Kristin Todd: A Time for Celebration and Reflection
Three years—that’s how long it’s been since we gathered in person to celebrate the generosity of our community. Five hundred of our closest friends, nonprofit partners, and community advocates assembled at the Hilton Fort Collins for this year’s Celebration of Philanthropy. Guests delighted in the opportunity to converse, connect, and revel in the generosity of our region. Click here to view the event photo gallery.
Foundation President Kristin Todd reflected on her first year at the Foundation by sharing her Top 10 appreciations:
The solid reputation and 46-year history of the Community Foundation
The strength and kindness of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and staff
Getting out of Denver traffic 🙂
The collaborative nature of Northern Colorado and the importance of quiet, respectful conversations
The importance and difficulty of Regionalism; tackling challenges as a region is hard, but it’s worth it
Dramatic growth and change is happening throughout our region, and these changes bring opportunities to work together proactively for the future
The welcoming Poudre School District, specifically the GIRLS of Ms. Rayls 5th Grade class at Bethke Elementary, who have made our son Charlie feel very welcome!
The passion and commitment of the people of Northern Colorado, and the role a community foundation can play in strategically harnessing that passion for good
The impact of our work in Eastern Colorado; in five short years the Eastern Colorado Community Fund has hit several significant milestones
The future is bright for both Northern Colorado AND for the Community Foundation.
AWARD WINNERS
At this year’s Celebration, we honored two remarkable families.
Larry and Kay Edwards
Larry & Kay Edwards received the Community Legacy Award, recognizing their family’s philanthropy and volunteerism through multiple generations. Longtime supporters of the Fort Collins Symphony, Kay and Larry were treated to a surprise performance during the dinner hour. Watch the Edwards’ award video here.
Janice and Phil Farley
The Foundation awarded Phil & Janice Farley the Founders Award for their exceptional leadership to the Community Foundation and to our region. The couple has been a beloved part of Loveland for more than four decades, investing their time and treasure to various missions and service organizations. Watch the Farley’s award video here.
Foundation Staff Updates
Welcome Claire Bouchard: Director of Community Engagement and Communications
Claire brings seventeen years of experience to the community engagement role. Her work across sectors and with various layers of the community have fostered a deep understanding of how our community works and where the challenges and opportunities lie in solving some of our region’s most pressing issues.
Claire has held engagement, communications, and community impact positions at the City of Fort Collins, Larimer County, and United Way of Larimer County. She was a founding partner of the creative firm, Slate Communications, and was the national Marketing Director for Loveland’s SAFEbuilt. In 2020, when our community was struck by destructive wildfires and a global pandemic, Claire partnered with the Foundation on grantmaking and long-term recovery efforts.
Welcome James Hamilton: Director of Development and Philanthropic Services
With nearly 20 years of development and consulting experience, James has led multi-million dollar fundraising initiatives for health care, education, human service, and faith-based organizations. As a fundraising consultant, James managed a multitude of nonprofit campaigns raising more than $54 million. His expertise includes major gifts, campaign planning and management, foundation and corporate fundraising, leadership fundraising training, and volunteer management. Prior to joining the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, James led fundraising initiatives as a Senior Consultant with McDonald Schaefer (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), President of Fox Advancement (Minneapolis, Minnesota), and a campaign manager with the Steier Group (Omaha, Nebraska). His first venture into fundraising included helping raise the initial $5 million for the newly established Minnesota State Fair Foundation in St. Paul, Minnesota. James graduated from Macalester College and received his master’s degree in nonprofit leadership and management from the University of Minnesota. James and his wife live in Fort Collins with their three kids.
Farewell to Ella Fahrlander
This month marks the end of an era as, after nearly seven years with the Foundation, we say goodbye to Chief Engagement Officer, Ella Fahrlander. Ella has played many roles at the Foundation, including the role of intern way back in 2006! She often served as the face of the Foundation, working closely with nonprofit partners, philanthropists, and community leaders. Her impact on the Foundation and the community cannot be overstated.
Ella helped deepen community relationships and spearhead several major initiatives. She cites her work on regional water issues and the opportunity to collaborate with Larimer and Weld counties as a highlight of her time at the Foundation. However, above all else, she will miss the incredible people and families she had the privilege of serving in her role.
The Community Foundation staff is grateful for Ella’s kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to do the right thing. As she moves on to her next endeavor, we wish her a heartfelt farewell. Best of luck, Ella!
New Board Chair: Denise Juliana
Congratulations to Denise Juliana on her new role as the Foundation’s Board Chair. Denise has been a cheerleader for the Community Foundation throughout her career, serving on the Board of Trustees and Professional Advisors Council. She spent 29 years in public accounting, 21 as a partner of Eide Bailly, and retired in 2020. Denise is a firm believer in giving back to her community, is an active member of Foothills Rotary Club, and is involved with Give Next and WomenGive. We are grateful for her expertise and inspired by her passion for philanthropy.
Nonprofit Enrollment for Colorado Gives Day
This year will mark the Foundation’s 10th year as Larimer County regional champion for Colorado Gives Day! We are thrilled to lead the effort in raising awareness for the statewide day of giving in support of our community’s outstanding nonprofits.
Nonprofits that have not yet participated in Colorado Gives Day, you can enroll now through September 30, 2022. We encourage you to enroll sooner rather than later, as it can take several months to complete and submit a profile to the Community First Foundation for review. Click here to review eligibility requirements.
Your nonprofit can join the fun and be part of Colorado’s largest single day of giving. Come aboard and join over 3,000 other nonprofits. Together, we can support our region and beyond!
Breaking Good News NoCo
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