Grow Partnerships and Harvest Success
Grow Partnerships and Harvest Success is just what Rural Philanthropy Days is all about. The conference has a proven track record for increasing collaboration and generating additional grant revenues for the region; therefore, we believe the conference benefits everyone in the community!
The Economic Impact of Non-Profits in Southwest Colorado
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Southwest Colorado received 434 grants totaling more than $8.8 million after the 2006 conference!
In Fiscal Year 2008, the
five-county region supported 239 active 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organizations with total assets of more
than $201 million and generated revenues of $128
million. Active nonprofits have been defined as
those that reported income on Form 900 in 2008.
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Southwest Colorado nonprofits accounted for 7.2 percent of total employment in the region.
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Southwest Colorado nonprofits generated net inflow revenues of $11.3 million in 2005; when circulated in the economy, that money generated an economic impact of $26.5 million!
Civic Leaders and Elected Officials
Civic leaders and elected officials benefit by becoming more knowledgeable about the economic and social contributions that the nonprofit sector invests in their communities. They also benefit by building relationships with potential funders for their organizations.
"Rural Philanthropy Days is a must-attend event for elected and appointed officials at both the municipal and county levels. Public agencies and nonprofit organizations share a remarkable similarity in their goals for community development, environmental protection and service delivery. Government/nonprofit partnerships will play an ever more important role in meeting the needs of our communities. RPD offers learning and networking opportunities that encourage attendees to explore new ways to form collaborative relationships."
- Steve Randolph. Mayor, City of Woodland Park. Teller County, Heart of Colorado Region.
Funders:
State and Federal Agencies, Private and Community Foundations
Funders benefit from Rural Philanthropy Days by learning more about Southwest Colorado’s unique history and culture, its diverse economy, and the particular issues that challenge communities in this part of the state. Funders also benefit by helping nonprofits, public agencies, elected officials and others come together to address their shared challenges more strategically and efficiently, thereby increasing the effectiveness of their contributions to the region..
“Often, funding organizations do not get the opportunity to interact in a genuine and authentic way with the communities, nonprofit organizations, and people they are fortunate to work with toward achieving the common goal of improving the quality of life for all people in Colorado. This is certainly true for the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado. Participating in Rural Philanthropy Days always provides an important opportunity to be introduced to specific regions within the state, and to the good work and needs of the nonprofit organizations and people within those regions. As a funding organization, we have found that attending Rural Philanthropy Days has become an important and effective tool in helping create and maintain personal and professional relationships throughout Colorado.”
-- Christopher Robertson, Community Outreach for the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado
“Attending Rural Philanthropy Days is absolutely worth the three days of invested time. As a funder, you will gain critical insights into the region – its economy, social and demographic context – and gain a strong sense of what is next for these communities. You will also help call to action nonprofits, elected officials and others – action to form partnerships, build capacity, and advance their valuable services. You will help strategize about serious opportunities of importance to the region, and enjoy the hospitality and recreation opportunities of the area. Attending Rural Philanthropy Days will pay off in many ways, including making wiser philanthropic investments.”
-- Jeff Pryor, Executive Director of the Anschutz Family Foundation
Nonprofit Professionals and Volunteers
Nonprofit professionals and volunteers benefit from three days of training and networking that will make them more effective in their communities. Check back later for a few of the success stories that resulted from the 2006 Rural Philanthropy Days Conference in Durango:
Read about
Rural Philanthropy Days Success Stories in Archuleta,
Dolores,
La
Plata,
Montezuma and San Juan Counties.
"One of the most unifying activities among nonprofits in the San Luis Valley is
Rural Philanthropy Days. This event is amazing in that it brings funding opportunities to the individual communities, but what impressed me much more is the incredible way it brings together the non-profit organizations and citizens of individual communities across the region to work toward a common goal, proving the power of collaboration. As a result of collaborations rooted in RPD, great things have blossomed: first it was Volunteer Connections, a volunteer center, then four years later it was 2-1-1 Community Link, the Information and Referral Call Center for the San Luis Valley and Southwest Colorado."
- Stephanie Steffens. President, Intermountain First Aid &
Safety. Rio Grande County, San Luis Valley Region.
“Helping in the planning of Philanthropy Days allowed me to learn more about the region in which I have been engaged for thirty years. This information provided me an opportunity to share ideas and challenges with other nonprofits and with my Board of Directors. After assessing the opportunities afforded from Rural Philanthropy Days, The Youth Foundation decided to focus our attention on building strengths within our organization and our programs. We are now ready to submit grants, as a result of Rural Philanthropy Days - more than a year later, as a stronger nonprofit. Rural Philanthropy Days also provided an incredible networking opportunity. While it may appear that networking could and should take place whether Philanthropy Days is happening or not, the reality of nonprofits with small staff is not conducive to spending time networking, as duties and tasks take precedence and networking, though necessary for effective community building, becomes secondary. Even engaged, dedicated community members always have more to learn, and Rural Philanthropy Days provides an avenue for learning and teaching." - Susie Davis. Executive Director, The Youth Foundation. Eagle County, Mountain Region.
"The value and importance of Philanthropy Days has been enormous in southeast Colorado. I know many rural colleagues who have gained confidence and understanding from their interaction with funders. Being appreciated, being informed and being face to face with funders – it is an uplifting experience they never forget. I know, because I hear their comments long after Philanthropy Days have concluded. We all look forward to the next event!"
- Chuck Thompson. President of Colorado Boys Ranch. Otero County, Southeast Region.
