2009-2010 Campaign Kickoff!

When you hold a dollar bill in your hand, do you see a million dollar difference? Last year, with an average gift of $1 dollar a day, Community Shares received nearly $1.5 million in workplace giving pledges. A paycheck contribution gift of $1 a day - $5 each week - adds up to a $260 donation to the charities and causes you care about most. At Community Shares, we know the value of your hard-earned dollars and provide you with the financial clarity you deserve. Not only do we know many of our donors make real sacrifices to invest in our community, we also know how efficiently our member agencies' use those dollars to deliver services. When we say "every dollar makes a difference" it's more than a campaign slogan - it's the Community Shares promise. The majority of our workplace giving campaigns kick off in October and we are counting on you to be a part of our giving community and invest in the welfare of our friends and neighbors when they need us most. When we hold a dollar bill in our hands, we see a million dollar difference. Share our vision and support Community Shares of Colorado this fall. In Partnership, Alyssa Kopf CEO, Community Shares

Our goal this fall is to raise $1.5 million for our member nonprofits through incremental giving campaigns at Colorado workplaces and through online giving drives. We know we can't do this alone and we are asking you to become an active part of our giving community. The next three boxes are our call to action to you: Believe in $1 a Day, Becoming a Giving Ambassador, and Make a Million Dollar Difference.

Believe in $1 a Day

+ To start the Community Giving Campaign this year we want you to hold a $1 bill in your hand. We're serious - reach into your pocket, find a dollar bill, and ask yourself if you believe that $1 a day can make a million dollar difference. + Our average gift at Community Shares really is $1 a day. It's not a slogan or abstract, fancy math - it's what really happens each year. Your dollar, my dollar, his dollar, her dollar - it all adds up and together we come together to invest more than $1.5 million in Colorado nonprofits. + If you look at our end results - the $1.5 million we raise annually for nonprofit organizations or the $15 million we've raised for Colorado - you can lose perspective of how we get there. + At Community Shares, we never forget that we get there $1 at a time, one person at a time. We see each of you and the difference you make. Your dollar counts at Community Shares. + To kick off the 2009 campaign, hold a dollar bill in your hand and start believing in the power of incremental giving!

Become a Giving Ambassador + The actions of a few often inspire many! Giving is contagious and the greatest good you can contribute to your cause is showing your enthusiasm for it! + If giving means a lot to you, spread that message! We can help! + This year we are recruiting a karma army of Giving Ambassadors. As a Giving Ambassador you can help by: Hanging a Community Shares '$1 a Day' poster on a wall in your workspace Wearing a Community Shares $1 a Day' button on your shirt, coat, or bag Talking to one new person about your favorite cause Starting a giving campaign at your workplace + Sign up to be a Giving Ambassador today and we'll send you a packet to promote giving this fall.

Make A Million Dollar Difference + One of our absolute favorite stories comes from last year's Community Giving Campaign. It perfectly illustrates the power of incremental giving. + Our nonprofit member agencies run workplace giving campaigns just like so many companies in Colorado. During the 2008-2009 campaign 185 nonprofit employees chose to participate. Their total gift at the end of the campaign was a little over $45,000! + While the number seems shockingly high, it actually averages out to $1 a day - $5 a week - $260 a year. + An avalanche begins with a single snowflake + Everyone can give if they are just asked. The #1 reason people say they didn't give to charity is not because they couldn't afford to give - it's because no one asked them. + Start a giving campaign at your workplace. No company is too small and $1 a day makes a difference. + Our member agencies prove that we can all be a part of achieving our goal of $1.5 million in giving. + Share our vision and help us make a million dollar difference this fall!

August 2009 e-Community

Dear Friends,

Before coming to Community Shares of Colorado, I worked in the Family Reunification Program for the Denver Department of Human Service. The City of Denver runs a tremendous giving campaign annually called the Denver Employees' Combined Campaign. At a staff meeting, I was introduced to the campaign succinctly, "This is the employee giving campaign. You don't have to do it." With that call to action, it became just one more pile of papers I could file away.

Later that afternoon my coworker Vicki took a few seconds to be a giving ambassador. She said to me, "Can I tell you a little bit more about the giving campaign? I think it's a great program. I can give as little as $5 a paycheck and it adds up to make a big difference. I choose to give to Denver Dumb Friends League because that's where I adopted my dog but you can give to any charity you want. Take a few minutes to look and see if you would like to give." Those five sentences - no guilt or pressure involved - changed my outlook on the campaign and I picked up a pen and made a donation.

This year, we are making a special effort to partner with more Giving Ambassadors like Vicki. Sign up to be an ambassador and be a special part of our 2009 Giving Campaign. While the person you talk to may not become the CEO of a workplace giving fund (the job is taken, thank you!), you may inspire a new donor. Be a Giving Ambassador and help us spread the word that every dollar makes a difference at Community Shares of Colorado.


