In this Issue:
Letter from Our President | How NoCo’s Nonprofits Continue to Rise | Catch Up On NoCo Voices Podcast | Housing Initiative Updates | Northeast Colorado Intersections | Congrats to the NoCo Changemakers | Discover Nonprofits by Intersection | National Philnathropy Day Nominations Open | For Profressional Advisors | Stay Informed. Stay Connected
Dear Friends,
Across our region, we continue to see what’s possible when people come together around the issues that matter most.
Throughout this newsletter, you’ll see how community leaders, nonprofits, donors, and partners are stepping up to meet complex challenges head‑on. From housing affordability and regional well-being to strengthening the nonprofit sector and reimagining philanthropy, one theme is clear: progress depends on collaboration, shared understanding, and a willingness to lead together.
These stories and initiatives remind us that lasting impact doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people come together, across sectors, counties, and perspectives, to build a stronger, more resilient future for our communities.
Thank you for being part of this work and for helping move Northern Colorado forward.
With gratitude,
Kristin Todd
President & CEO
Leading Through Change: How Northern Colorado’s Nonprofits Continue to Rise
Northern Colorado’s nonprofit sector is more than a “nice to have.” It’s essential infrastructure for community well‑being. As funding becomes more volatile and community needs continue to grow, nonprofit leaders are being asked to adapt, collaborate, and rethink how their work is supported and sustained. In this blog, we explore what’s changing, what’s emerging, and the critical role donors and partners play in strengthening the nonprofit sector for the future.
Catch Up on the NoCo Voices Podcast
Since launching NoCo Voices, we’ve released three new episodes that spotlight the people and ideas shaping Northern Colorado. Tune in for thoughtful conversations on regional leadership, the evolving nonprofit sector, and how everyday people step into philanthropy:
- A Conversation on Regional Strength – Former Greeley Mayor John Gates and former Fort Collins Mayor Jeni Arndt reflect on leadership, collaboration, and what it takes to work across boundaries.
- The State of the Nonprofit Sector in Northern Colorado – Jodie Riesenberger, Dave Dixon, and Tracy Mead discuss how nonprofits serving families and children are navigating 2026—and what lies ahead.
- How to Be a Philanthropist – Mara Johnson and Paul Schnaitter share how collective giving through NoCo Changemakers shaped their approach to generosity and community impact.
Each episode offers a deeper look at how philanthropy brings people together to strengthen Northern Colorado.
Housing Initiative Updates
Housing Report Launch
In early May, we gathered to launch Housing at a Crossroads—and the energy in the room made one thing clear: this work matters, and it takes all of us.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared the report, and helped carry this conversation forward—and a special thanks to our panelists for bringing the data to life through a regional and multifaceted discussion of housing challenges and opportunities:
- Emily Francis, Mayor, City of Fort Collins
- Dale Hall, Mayor, City of Greeley
- Jamie Thorpe, Vice President of Entitlements, Hartford Homes
- Kevin Unger, President and CEO, UCHealth
- Marcie Willard, CECD, Economic Development Director, City of Loveland
Housing at a Crossroads offers a clear, regional look at the housing realities shaping Northern Colorado—who is being left out, why the gap is growing, and what’s at stake if we don’t act. Drawing on data and lived experience from across Larimer and Weld counties, the report shows how affordability, access, and policy decisions intersect to affect families, workers, and the long‑term health of our communities. It also makes one thing clear: the path forward is a choice, and progress depends on coordinated, cross‑sector action.
Apply for Housing Literate Leaders
To keep building momentum on our housing initiative, the NoCo Foundation, in partnership with the Colorado State University Everitt Real Estate Center, is excited to launch the new cohort-based program focused on housing in Northern Colorado.
Housing Literate Leaders is a nine-month leadership program designed to deepen understanding of housing systems and empower community leaders to help drive meaningful solutions across Northern Colorado.
If you want to be part of the inaugural cohort, apply now!
Northeast Colorado Intersections Launch
The Northeast Colorado Intersections Report launched with a powerful gathering at Northeastern Junior College, bringing together regional leaders, community members, and partners to explore what shapes well‑being across Northeast Colorado.
The report blends local insight with regional data to show how issues like housing, agriculture, economic opportunity, health, and connection intersect across six counties. Rather than viewing challenges in isolation, the findings reveal how progress in one area strengthens others—offering a shared framework to guide collaboration, investment, and action across the region.
Congrats to the NoCo Changemakers
Earlier this month, the second cohort of the NoCo Changemakers engaged in their last session and celebrated the completion of the nine-month program. During this final session, they awarded $25,000 to The Family Center/ La Familia, funded through participant contributions and a Bohemian Foundation match.
The Family Center/La Familia provides early childhood education and holistic family support for Latinx and working‑class families. This grant will strengthen its Mi Voz program by partnering with Larimer County public health officials to document and elevate mobile‑home residents’ water‑access and safety concerns, helping bridge information gaps between affected households and policymakers to drive community‑informed solutions.
Applications for the 2026/2027 cohort are now live! If you would like to examine Northern Colorado’s philanthropic landscape, explore innovative giving strategies, and create personal legacy plans, be sure to apply.
Discover Nonprofits by Intersection
Our Discover Nonprofits by Intersection page allows the public to discover nonprofits based on where their work falls in our six Intersections on our website. The Intersections Initiative explores six key intersections where pressures and opportunities converge: Connecting, Beautifying, Nourishing, Renewing, Sheltering and Caring, and Transacting.
With this new feature, community members and prospective donors can easily search or browse to better understand the nonprofit landscape. So be sure to check it out and learn more.
National Philanthropy Day Nominations
National Philanthropy Day is a special day to recognize and pay tribute to individuals and organizations whose contributions improve the quality of our lives, communities, and world. The Colorado National Philanthropy Day Luncheon will be held on November 5, 2026, with registration starting later this year. But starting now, you can begin your nominations!
Nomination Categories:
- Lifetime Achievement
- Outstanding Large Business
- Outstanding Small Business
- Outstanding Foundation
- Outstanding Philanthropist
- Outstanding Professional Fundraiser
- Outstanding Professional Grantmaker
- Outstanding Service Organization
- Outstanding Volunteer
- Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser
- Inspiration Award
- Outstanding Youth
- Outstanding Youth Group
Nominations are due by July 17!
For Professional Advisors
Private Foundation Transitions: Lead with Communication
Transferring a private foundation’s assets to a donor advised fund at a community foundation, like the NoCo Foundation, can offer a simpler and more flexible path forward. Learn more about the technical mechanics and communications needs to make this transition easier.
Essential Giving Strategies – In 25 Minutes
In just 25 minutes, gain actionable insights that can help your clients give more effectively and with greater tax efficiency. This high‑value webinar is designed specifically for professional advisors who want practical, real‑world charitable giving strategies they can use right away.
You’ll also learn how the NoCo Foundation’s Philanthropic Advisor team partners with advisors to create smart, personalized philanthropic plans that align with each client’s unique goals and financial priorities.
Tuesdays every other month, 8:30-8:55 a.m.
- Register for June 9th
- Register for August 11th
- Register for October 13th
Click date to register.
Stay Informed. Stay Connected.
We have two additional topic-specific newsletters that you can subscribe to:
- The Resourceful Advisor, with content catered toward professional advisors
- NoCo Housing Update, which shares news and updates on affordable housing and our work in this space.
If you would like to receive either of these newsletters, please sign up through the link below and select which newsletters you would like to receive.
