“The size of the problem that confronts us requires the expertise of all professions, of everyone. We’ve got to recognize that our greatest common problem – to ensure a habitable planet – demands the attention of all of us working together.”
Join the foundation’s $50K match for 2019: if you make a grant or contribution to the Environmental Trust (our field of interest fund that helps Boulder County environmental organizations), your gift will be doubled…thanks to a donor who wants to inspire our community in supporting the amazing organizations serving the environment, right here where we live.
As part of our focus on the local environment this month – including an exploration of related community indicators in our new TRENDS Report – we spoke with John Powers, a Community Foundation donor and founder of The Alliance Center.
“We convene and mobilize our network of for- and nonprofits, government agencies, academic institutions, and community members to create sustainability-focused solutions,” says John of the center’s impact. “The size of the problem that confronts us requires the expertise of all professions, of everyone. We’ve got to recognize that our greatest common problem – to ensure a habitable planet – demands the attention of all of us working together.”
Continues John, who’s also a board member of Conservation Colorado and the Educational Foundation of America: “Specious arguments that prioritize jobs or the economy over the environment miss the fact that if our planet can’t support life, there are no jobs … and those other priorities are no longer relevant.
“But as the severity of the crisis grows, people are responding. We don’t have a choice anymore.
“It’s not a matter of belief, it’s about science and accepting the data. There’s an awful lot of work to be done.”
That’s why John – also a member of the Greenprint Council (2006-2012), a citizens’ advisory committee to the Mayor of Denver’s Sustainable Development Initiative – chooses to give back through your Community Foundation.
“The foundation is progressive and open to new ideas, new ways of looking at things,” he says. “It a model for others.” Indeed, Community Foundation donors may choose among a variety of options, including 100% socially responsible investments, or working with their own financial advisor.
“And when the idea of an Environmental Affinity Group was proposed, the foundation embraced it and took it on with vigor. It’s a delight to work with the foundation, and with people who have similar values.”
As the county joins the state in dealing with population growth and a rapidly changing climate, learn more about the persistent problems and innovations to preserve and protect our local environment; and join the foundation’s $50K match for 2019: if you make a grant or contribution to the Environmental Trust (our field of interest fund that helps Boulder County environmental organizations), your gift will be doubled…thanks to a donor who wants to inspire our community in supporting the amazing organizations serving the environment, right here where we live.