Alyssa Kopf
CEO, Community Shares

PS If you thought the story was too good to be true, notice Vicki chose a nonprofit that isn't a Community Shares member agency. If Vicki had given to The Gathering Place, that story would be on a bronze plaque on my door!

Become a Community Shares Giving Ambassador!

+ Over the next 4 months Community Shares will reach over 200,000 employees through out Colorado to ask them to come together to ensure those most in need in our community are given access to hot meals and warm beds; the lives of domestic and wild animals are protected and improved; a louder voice is given to social justice causes and the arts; and our natural resources are preserved for future generations. We call this initiative the annual Community Giving Campaign.

+ The campaign is an effort to reach a mass of people, but is at its core, all about the impact that each of us can individually have on our neighbor, our environment, our community. $1 a day.

+ Giving is contagious. The enthusiasm of one person can have a profound impact on others. During this year's 2009-10 giving campaign we hope you'll:

+ make a personal commitment to be a part of the solution,
+ ask others in your personal network to give,
+ share your favorite cause or nonprofit with your team,
+ forward nonprofit newsletters, and

+ More specifically, we hope you'll become a Community Shares Giving Ambassador.

+ It's easy, it's fun, and all you have to do is talk about what matters to you. Send us an email. We'll send you a 2009-10 Ambassador Toolkit (along with some fun free stuff) so that you can encourage others with expertise and style! You'll also receive exclusive e-newsletters which will leave you feeling well-versed and engaged, as well as invitations to visit some of our innovative nonprofits and see their changemaking power at work!

+ Click Here to become a Giving Ambassador for Community Shares. Send this email to our Community Giving Manager, Erin Atwell, along with your Name, Company, and contact information.

+ Talking to just one of your friends about your favorite cause, nonprofit, or this great state is all you need to do. Whether you do it once, twice, or more is up to you, but the ripple in the pond moves further and faster than you can imagine.

The extraordinary results of many are often preceded by
the outstanding efforts of a few.

Be the Spark,

Jason Manke
Communications Manager
Contact me here



Erin Atwell
Community Giving Manager
Contact me here

e-Community July 2009

Dear Friends,

As we hit the middle of the summer we wanted to share a list of 21 great ways to enjoy Colorado. Our 113 member agencies not only do great work, they also often have opportunities for you to roll your sleeves up and have fun building a better Colorado. For a night out on the town, consider skipping the dinner and a movie and putting your money where your heart is at a fundraising event with a special emphasis on fun. As you can see from the variety of activities on the list, our member agencies can provide something for everyone.

The list you see below is also available on our blog, the Community Shareholder. Bookmark the page so you can come back to these great ideas the next time you ask yourself the question, "What should we do for fun this weekend?" If you do a volunteer project with a member agency, be sure to share photos and tips on our blog as well. We love it when our community shares!

Enjoy your summer and don't forget that volunteering is a great way to connect with the charities and causes you care about most


Alyssa Kopf
CEO, Community Shares

Great Ideas For Midsummer Fun

+ Today marks the one-month mark of summer. Community Shares' Member Agencies offer an incredible opportunity for summer fun. Here is your annual Community Shares Summer Guide to the charities and causes you care about most. These opportunities and more articles from e-Community's past can be found on the Shareholder Blog.

+ For all you animal lovers out there, there are several member agencies which promote the welfare of animals both big and small. The Wild Animal Sanctuary is an extraordinary place to learn more about the more exotic carnivores. Because of the summer heat, many of the animals are active at night. The Wild Nights Program allows you to observe tigers, lions, wolves and other animals..

+ Cat Care Society (CCS) has a great virtual tour of their cageless center online. Additionally, CCS is currently putting together a 2010 calendar. Submit a photo of your cat for a feature spot in the calendar.

+ If you can't get enough music and theatre during the summer then check out the new project of the Rocky Mountain Arts Association. Their Gravity Defied Theatre is Colorado's first charitably focused community theatre. Get your tickets today.

+ Su Teatro is hosting their 13th annual Chicano Music Festival and Auction, August 5-9. For more information, visit www.suteatro.org or call (303) 296-0219.

+ VSA Arts of Colorado's Access Gallery will be on display for the First Friday Art Walk hosted by the Santa Fe Art District.

+ Beat the summer heat and get up to the mountains for cooler weather and equally cool music. KVNF has a full summer schedule of music in the mountains. Join them at the Crested Butte Music Festival which takes place through July 26th. Visit their calendar here for a full list of events.

