Colorado Business Bank – a long-time community partner of The Community Foundation Serving Boulder County – shares with us a commitment to a culture of giving aligned with TRENDS data. In particular, the CoBiz Cares Foundation – an employee-funded, company-matched, grant-giving organization led by a diverse board of 11 CoBiz Financial employees – is focused on low-income youth and families.
“Our quarterly grantmaking includes youth shelter and crisis services, as well as family services,” says Narciso Garibay, Vice President of Commercial Banking at Colorado Business Bank in Louisville. “Our efforts emphasize at-risk children and their families. Children and poverty are very relevant issues here in Colorado.”
In fact, according to the TRENDS report, 11% of Boulder County families with kids live below poverty:
“We’re lucky to live in a diversified state like Colorado,” continues Narciso. “But that also means there are a range of issues to address. For us, we start with children in mind, and we also focus on total family services. A lot of times, providing services you wouldn’t necessarily think of – like a parent’s access to transportation – can affect a child’s future.”
According to Narcisco, the “mindset” of the CoBiz Cares Foundation encourages direct engagement, as well as donations.
“We like our employees to be involved in the communities we serve,” he explains. “It’s our local employees who make decisions about what we grant out on the local level. We also track and encourage volunteer hours among our employees.
“Because our employees are involved in our communities, there’s a sense of pride in working for CoBiz. When we’re recruiting new employees, we bring up our focus on community involvement. It’s a very visible and active part of our culture.
“Not to mention, there’s a high correlation between community-engaged employees and their satisfaction with their employer.”
Coming up on April 28, the bank’s annual (since 2001) BizBash will be held at Denver’s Fillmore Auditorium to raise funds for communities in Colorado and Arizona that are part of the CoBiz franchise. This year, Huey Lewis and The News will headline the event, which also includes a silent auction.
“BizBash beneficiaries will include the Arapahoe House and the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center,” says Narcisco. “We believe it’s important to give…and to have fun!” Among others, Boulder County grantees also include I Have A Dream Foundation of Boulder County, Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA), Boulder Food Rescue, Boulder Meals On Wheels and Rocky Mountain Special Hockey.
Indeed, a night of philanthropy, food and classic rock ‘n’ roll is a sure recipe for a good time and a good cause. The event is open to the public.
