As we reflect on such a challenging (and really long!) year, gratitude is at the top of our minds. While we are mindful that we have lost far too many people, seen others fall ill and there are serious economic losses across the county, our community has stepped up and leaned in. You have answered the call to help your neighbors and for that we are grateful. It is our privilege to be your trusted philanthropic partner.
It has been a year of change and one of re-evaluation. At the Community Foundation, we started the year in search of a new leader not knowing that person would take on the role in the midst of a pandemic. Six months into the transition, we can share that despite the challenges of this year, our foundation is strong.
The pandemic continues to test our resilience and resolve to ensure Boulder County is a place where all can thrive. This year reminded us of what and who is truly essential. It reminded us that home is a privilege and that nothing should be taken for granted. It exacerbated inequities that have long been with us and that will need even more attention to resolve.
The death of George Floyd sparked a resurgence of national protests and conversations around race. Even further moments of police brutality in response to community protests have laid bare the institutional and cultural barriers to equity. Many are examining their own privilege with fresh eyes, a hopeful baby step to creating change and responding to the challenge of centuries of history.
Then, as if in response to the emotional fires raging in our country, actual fires ignited across our area and other states, highlighting drought and high temperatures and the consequences of a changing climate. Again, our communities experienced the privilege of having resources to fight the fires and get people safely out of the way. We are deeply grateful to the nearly 1,500 of you who stepped up and donated to the 2020 Fires Fund.
Community Foundations are built to move resources where they are needed, when they are needed. This is true all the time but more visible in moments of crisis. It is our responsibility to understand our community and take action where we can make the most difference. Of course, we don’t do this alone. Our partners – donors, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and the corporate sector, make this work possible.
This year, we made more than 2,600 grants totaling more than $10.8 million, as our community faced these challenges together. In the midst of it all, we quietly passed a major milestone. Thanks to your support, we have now distributed over $100 million over the course of our history.
While we close 2020 with a light on the horizon, the pandemic is far from over. We will eventually emerge from our homes to find a new set of challenges and continue the work of economic, social, civic and environmental recovery. And, as was demonstrated this year, we will lean in with deepened resolve and resilience and work towards a more equitable Boulder County.
Thank you for your partnership, your leadership and your financial support. We could not do this without you.
Sincerely,
Sue Anderson, Chair, Board of Trustees
Tatiana Hernandez, CEO