+ KUVO's Blues at the Vineyard takes place Saturday, August 8th at Balestreri Vineyards. This signature annual event comes complete with a wine tasting, great music, and gourmet food.

+ For those who can't get enough of Colorful Colorado, checkout these great opportunities!

+ Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado has a great website where you can connect to projects in your area or interest. Volunteer Outdoors has the perfect way to give back and get outside!

+ Bicycle Colorado has found a unique and super fun way to connect and educate others about the 2009 Bicycle Safety Act. Host a Pedal Party!

+ If protecting trails and open space is your thing then consider the "Gala in the Garden" event on August 7th. Hosted by the Trails and Open Space Coalition, this event benefits trails, bikeways, rural land and open space in the Pikes Peak area around Colorado Springs.

+ Summer is a great time to help build community. Literally. Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver and Boulder Valley (Flatirons) have excellent volunteer experiences. This is a great way to meet others and work outside to help build a new beginning for a family.

+ Be sure to checkout the Kempe Foundation's "Salt on the Rim" event on August 1st. This annual event is a fundraiser to help fight child abuse.

+ And finally, even though this event falls outside of the technical definition of summer, I thought it was so cool that I wanted to share it with you. Earthlinks Inc. has put together another event in support of their innovative mission to connect low-income and homeless people with nature.

Have you heard about the recent plight of the honey bee? 60 Minutes did a report about it last year. Building a Bee Box is a great way to get your hands dirty, get creative and support a vital Colorado cause and organization.


Have a tremendous summer,

Jason Manke
Communications Manager &
Philanthropy Fanatic

Contact me here

2009 Summer Celebration - Just What We Always Wanted

Those who were in attendance at the 2009 Summer Celebration had a chance to see firsthand the impact and passion of Community Shares. Alyssa Kopf, our CEO, had a chance to tell us all what this year meant to Colorado Philanthropy.

"Each of your gifts and contributions to Community Shares are just what we always wanted. Every dollar, every small choice, every decision to be brave enough to share. They've come together to form this grateful organization, to fill this room with celebration, and to build a more hopeful Colorado.

Join me tonight in celebrating all that we have and all that you've shared with us this last year. Push back any uncertainties and celebrate our abundance. Because we are here, we are united, and together, we are so much bigger than ourselves."

Nary a dry eye was left in the packed house of 300+ Community Shareholders. While Alyssa's words (full transcript) put the ceremonial bookends on a year we'll not soon forget the message of Community Shares will continue to stand for community driven philanthropy. Thank you all for a great 2008 giving campaign. Have a look at the event slideshow by clicking here.

2009 Award Winners

2009 Award Winners

Community Giving Campaigns of the Year Community Shares is the sum total of many parts. Three incredible organizations were honored this year for their commitment to workplace giving. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the first consecutive Campaign of the Year winner in CShares history. This year NREL employees pledged more than $182,000 to the charities and causes they care about most - increasing giving and participation by 27% from the previous year. NREL employees designated more than $65,000 to Community Shares member agencies. In a difficult year, the Kroenke Sports Giving Campaign increased employee participation by 20%! It was the continued support from the executive committee and their encouraging communication with employees that made this campaign a success! This year, in an effort to be more environmentally friendly and reduce paper, the district offered their first electronic giving campaign using Community Shares' online giving system. This proved to be a fantastic success with 63% of donations pledged online. The campaign saw a 15% increase in giving from the previous year.

Community Leader of the Year The woman recognized helped inspire more than $12 million dollars in individual gifts over the past four years. You would think everyone would know the name of a $12 million dollar philanthropist! However, she has done this by making good, small decisions day after day proving that incremental giving makes a monumental difference. LaVerne Kyriss who works for the Western Area Power Administration, has been a leader in the Combined Federal Campaign of Metro Denver for many years, serving as the Co-Chair of the Cabinet for the last four. LaVerne volunteers her time to make sure that metro Denver federal employees know of all the options they have in workplace giving.

Volunteer of the Year Amanda Fein is a member of the Community Shares of Colorado board of directors, serves as board treasurer, and chairs our audit committee. Amanda provides exemplary support for our organization by sharing her time, talent, and treasures with Community Shares. Amanda plays a leadership role with many nonprofit organizations including sitting on the fundraising committee for The Delores Project, the event committee for National Jewish Hospital's Cocktails and Karaoke, the Young Philanthropist Foundation's Youth Advisory Board Committee, she is a partner with Social Venture Partners, volunteers for the Christian Action Guild's Food Bank, sits on the Children's Garden Silent Auction Committee, is a volunteer and past judge for Young Americans Education Foundation and Financial Center, and was the 9 News Health Fair volunteer for the Colorado Children's Immunization Coalition. No one knows how she does all of this....its a mystery, but we think she might be able to stop time.

