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 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!
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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:
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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.
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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! |
We Want Your Feedback
We want to make e-community an interesting tool to help you think about philanthropy. In an effort to make it more appealing we hope you'll give us your feedback. Please click here to vote on this month's newsletter.
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Privacy Policy
In order to protect the interests of our subscribers, we have established
the following e-Community policies:
+ Community Shares is the only source of outgoing messages to
subscribers; recipients cannot respond to or initiate messages to the list. + Community Shares will not sell subscriber e-mail addresses to anyone for any purpose. Send comments, suggestions, or news items to jason@cshares.org.
If you know someone who isn't receiving e-Community but should, please forward this newsletter using the link below. Collectively our voice travels further than it does alone. Help inspire others to follow your lead and become a philanthropist.
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