Last week we had an update on the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado (CFNC) presented by the “new” CEO and President, Kristin Todd, who was accompanied by Ella Fahrlander, Chief Engagement Officer. As most members are aware, the Community Foundation manages our club’s Legacy Funds (more than $700,000). The Foundation’s stated mission is to “Create transformational community impact by inspiring philanthropy and engaging the region” and their vision is “Creating Impact. Leaving Legacy”.
The Foundation functions as a facilitator of philanthropy, helping donors with strategy in giving, acting as a convener, connector, catalyzer and partner. It was founded in 1975 by a small group to help convert the Lincoln Center to a school to a performing arts center. It is one of 800+ similar foundations in the US with more than 20 located in CO. Its total assets are $185 million. Despite COVID, 2021 set a record ($7.9 million in distribution and gifts received at $29.8 million).
A Venn diagram illustrated the overlap of community leadership and philanthropic services and the impact of NCFC. - a “trusted steward” of donations, a “neutral conveyor” and a catalyst for community action. The Foundation value is illustrated by it’s handling of complex gifts and non-cash assets. The next slide showed the logos of over 70 local organizations that use the Foundations services.
The aggressive 10-year vision includes investing $250 million in community grantmaking, growing managed assets to $500 million and becoming the “go-to” institution to address critical challenges in the community. The strategic priorities include engaging the next generations of donors, growing relationships and expanding grantmaking. Kristin concluded with 2 slides detailing the 2 Fort Collins Rotary Club Legacy funds.
Members asked questions about fee structure, “pass-through” grants and expected changes in investments in these “tumultuous times”.
We thank Kristin for this update about this partnership in “service above self”.