Steve Graham Memorial Scholarship Bonnie Starr Mandell-Rice volunteers for two organizations within the Community Shares family of member nonprofits, both the Wolf Sanctuary and the Wild Animal Sanctuary. Bonnie has a passion for animal rights and philanthropy, which shines true in her dedication for many nonprofits in Colorado. As a volunteer for Wolf, Bonnie attends all of the Community Shares of Colorado meetings to represent Wolf, which both keeps the Sanctuary up to date and saves on-site staff countless hours of travel time. She speaks on behalf of the organization at events and volunteers at public outreach events to broaden Wolf's educational mission. Congratulations to Bonnie for being a shining example of philanthropy.

Raise Your Paddle! Together we are so much bigger than we are alone. Last Wednesday night each Shareholder in attendance was asked to give at a level comfortable to them. Our goal was $7,500 and we're almost there. If you'd like to participate in this effort please click your virtual paddle to the right. All gifts are welcome and significant.

Leading from Below

This was an op-ed piece I put together in 2008 with advice for young professionals seeking to move into leadership positions.

Leading From Below

How can you lead before you become “The Leader”? I encourage young professionals to look for opportunities to “lead from below” while they prepare to take large leaps in their official titles and scope of responsibilities. Developing core leadership skills such as vision, influence, effectiveness, and accountability require you to take on challenges and produce results.

In today’s workforce culture, we are rapidly moving beyond the top-down “chairman” model as managers seek opportunities to create an empowered team. The value of raw talent is rapidly increasing in the entrepreneurial business culture. This is a great time to lead from below – while the weight of experience does not trump good ideas.

Young nonprofit leaders especially need to look for opportunities to lead before they become “The Leader.” Due to relatively flat management structures, young people need to seek and create their own leadership ladder.

Pick Your Victories
People on their way up are often told to “pick their battles”. However, a person seeking to establish a leadership role should spend more time carefully picking their victories. Seek out leadership opportunities on problems that are more than one-time fixes. Consider if taking a role in a project will lead to you being included in future discussions related to your organization’s core business.

Stop Critiquing, Start Contributing
Before you point out inadequacies in your organization’s operations, consider your supervisors are likely aware of this weakness. If something is not going right, it is often because the organization does not have the capacity to improve it – financial capacity, human resource capacity, or leadership capacity. The first few times you point out a weakness, it will be a positive because it shows you understand the issue. If you continue to point out weaknesses without providing solutions it actually can expose you as someone who cannot lead change or consider the big picture ramifications of operational changes.

Focus on offering solutions within reach of your organization’s capacity. (Don’t forget to do the research needed to make your case and know the costs and benefits.) This may be the most important opportunity to demonstrate your potential as a leader. Providing solutions demonstrates the difference between an employee who can critique and an employee who is willing to contribute and be accountable.

Multiple Mentors
It is invaluable to have someone you can call who has the experience you are still developing as a young professional. Rather than having a single go-to person, seek out people with specific talents and experience you admire. Instead of asking someone to be your 360° mentor, consider contacting several people with specific requests. e.g., “I am impressed with how you launched your new program. Can we meet so I can learn more about how you started your planning process?”

Not only will this expand your support circle, you will be able to identify the best examples of what you value as a leader as you build your unique vision. Also, those leaders who represent the “complete package” are likely asked by many people to serve as a mentor. They might not have time to sign on for broad support and ongoing meetings but they will likely agree to be a sounding board for specific questions.

Read Other People’s Résumés
It is likely you are underestimating your leadership responsibilities and successes. Many people send out their résumés and ask others to give feedback. When I am preparing to update my résumé, I send out a call for people I respect to send me their résumé so I can learn how they present their skills and experience. Instead of doing a cursory update utilizing the always-helpful thesaurus to find another word for “achieved”, I want to learn how other people effectively make their case for consideration.

At the same time, when you have others review your résumé be sure to seek out people who have a strong knowledge your achievements to date and those with insight into the prospective industry. If you are switching careers or into a new field, seek someone within the new field to read your résumé. If you are in marketing and seeking a job in development, it will be more effective to have someone who evaluates fundraising résumés give you feedback than a friend who knows your existing skill set. Seek out someone who has hired a similar position and ask what they look for and what jumps out as a key skill or experience. This is not an uncommon practice – I am sent a few resume each month to scan and offer feedback.

What does résumé review have to do with leading from below? You will learn what skill areas you need to fill in on your résumé to get the job you want.

