“Too often across Boulder County, the Hispanic community is invisible – and yet they’re a very important part of the fabric of our county. They need opportunities to speak up for themselves, and education is a very important stepping stone in moving all of us forward.”
For Boulderites Cindy Lindsay and Steve Sheafor – Donor-Advised Fundholders at the Community Foundation Boulder County – a shared passion for entrepreneurship and education drove them to join the foundation’s Legacy Society.
“For most of our lives, we’ve both tried to be philanthropic,” says Cindy, 65, a new member of the Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “We’ve had a great life, and we have the financial opportunity to share some of that to make a difference in our community.
“I’ve known about the Community Foundation for quite some time, but never really got involved until now. We sat down with the staff, talked about how the foundation operates, and explored opportunities to consolidate our giving.”
Adds Steve, 67: “To put funds aside at a time that works for us, and then have the leisure of deciding when and to whom to disperse those funds – locally, nationally and internationally – is very important to us. The Community Foundation’s flexibility in how we give is a big plus for us.”
For Cindy, the foundation’s in-depth knowledge and understanding of local needs is particularly meaningful. “For example, I’ve donated to ELPASO,” she says. “I wouldn’t otherwise have known about this effort to advance childhood education in our community.”
Specifically, ELPASO (Engaged Latino Parents Advancing Student Outcomes) is a grassroots movement developed by the Community Foundation to help empower a critical mass of well-informed and skilled Latino parents who ensure that their children arrive at Kindergarten ready to learn.
“It’s a very important local issue,” continues Cindy. “Too often across Boulder County, the Hispanic community is invisible – and yet they’re a very important part of the fabric of our county. They need opportunities to speak up for themselves, and education is a very important stepping stone in moving all of us forward.”
Similarly, Steve appreciates a better understanding of what it means to make a difference close to home. “For us, giving in ways that we can really make an impact is key,” he says. “I don’t like giving into a big pot. Instead, we love to give where each contribution – no matter the size of the contribution – really fills a need.
“The Community Foundation helps facilitate that. They sit with you, spend time with you, educate you, and make sure that you’re satisfied in your own personal giving goals.”
Concludes Cindy, “The Community Foundation is truly all about community. If you’re invested in this community where you live, the foundation is your best source for learning about our county’s unmet needs, and how you can help solve local challenges.”
