Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner in Community Philanthropy
The Community Foundation-Northern fosters collaboration, serves as a catalyst for community projects, and acts as a trusted steward for philanthropists and nonprofit organizations. Established in 1975, we have distributed over $12 million in fiscal year 2024 while managing 620+ charitable funds and $230 million in assets. Our 100% local staff and board meet national standards for operational quality and donor service, ensuring funds align with donors' charitable intent. We focus on three core areas: Philanthropic Services, Nonprofit Support, and Community Engagement, driving regional collaboration to address pressing challenges. Our strategic vision aims to invest $225 million in community grantmaking and grow assets to $500 million by 2032.We strengthen nonprofits through endowment management, grants, and professional development while convening regional leaders on issues like water sustainability and community governance. Our donor-centric approach includes legacy planning, family philanthropy guidance, and non-cash asset management. Through scholarship programs and the Northern Colorado Intersections initiative, we address housing, mental health, and growth challenges. As Northern Colorado's neutral convener, we amplify community impact through partnerships, research, and educational programs.
Services
Philanthropic Services
Nonprofit Support
Community Engagement
Grantmaking
Endowment Management
Scholarship Programs
Legacy Planning
Family Philanthropy
Regional Convening
Impact Investing
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We have served Northern Colorado since 1975 with a 100% local board and staff
- Our strategic vision aims to invest $225 million in community grantmaking by 2032
- We manage $230 million in assets with national-standard financial stewardship
- Our regional convening power addresses complex issues like water sustainability and growth
- We offer specialized services for legacy planning, family philanthropy, and non-cash gifts
Services
Philanthropic Services
We provide customized charitable giving solutions including fund management, legacy planning, and non-cash asset conversion. Our team works with donors and advisors to create strategic giving plans that align with personal values and community needs. With 50 years of experience, we ensure long-term stewardship of charitable gifts while maximizing immediate community impact.
Nonprofit Support
Our programs strengthen nonprofits through endowment management, grantmaking, and professional development. We administer over $220 million in assets for 100+ nonprofits and offer loan programs, matching grants, and leadership training to enhance organizational sustainability and community impact.
Community Engagement
We serve as Northern Colorado's neutral convener, bringing together leaders to address regional challenges. Through initiatives like the Northern Colorado Intersections Report and water governance forums, we facilitate collaborative solutions for growth-related issues affecting housing, infrastructure, and community well-being.
Grantmaking
We distribute over $12 million annually through donor-advised grants and community funds. Our grant programs support education, mental health, and regional sustainability initiatives while providing donors with strategic giving opportunities that create measurable community impact aligned with their charitable intentions.
Scholarship Programs
Our scholarship program awards annual grants to Northern Colorado students based on merit and need. With diverse funding sources from donor-established endowments, we support educational advancement while helping donors create lasting legacies through investment in future community leaders.
People
Cindy Bradon
CFP, CTFA
Certified financial planner specializing in charitable giving strategies. Believes philanthropy enhances family legacy and community well-being through measurable, sustainable impact.
Lynn Hammond
J.D.
Legal expert in estate planning and donor intent fulfillment. Committed to preserving community legacy through responsible management of charitable gifts.
Jacqui Zipser
J.D.
Advocates for strategic philanthropy based on behavioral economics principles. Focuses on maximizing community impact through effective charitable resource allocation.
Questions
What is the Community Foundation-Northern's mission?
Our mission is to create transformational community impact by inspiring philanthropy and engaging the region through donor services, nonprofit support, and community convening.
How does the Community Foundation-Northern support donors?
We offer fund management, legacy planning, family philanthropy guidance, and non-cash asset management to help donors maximize their charitable impact.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We serve Larimer County and Eastern Colorado, including Berthoud, Estes Valley, Fort Collins, and Loveland communities.
How can I apply for a scholarship?
Scholarship applications open each November through our portal, with awards announced the following February for Northern Colorado students.
What community initiatives do you lead?
We lead the Northern Colorado Intersections initiative addressing growth challenges and convene regional leaders on water sustainability and governance.