Complete a Leadership Course or Volunteer in a Leadership Position
There are many leadership courses in Denver and many nonprofit organizations could benefit from your contributions. You can complete fellowships with CILT (Colorado Institute for Leadership Training) or the Center for Progressive Leadership. Leadership programs are available through the Denver Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, Community Resource Center, The Denver Foundation, the Denver Metro Leadership Foundation, Downtown Denver Partnership, and the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce. If you are on a board of directors or planning committee, step up and offer to lead. While some opportunities may be more relevant to your career path than others, the very action of seeking leadership development indicates you take your professional success seriously.

When I see a résumé that includes actively seeking leadership experience, it indicates drive and I flag the candidate. When I see the words, “Chaired Fundraising Committee and increased income by 47%,” I pick up the phone and schedule an interview.

Closing Thoughts
The private, public, and independent sectors are all abuzz with the “war for talent”. As an independent sector executive and a board member of the Denver Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, I am keenly interested in advocating for nonprofit organizations to increase their human resource capacity to keep talent in our industry.

Independent sector leaders must read, “Ready to Lead: Next Generation Leaders Speak Out”, a national study produced in partnership by CompassPoint Nonprofit Services, The Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Meyer Foundation and Idealist.org. In the study, young nonprofit professionals identified three key negatives when considering taking an executive director or CEO position in the independent sector: frustration with pay and benefits packages, dissatisfaction with the current job description and responsibilities of a nonprofit leader, and lack of a career path to move into a leadership position.

When I started this article the mindset was focused on peer-to-peer mentoring between young professionals. Since that time, I have moved into the CEO position at Community Shares of Colorado. I would like to think being selected for a leadership role bolsters my insight into the steps young professionals can take to learn as they build their skills. Also, I will listen to what my younger colleagues voiced in “Ready to Lead” and build career path goals into my organization’s performance review process. I can’t say I was ready to lead the day I moved into the corner office, but I did have the advantage of my experience leading from below.


Alyssa Kopf, CEO
Community Shares of Colorado
alyssa@cshares.org
www.cshares.org

May 2009 e-Community

Dear Friends,

Each year Community Shares gathers our member agencies, corporate partners, donors, and friends for an uplifting event called the Summer Celebration. We highlight and honor people and businesses who contribute to the local culture of giving. From the largest Colorado companies to the unsung heroes, it is our opportunity to say thank you. This year we are excited to have this opportunity to celebrate those who have stepped forward in challenging times and lead through generosity. The energy in the room each year at the Summer Celebration is inspiring. There is nothing greater than a room full of people celebrating what we can accomplish when we work together! I hope to see you there!


Thanks and regards,




Alyssa Kopf
CEO, Community Shares

Celebrating the Everyday Philanthropist

+ I hope to see you for our annual Summer Celebration on June 3. Shareholders from across Colorado will gather in celebration of our collective efforts to make our community a better place!

+ The theme of this year's celebration is, "Celebrating the Everyday Philanthropist."

+ We should all take pride in the fact that we're a part of Community Shares. For 23 years Community Shares has stood steadfastly for choice in giving and grassroots, ground-up community change. We get everyone together once a year to celebrate this. Join us!

+ Every single day philanthropists all over Colorado make decisions which help shape and build our community. Giving back has many different forms but whether you give with your time, your talent, or your dollars you are most definitely a part of the solution.

+ I'm fast approaching my one year anniversary as a member of the Community Shares' staff. I don't have the organizational knowledge to tell you the very best year in our history, but I'd not hesitate to at least nominate 2008.

+ Why, you ask?

+ Giving back is always an inspiring and unselfish act, but giving back in the face of extreme uncertainty takes wisdom and guts. During tough times there is in increased strain on the community and the nonprofits who make it their mission to help. Giving when you yourself are feeling the pinch in incredibly insightful. This year Shareholders stepped up when they were needed most.

+ Our decisions define who we are, and I can think of nothing more commendable or more worthy of a celebration.

+ So, Bee Positive and join us for an evening of friends, food, and philanthropy! We'll tip our hats and raise our glasses to those with mettle. The evening promises to be a ton of fun as we put a close to the year and celebrate our successes.

+ You never stopped believing in our work, and we never stopped believing in you. Thanks for all your support!

+ See you there!

Jason Manke
Communications Manager
Write me

e-Community April 2009

Dear Friends,

A year ago when I became CEO of Community Shares I wrote a letter to many of our longtime supporters. I shared with them that the first thing I did after moving into my new office was to write the following quote where I could see it each day: "What would you attempt to do if you could not fail?"

I chose to write the quote on the dry erase board where I track my tasks, to-do list, and ideas for the future. It reminds me to ask myself what I would do if there were no challenges - and then do that very thing in spite of them. By starting at the finish line, I can track backward and make a plan to tackle each obstacle in proportion. Rather than take on the full burden and enormity of the challenge, each step reveals its bearable weight and achievable task. Accomplishing even the smallest victories along the way builds our mettle, motivation, and momentum for when it comes time to face the big challenges.

