Foundations are not in the business of politics; we are in the business of humanity. When shifts in policy or rhetoric threaten to adversely impact people in our community, we cannot stand on the sidelines. From immigration, reproductive rights, public health and education to communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, the Jewish community and more, Rose Community Foundation has long invested in many of the issue areas and communities that are threatened right now – and we will continue to do so.
It is important to us that our neighbors who are feeling particularly vulnerable at this moment know that we continue to stand with them as we always have. Regardless of what takes place at the federal level, we have an opportunity and an obligation to make our corner of the United States as just, inclusive, equitable, safe and thriving as it can be. In moments of uncertainty, we can find great impact, comfort and purpose from leaning in on what we can do together locally.
We are motivated by our nonprofit partners who are on the frontlines of delivering critical services, expanding opportunities, and advocating for community-informed solutions in our region. We are inspired by our donors and donor-advised fundholders who align their money with their values to make a meaningful difference for the issues and communities that matter most to them. We are grateful for our peer funders who join us in this work with shared values and shared purpose. We find great hope in regional collaborations and leadership that transcend partisan, demographic and geographic differences to create solutions to enduring challenges while leaving no room for hate, discrimination or intolerance.
The late Pat Schroeder, Colorado’s first female U.S. Representative, famously said: “You can’t wring your hands and roll up your sleeves at the same time.”
While we will be unable to issue statements on every new development that elicits concern or outrage, rest assured that we have rolled up our sleeves and have already been aligning our funding to help mitigate the local impacts of shifts in federal policies and escalating rhetoric that has the potential to cause harm and exclusion.
As individuals, as organizations, as Coloradans and as Americans, we all have a role to play. With our sleeves firmly rolled up, Rose Community Foundation links arms and resources in support of the humanity of our neighbors and the vibrancy of our community.