Making Sure All Coloradans Can Build Back Better

The COVID-19 pandemic hit all of us hard and many Colorado communities are still recovering. Whether people lost their jobs, their homes or even worse a loved one, families across the state are still working hard to get back on their feet. Unfortunately, many Coloradans were struggling before the pandemic began and this crisis has only exacerbated these issues. Some Colorado communities were hit the hardest including communities of color, LGBTQ Coloradans, rural regions of the state, indigenous communities and more who have been traditionally marginalized and underserved. 

Recent data from the Colorado Minority Business Office states that “once again, a person’s race, gender, ethnicity and other socio-economic characteristics may have a tangible effect on his or her experience during this crisis.” From rates of COVID being disproportionately prevalent among Hispanics, African Americans and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders to minority groups reporting the largest losses of livelihood, harder time paying bills and increased overall economic instability, these communities have been severely impacted. 

What is the Communities Lead, Communities Thrive (CLCT) Coaliton Working for?

Nonprofit organizations play an important role in delivering social services to those in need and are economic drivers for our communities. Capacity-building resources for nonprofit organizations are in critical need to increase local nonprofit organizations’ effectiveness and ability to reach communities struggling to recover from COVID-19. The greatest areas for one-time capacity building needs in nonprofits currently are in technology, strategic planning, professional development, fundraising, and communications.

The CLCT Coalition is working to address the needs of these nonprofits so that they can continue to directly assist communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. During the 2022 legislative session, we secured $35 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding through House Bill 22-1356 to ensure that the non-profit organizations who serve these communities have the funding necessary to do this important work as a trusted resource for traditionally underserved communities.

Why Invest in Nonprofits?

Investing in nonprofits directly assists communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic by ensuring that the non-profit organizations who serve these communities have the infrastructure dollars necessary to do critical work in underserved communities. Nonprofits that work in these communities have pivoted to address the pandemic—filling the gaps that are left by government programs that often do not serve or underserve those who are socially disadvantaged, undocumented immigrants, non-English speakers, or live in rural areas. These smaller nonprofits across the state need the ability to access funds in order to better meet the needs of the communities they serve who are still suffering from effects of the pandemic.

In addition to their significant and direct impact on communities, Colorado nonprofit organizations are a significant source of economic activity.

Colorado’s nonprofit sector employs more than the agriculture, mining, and information industries combined. The nonprofit sector’s direct spending is $20 billion with an economic impact of $40 billion for a total of 11.3% of the State’s economy. In fact, for every $1 million spent, nonprofits create 10 jobs vs the private sector who creates 7 jobs. Increased funds to this sector will increase economic benefit for both the life of the fund and beyond as grant money is put back into the Colorado economy.