Last month Community Shares of Colorado was awarded a $12,500 Challenge Grant by the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado. Thanks to you, we recently achieved last year's $10,000 challenge grant goal several months ahead of schedule. Our allies at the fund were impressed that we had the confidence to increase our challenge grant goal while others are lowering their expectations.

Taking on this challenge is exactly what we would attempt to do if we knew we could not fail! We considered our community of donors, the essential work of our nonprofit member agencies, and the efficiencies Community Shares produces in generating $10 in additional gifts to Colorado nonprofits for every $1 we spend on the giving campaign. In partnership with you, we know we have the mettle, motivation, and momentum to achieve our goal.

Thanks and regards,


Alyssa Kopf
CEO, Community Shares

Community Shares Finishes at the top of the Colorado Combined Campaign!

The Colorado Combined Campaign sent out results last week and Community Shares of Colorado was the top fund designated by the generous state employees. Our member agencies received $279,450 in pledges, a 3% increase over last year. We attribute the support to our geographic reach and funding area diversity. We are very thankful to the Colorado Combined Campaign donors who generously stepped forward to contribute when our member agencies need them most!

Precious Mettle: Taking Charge of Your Community

+ Mettle: Fortitude, Vigor. People of great disposition, temperament, and strength.

+ I was recently inspired by an article I read online about a group of determined and capable citizens in Hawaii. Eager to build a new bridge, and tired of waiting, these folks took the bull by the horns and accomplished a $4 million project themselves. Click here to read this article.

+ This article struck a cord with me and made me think of all of the nonprofit agencies in Colorado who year after year do more with less.

+ It made me think of the thousands of Coloradans who give each year through their workplaces and who stared a scary 2008 square in the face and cast their vote for a better community.

Did you know:
Over 5,000 Coloradans contributed to Community Shares nonprofits in 2008!

+ It made me think that the most powerful tool we have as citizens is our choice to make a difference.

+ Come together! You didn't think I'd leave a Beatle's reference out, did you?!

+ Community Shares received some great news this week. We were the #1 designated workplace giving federation in the Colorado State campaign in 2008! We voted together for a better Colorado.

+ Didn't somebody once say that life is about 10% what happens and 90% how you deal with it? Maybe Lou Holtz? You all are a pretty good example.

+ When reading the article above about building the bridge one can't help but feel empowered. When faced with a challenge these folks realized that change was up to them and took the reins.

+ Change is completely our choice.

+ This is the spirit Community Shares wants to give all Coloradans. We don't have to settle for anything, and are in complete control over our community.

+ "When the going gets tough...get going."

+ I was at a slideshow recently and was reminded of an ancient Persian Proverb:

When it is Dark,
You can see the stars.

+ How lovely.

+ Community Shareholders are men and women of mettle and will no doubt light the way for the rest to follow.

Bee Positive!

Shareholder Jason,
Jason Manke
Communications Manager
Community Shares of Colorado
Write me

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"Thanks For Sharing" Contest Winners Announced

Congratulations to the three winners of the 2008 Community Shares "Thanks for Sharing" give-away contest! Sponsored by Fast Enterprises, this drawing was open in the fall of 2008 to those who attended a workplace giving information session and filled out an entry form.

This Year's Winners Are:

• Judy Scott of the City and County of Broomfield was rewarded with the Grand Prize $500 American Express Gift Card for her commitment to Colorado nonprofits in 2008. Maybe a little luck, but mostly excellent karma.
  
• Linda Bishop of Adams County Government is made of mettle and was happy to receive the Runner Up prize of a $250 American Express Gift Card.
  
• Merida Carmona of CSC Member Clinica Tepayac showed strong philanthropic fortitude in 2008 and received a $250 American Express Gift Card for her goodwill.

Congrats to these three extraordinary shareholders!

You Ask, Community Shares

As your proud partner in philanthropy, we are happy to answer your questions about community investment. In our new column, You Ask, Community Shares, we will answer the questions we are asked frequently.

Have a question about philanthropy? Email Shareholder Jason or post a comment to our blog.

In the last e-community we asked you to vote on a new name for the nonprofit sector. The options to choose from were:

• Social Benefit Organization (SBO)
• Social Profit Business (SPB)
• Community Investment Organization (CIO)
• Social Investment Organization (SIO)
• Community Owned Business (COB)

In the end Community Investment Organization narrowly edged out Social Benefit Organization 43-35 percent. Social Investment Organization was next at 14% followed by COB and SPB. Thanks to all who participated!

e-Community March 2009

Dear Friends,

I need your help. I work in an industry that defines itself by the one thing we don't do - make a profit. Considering the word "profit" comes from Latin meaning "to make progress", the unfortunately named Nonprofit Sector is in serious need of a branding campaign.

