 2026 on how their work intersects, and how do we scale “gold standard” practices to make a bigger impact. And, how to align resources (philanthropic, public, private, nonprofit) to create more bright spots?
Lastly, the NoCo Foundation is pleased to elevate our partnership with Colorado State University by expanding the Intersections Report format to create a joint report reflecting the stressors (versus pressures) on Northeast Colorado’s six rural counties, Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, and Yuma County. The report is in progress with an estimated completion date of early 2026.
Affordable Housing
We’re leaning into one of the most important issues in our community by hiring of a new regional housing officer, hosting regional affordable housing workshops, and engaging with interested donors and financial institutions on how we can work on public-private-philanthropic partnerships to solve housing pressures.
Water
We have been the co-host of the Water Literate Leaders since 2017, along with our partners, the Colorado Water Center. And, for the past five years, have convened water utility partners and water districts in deep conversations about preserving northern Colorado water and what that looks like for different providers and areas of Weld and Larimer County, also known as the NoCO Water Alliance.
Recently, the NoCo Foundation was honored to be the financial institution Northern Water and Save the Poudre turned to as they established the new Poudre River Improvement Fund. The $100 million Fund is likely one of the largest river conservation settlements in U.S. history for a river its size and will provide benefits to the Poudre River from Gateway Park in Poudre Canyon all the way to the confluence with the South Platte River east of Greeley about 50 river-miles downstream.
The previous initiatives explained what the NoCo Foundation is actively doing to shape the future of the region. Now, it’s your turn!
The NoCo Foundation has been the heartbeat of philanthropy in Northern Colorado for 50 years, empowering local nonprofits and initiatives. Our mission has always been simple: to nurture a thriving community built on kindness, generosity, and opportunity.
To celebrate this incredible milestone, we’re launching the NoCo Pledge—a campaign to inspire another 50 years of support and growth. Together, we can build on this legacy and ensure that Northern Colorado continues to be a place where generosity changes lives.
By joining the pledge, you’re making a promise to:
- Support local nonprofits through giving and/or volunteering
- Inspire others to create a better future for our community
- Help NoCo remain a place where generosity flourishes
- Contribute to a legacy of kindness together!
We know everyone’s commitment looks a little different. That’s why the NoCo Pledge gives you options to take action in a way that fits your life.
Pledge Options:
Watch for the NoCo Pledge reminders throughout 2025 – we even have utility pole banners flying in Loveland and Fort Collins this summer to encourage the community to take the Pledge!
Events
May 8th Community Celebration
Thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated with us May 8th! The Community Celebration officially kicked off the next six months of activities.
A big thank you to our amazing community sponsors!
One of the best parts of the evening was launching the NoCo Pledge. Did you get a chance to take the Pledge live? If not, now is the perfect time to take the NoCo Pledge!
Watch our Community Celebration Videos
Coming Soon.
Cheers to Change Beer Tapping Parties
To quote our friends at Horse and Dragon Brewery in Fort Collins, “Beer brings people together!” If you agree, please join us at one of our upcoming beer tappings. The NoCo Foundation is partnering with four brewers to craft a special Cheers to Change beer for the community! For every pint sold, the breweries are donating $1 to each community’s Community Fund. Drink up!
- Thursday, May 15, 4:00-6:00 p.m.: Verboten Brewing and Barrel Project, 127 E. 5th Street, Loveland
- Friday, July 11, 4:00-6:00 p.m.: Horse and Dragon Brewery, 124 Racquette Ct, Fort Collins
- Friday, August 8, 3:00-5:00 p.m.: Avant Garde Aleworks, 920 Dunraven St., Estes Park
- Friday, August 29, 4:00-6:00 p.m.: City Star Brewing, 320 Mountain Ave., Berthoud
Commemorative Magazine Launch Event
Mark your calendar and join us on Friday, July 11, 4:00-6:00 p.m., at Horse and Dragon Brewing Company in north Fort Collins. We will tap Horse and Dragon’s Cheers to Change Kolsch, with a $1 per pint supporting the Fort Collins Community Fund, AND pick up your copy of the 2025 Creating Impact, Leaving a Legacy magazine.
This special commemorative magazine will include impact stories and honor the founding members of the NoCo Foundation. The piece will also include historic NoCo Foundation photos, timeline of key milestones, sponsor spotlights, and more.
Get Involved
Take the NoCo Pledge
Join the NoCo Pledge and help build a stronger, more connected community through generosity and kindness.
Join Community Champions
We are the region’s kitchen table. Through our unique independent convener role, the NoCo Foundation has a deep understanding of the complex issues challenging our region. Thanks to our Community Champions, the Foundation is harnessing this opportunity to bring community leaders together to address Northern Colorado’s most pressing issues.
Becoming a Community Champion is very simple. No amount is too small to start making a difference. Your participation helps shape the future of the region.
Open a Donor Advised Fund
Charitable funds are easy to set up and manage to meet your unique needs.
You can create and name your own fund or give to an existing one; choose to be acknowledged or give anonymously; establish a fund today or in your estate plan. The choices are yours.
Support a Community Fund Committee Challenge
Do you live or love the Berthoud, Estes Valley, Fort Collins, Loveland, or Sterling community? Each year, dedicated community volunteers come together to learn about unmet community needs and review grant applications from local nonprofits who can fill those gaps. The volunteers recommend grant funding to the Board of Trustees and local needs are supported.
In 2025-2026, the communities are increasing the available funds to make even bigger impacts for the future well-being of the communities. The NoCo Foundation’s Board of Trustees will match $50,000 of investment in each community, for a total of $100,000 MORE funds in EACH community! Join in the effort to increase these funds; any amount is welcome!
Community Champions
This event is funded, in part, by our Community Champions. Through the support of Community Champions, the NoCo Foundation brings people and resources together to spark change, channel passion into action, and explore solutions. Learn more about Community Champions.
