The Colorado Trust Foundation Invests $1.3 Million in the Critical Work of the Black Resilience in Colorado Fund
For Immediate Release
Funds will support the operation and expansion of the Executive Directors of Color Institute.
DENVER (August 29, 2022) – Black Resilience in Colorado (BRIC) Fund, the first Black-focused community fund in the state, announced today they received a $1.3 million grant from the Colorado Trust Foundation. To be disbursed over four years, the donation will support the general operations of the BRIC Fund and the statewide expansion and operation of its Executive Directors of Color Institute (EDCI). EDCI is a free two-year individual leadership development and organizational capacity-building program that engages the collective expertise of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), who lead nonprofit organizations that support communities of color. Established over ten years ago, EDCI has graduated 160 community leaders, many of whom continue to serve in nonprofit and civic leadership roles in Colorado and across the country – amplifying the lessons learned to make a worldwide impact.
“The Colorado Trust supports the work of the Black Resilience in Colorado Fund to build long-term sustainability in communities of color,” said Morris Price, Vice President of Grants with The Colorado Trust.” “We partner with people and organizations in Colorado that work to make a positive change in the community. We believe in BRIC’s work and are invested in the future. This grant makes the Executive Directors of Color Institute available throughout the state to ensure these nonprofit leaders can build the needed infrastructure to take care of essential community needs.”
BRIC recognizes that communities throughout Colorado face critical challenges that require leaders with lived experiences on the frontline who can help residents navigate through them. EDCI provides the tools and a growing network to inform their work, strengthen their practices and help resolve issues at the root. This year, the highly sought program has 42 participants (including one- and two-year participants) and has awarded 35 active alum coaching grants. Also, EDCI will host its inaugural statewide (in person) bi-annual Leadership Summit for current and alumni participants on September 23, 2022.
"We are thankful to the Colorado Trust Foundation for seeing value in our work to elevate the diverse voices of Colorado nonprofit BIPOC leaders to impact further the communities they serve," explained LaDawn Sullivan, BRIC Fund director. "Through this support, we can break down barriers and build opportunities for community growth and progression. But more importantly, we look forward to working with Colorado Trust and expanding our collaborative efforts to create fair and equal opportunities for Coloradans.”
--bricfund.org--
About Black Resilience in Colorado Fund
Black Resilience in Colorado (BRIC) Fund is the first Black-focused community fund established in Colorado, explicitly providing financial resources and support to Black-led and serving organizations. Since its inception in 2020, BRIC has awarded over $2.1 million in community grants to 136 nonprofit organizations to support program funding. Through BRIC, nonprofits can leverage community assets, build organizational capacity, and secure emergency relief resources during times of crisis. Along with donors, emerging philanthropists, community networks, and national peers/networks, BRIC helps nonprofits shift from surviving to thriving. In addition, the BRIC Grant, BRIC Loan, and other leadership programs provide valuable resources to dismantle systemic racism and strengthen the work of nonprofit organizations in Black communities BRIC by BRIC. For more information about BRIC, please visit www.bricfund.org.
About The Colorado Trust
The Colorado Trust is a foundation dedicated to ensuring all Coloradans have the opportunity to thrive. They partner with people and organizations working to make positive changes in communities across Colorado. We provide funding and other resources so that all people have the power to make decisions that improve their lives and the lives of their neighbors. The Colorado Trust also believes local and statewide policies should have a positive impact on people's well-being. Therefore, the Colorado Trust provides grants and support to organizations that advocate for policies that ensure all Coloradans live healthier lives. For more information, visit www.coloradotrust.org.
Media Contact:
Niambi Nicholes
Gomez Howard Group
niambi@gomezhowardgroup.com/ (303) 437-8229
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