Nonprofit is a tax status, not a description of our work. A nonprofit organization measures its success by the social benefit it generates - a profit that is shared by a community rather than a few business owners. Take a few seconds to take part in our poll. Help us re-brand the Nonprofit Sector by voting on a better name for our social profit businesses. Vote Now!

Thinking about nonprofit organizations in terms of the social profit they produce may help you decide how to invest your community giving dollars. I often ask myself, "If I invest in this organization, what is the social profit they will generate?" If the outcomes meet my expectations and fit with my priorities, I invest a portion of my social capital in their work.

When you invest in Community Shares, each dollar we spend on the Community Giving Campaign generates $10 in donations to other nonprofit organizations. So, the social profit of investing $100 in Community Shares is $1,000 in additional community investment. That sounds like progress to me.

Thanks and regards,


Alyssa Kopf
CEO, Community Shares

You Ask, Community Shares

As your proud partner in philanthropy, we are happy to answer your questions about community investment. In our new column, You Ask, Community Shares, we will answer the questions we are asked frequently.

Have a question about philanthropy? Email Shareholder Jason or post a comment to our blog.

Put Up Your Dukes! Do Nonprofits Fight For Donations?

+ Is it true that nonprofits compete for donations?

+ This is an interesting question at an important time for nonprofit organizations.

+ Like any business, nonprofits compete, but the game isn't that clear cut. Instead of a competition between organizations it's an ongoing challenge to secure a portion of the dedicated social capital available to better the world around us.

+ Colorado has the most nonprofits per capita of any state in the U.S. At the same time, Coloradans earn 8% more income than the national average but contribute 8% less to charity. Colorado nonprofit organizations have a uniquely competitive funding environment.

+ Government entities, foundations, and corporations typically annually budget their investment in nonprofit organizations. The amount of dollars varies from year to year but once the limit is set the reality is that not all organizations will be funded.

+ Corporate America takes a leading role in community philanthropy. Amidst the drastic change in social mood, let's not forget that American companies contribute billions of dollars year-in and year-out in support of our communities.

+ Corporate giving has and will continue to decrease in 2009. Click here to read more about the void for a growing number of charities and service organizations.

+ Nonprofit organizations' other key partners, private and community foundations, have had their assets greatly reduced and have been forced to make tough decisions. However, some foundations have maintained or even increased their giving! Click here to read about Colorado foundations that are leading the way.

+ As the economy expands more dollars make their way to the social bottom line, but when the economy contracts the pool of fixed dollars decreases.

+ So, yes, to some extent there is competition for dollars in that each pot of funds has a limit.

+ However, you also must factor in a few elements that make the nonprofit sector unique and minimize competition.

+ Nonprofit organizations spend far less time competing over existing resources than they spend developing new resources. While the existing amount of social capital is finite, nonprofits are dedicated to reaching new donors, forging new partnerships, and finding innovative means to fund their work. Rather than competing for a slice of the pie, nonprofit organizations are fantastic pie makers.

+ Nonprofit organizations also cannot compete over one important resource - an inspired philanthropist. (aka YOU!) If you have a clear sense of your giving priorities and goals, it is likely you will increase giving by adding organizations rather than stopping gifts to one group to give to another. Each year individuals make up roughly 80% of the giving nationwide.

+ When social benefit is the goal, collaboration and cooperation is to the advantage of all parties. Community Shares is a great example of disparate organizations collaborating rather than competing. In the nonprofit sector there are many opportunities to form collaborations where everyone wins. (The nonprofit, funders, and clients.) We will likely see more groups combining efforts as social capital decreases.

+ Keep in mind, if the U.S. nonprofit sector were a nation it would be the 16th largest economy in the world! We have many strong business minds running nonprofit organizations and any competition that does exist spurs excellence and innovation. Organizations are stronger because of the need to secure social capital.

+ In the end, the vast majority of nonprofit organizations recognize our goals overlap and it is in our best interest to generate new social capital and grow the collective culture of giving rather than compete over what exists today.

-Share Holder Jason

Increase Your Social Capital

+ By far the most important philanthropist is the individual household - you and yours. Each year individual philanthropists make up roughly 80% of the giving nationwide. Remember to pay yourself first this year and continue to make room for the charities and causes you care about most!

+ Are you interested in making a well-rounded gift to your community? Did you know that Community Shares has something called the Shares Fund which is made up of all 116 member organizations? Think of it as a diversified charity mutual fund which is distributed to the many causes that make a strong Colorado. This is a great way to make a whole scale community investment.

+ Keep the faith! As community shareholders we will light the way for the rest to follow! Thank you for all you do!

