“So far, collectively, $7M has been granted to a wide range of local nonprofits from member companies’ success, and more teams are swapping out happy hours for volunteer days than ever before.”
By Matt Zwiebel
Director, Pledge 1% Colorado
For newcomers and natives alike, Colorado provides a unique blend of natural wonders and economic prosperity found in few other places around our country. And, as our great state continues to see an uptick in growth, there’s bound to be growing pains and greater need to support our neighbors.
It’s with that in mind that – 10 years ago – Pledge 1% Colorado (formerly EFCO) was created to “marry for-profit business objectives with support for local nonprofits,” says Seth Levine, co-founder of Foundry Group, a local venture capital group and advisor to Pledge 1% Colorado.
From hiring and retention, to employee engagement and profits, companies who incorporate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into their culture pays dividends for more than just their shareholders.
Since it’s inception, Pledge 1% Colorado has worked with more than 180 Colorado companies, many of which are early-stage technology startups. Each sets aside 1% of company resources – such as equity, profit, or time – to be allocated to impactful organizations around our state. And the numbers are adding up: so far, collectively, $7M has been granted to a wide range of local nonprofits from member companies’ success, and more teams are swapping out happy hours for volunteer days than ever before.
With sights set on surpassing 200 companies and $10M in donations soon, there’s good reason to bet on Pledge 1% Colorado and our state’s thriving startup network. Considering joining the movement? Visit our website and let us know how you’d like to build giving back into your business.
And if you’re interested in seeing how Pledge 1% Colorado helps bridge the gap between for- and nonprofits, come out to the Boulder Theater on May 15th for the second annual Nonprofit Pitch Competition. Five nonprofits will give a startup-like three-minute pitch on how they’re innovating towards helping serve those most in need in our community.
