We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone… and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something. – Sandra Day O’Connor

The human propensity for connection is powerful. Our response to crisis is to come together – we gather, offering and receiving comfort in one another’s company. The paradox we face now, of needing to separate from one another in order to protect and support humanity’s safety and well-being, is unlike anything we have experienced.

In this time when we cannot physically reach out to others in our community, we CAN come together and reach out through our giving. The needs are great and growing, and the nonprofits on the frontlines of meeting those needs are navigating new and complex challenges and facing lost revenue. As often happens in the nonprofit sector, they are being called on to do more with less.

We are already witnessing powerful examples of giving, from large-scale gifts like the Bill and Melinda Gates’ commitment to global COVID-19 response and research, to local donors who are sending unrequested and unrestricted donations to nonprofits in our community, to companies offering free broadband access to low-income households and free remote working applications to nonprofits and small businesses.

You may be wondering where to give at this time. We have created a page on our website with opportunities and we will keep it updated as we learn more. Here are a few considerations to help in your initial charitable response:

1. Support nonprofits on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response in our community. Organizations serving those most at-risk including older adults, people already living in poverty, undocumented immigrants, and those with pre-existing medical needs and conditions. There are organizations providing food for children who had relied on their schools for meals, providing financial and rent assistance to help people with lost incomes, and helping people without homes or for whom home is not a safe place to shelter. They need resources to mobilize quickly and safely.
2. Donate to the organizations you already support – all nonprofits are feeling the impact of this crisis, whether losing revenue from cancelled events and programs, or needing to rapidly adapt the way they work to continue to serve the community safely – this is a moment to give more, without strings attached, knowing that the nonprofit sector must do more.
3. If you are interested in supporting response efforts outside of the Greater Denver region, the list on our website includes emergency response funds at local community foundations throughout our state.
4. Finally, Rose Community Foundation is proud to partner with and support the statewide Colorado COVID-19 Relief Fund, established by the Governor at Mile High United Way. This coordinated statewide effort is bringing together the philanthropic community, the business community and individual donors, now and in the months to come, to address critical needs related to prevention and containment, impact mitigation and eventually recovery. We have pledged $100,000 in Foundation grant funds to this effort, and individuals and businesses are also encouraged to contribute.

Our team is here to support you and your philanthropy and to keep you connected to our community’s evolving needs and response efforts. More than ever, we are deeply grateful for your generosity and partnership.