2008 Annual Report

Dear Friends,

I hope this message finds you well. The February e-Community includes a link to our 2008 Annual Report. Please take a few minutes to read about the scope of our work and impact in the community. If you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive a hard copy report, please email your name and address to Courtney Calvin.

The annual report includes just a few of the faces from our giving community. From our donors and worksite partners to our member agencies and those they serve, everyone plays a special part in our work at Community Shares. Just as our incremental gifts add up to make a monumental difference, each person who chooses Community Shares as their partner in philanthropy adds to our changemaking power.

My thanks for your continued investment in our shared community.

Sincere regards,


Alyssa Kopf
CEO, Community Shares

P.S. For every dollar we spent on the giving campaign in 2008, our community of donors invested more than $10 in Colorado nonprofit organizations. In these difficult economic times, your gift to Community Shares makes an exponential impact. Join our giving community by making a donation today!

e-Community January 2009

Dear Friends,

I was asked the dreaded question on January 2nd, "What is your New Year's resolution?" As usual, I cued an interested face and quickly turned the tables, "Tell me about yours!" I have a hard time with resolutions because I hate making promises I can't keep. When I give my word, I take it seriously. It's generally a good quality except when it prevents me from setting an intimidating stretch goal or committing to a challenge I may not achieve.

When I started as CEO of Community Shares, the first thing I did was write the following quote on my white board: What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail? When I am unsure of taking on a challenge on behalf of the organization, I look to the quote, make the commitment, and we work as a team to find a way to fulfill the promise.

Community Shares' mission is our unbreakable promise: We connect Coloradans to the charities and causes they care about most. In these times of economic turmoil, we have not scaled back our efforts. Our nonprofit agencies and those they serve especially need our support this year. Any setbacks or doubts fall second to our resolve to achieve our goals. Sometimes our resolutions are bigger than ourselves. Over the six years I've been with Community Shares, the most important thing I've learned is: when we work together, we cannot fail. In 2009, join Community Shares as we remain steady in our commitments, hopeful in our goals, and comforted knowing we are a part of a caring community.

Best,


Alyssa Kopf
CEO, Community Shares

Pay Yourself First in 2009

+ Say it with me: "2009 is the year I finally (insert resolution here.") A New Year has arrived and with it the annual self-reflection. For many, the turn of the calendar signals hope and the vow to correct our vices and mistakes of the year gone by. I am no exception and I thought it appropriate to share my New Year's resolution with you.

+ 2008 was a big year for me. I changed jobs, witnessed a seismic shift in the economy, and watched as millions of Americans came together for change. The comprehensive picture that 2008 paints in my head leaves room for only one acceptable outcome in 2009 - "2009 is the year I pay myself first."

+ Pay Yourself First. When I was in college, a wise man (my Dad), told me that the key to saving and ultimately accumulating wealth was to pay yourself before you use your income to pay anything else. As smart as my Pop is, he didn't make it up - click here to find articles all over the web on this concept.

+ I literally break my budget down into two columns: income and expenses. Income is the sum of all wages, salaries, and profits which allow me to maintain my quality of life both now and in the future. Expenses refer to consumption. They are payments I make in exchange for goods and services.

+ Where does philanthropy fall given these definitions?

+ If I'm being honest, philanthropy used to fall on the expenses side of my budget, but in 2008 I began to reexamine this. Philanthropy really is self-fulfilling in many ways. By giving back to my community I really am paying myself first - I'm adding to my quality of life.

• I profit from the feeling I get when I give back and the karma I rack up.
  
• My home is located in the community our nonprofits serve. This effects my home value and my children's education.
  
• I use local open-lands to recreate, relive stress, and exercise.
  
• I save on the amount of taxes that I currently or will eventually pay, and donations to local nonprofits are an investment in infrastructure and long-term sustainability.
• Need more evidence that charitable giving is not an expense? Just look at any charitable contribution letter. It will say clearly that, "No goods or services were received."
  

+ In short, by investing in my community I invest in myself.

+ In 2009 not only am I going to put savings first, I'm going to pay my community first too. I added a line item in the income portion of my budget for "Philanthropy." Many of you who engage in workplace giving are already doing this. Your donation is subtracted from your paycheck before it even gets to the bank. Since you never saw the extra money, you don't miss it.

+ I'm aware that what I give back to my community will return dividends many times over. What I learned in 2008 is that philanthropy is a central staple of my health and wellness and not just a luxury.

+ In 2009, I implore you to pay yourself first on both your financial and community balance sheets. In doing so I think you'll find that profitablity truly lies within.

(Click the quote below and sing it with me)

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." - The Beatles

+ As a Community Shareholder you'll no doubt light the way for the rest of us to follow.

Community Shareholder
Jason Manke

Write to me