Ethics in Philanthropy - A Panel Discussion 

Led by Erin Osborn (pictured upper right), Director, Prospect Research, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation; Amy Stewart, (pictured lower right) ILD '12, Vice President of Development, Mental Health Colorado; and Marcia Romero, Vice President, Community Affairs, US Bank (lower left) 

Key Takeaways

• It's important to have conversations about ethics regularly and to update your policies to ensure that they are legally compliant, but also in keeping with your mission and values. 
• You will sometimes be put in a position where you are educating a donor, boss, or community member. Talk about the likelihood of this situation ahead of time so that you are prepared. Having strong policies and great resources at the ready will be helpful. 
• AI brings new ethical considerations including whether your organization will used open tools where your data/information become part of the main data/tool or closed tools where your data remains within your local drive/network/cloud. 
• How to mitigate ethical risk 
• Be aware of the impact of bias on ethics

All the Resources! 
These speakers shared numerous resources with the class. Add these links to your bookmarks--stat!

AFP Code of Ethical Standards | AFP Donor Bill of Rights | Colorado Nonprofit Association's Principles & Practices in Nonprofit Excellence (membership required)| APRA's DEI Data Guide | 
AHP Professional Standards of Conduct |  Association of Donor Relations Professionals Ethics Statement | Apra Due Diligence Toolkit | Apra Ethics and Compliance Toolkit (membership required)|
Association of Advancement Services Statement of Ethics | CASE Statement of Ethics | Independent Sector's Principles for Good Governance | National Council for Nonprofits

Career Navigation & Leadership 

Elycia Cook, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters joined the class for their final session of the retreat. She shared her story of growing up in Detroit, Michigan, meeting mentors, saying yes to opportunities along the way, all the way to her current role and life in Colorado. An inspiring speaker, her themes of mentorship, discernment, embracing your role as fundraiser, hope, and resilience were a fitting way to wrap up two full days together. 

Legacy/History of Philanthropy in America

Vickie Wilson, Ph.D., Adjunct Faculty, University of Denver University College [pictured right], led the morning session, which provided an understanding of how the third sector came to be and how the history of charitable giving in the U.S. created the environment we have today.

From Generosity to Justice: A New Gospel of Wealth

Author Darren Walker writes of a new gilded age -- defined by levels of inequality that far surpasses the 19th century. 26 billionaires control as much wealth as millions of the poorest. 

Our traditional interpretations of charity--one that emphasizes generosity toward the downtrodden is simply insufficient in today's workld and neglects the root causes of our socio-economic equality.

Consider the Role of the Government in Forming/Balancing the Nonprofit Sector
(1) Regulation of influence (laws allowing and prohibiting lobbying); (2) Taxation (early tax laws spurred the creation of major foundations); (3) Involvement in addressing social issues: Hoover’s “low-cost governance” vs. Roosevelt’s “New Deal"

Philanthropy isn’t just for the wealthy
Early examples of mass philanthropy include campaigns to support the Red Cross and other public health campaigns. 

Narratives of philanthropy are diverse and inspiring, a few groups to know:
Black Resilience of Colorado | Latino Community Foundation of Colorado
Native Americans in Philanthropy

Clifton Strengths & Strengths-Based Leadership 

Dr. Ellen Winiarczyk, Director, Nonprofit Studies Program, University of Denver University College 
[pictured right]

• A strengths-based approach is really impactful for teams. A much-loved example is Lessons from Geese, including the importance of standing by each other when one is weak and when one is strong.
• Operating in your "strengths zone," you may find improved: confidence, direction, hope, kindness, and a greater chance of good health outcomes in life. 
• Using this tool can increase employee and team satisfaction.
  • Effective leaders surround themselves with the right people and build on each person’s strengths
  • Diversifying team members' strengths activates innovation, adaptation, and ability to deal with changes
  • Broader groupings of a team’s strengths contribute to overall success

What's next? The cohort will receive a chart of everyone's strengths so that they're able to connect with and use one another as resources throughout the year.

Recent Research - Nonprofit philanthropy

Independent sector | Public trust is the currency of the nonprofit sector.

"Without the public’s trust, everything we do to advance our collective missions becomes harder, if not impossible.

The public’s belief that nonprofits will “do the right thing” is one of the central reasons the sector exists. Communities have relied upon nonprofits to provide education, culture, life-sustaining services, environmental stewardship, and places of refuge for centuries. In today’s highly polarized environment, understanding and managing trust have never been more important for organizations to own their license to operate, lead, and succeed.

For the last six years, Independent Sector has partnered with Edelman Data & Intelligence to survey the American public, exploring the nuances of trust in American nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. These are the largest nationally representative surveys of their kind, surveying over 3,000 adults. We also conduct online focus groups to provide richer context for our findings. Given the outsized importance of trust to our sector, it is imperative to regularly assess the status of trust so, ultimately, we can fashion the policy and practice changes needed to build this critical asset." From Independent Sector

Download Report

The 2025 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy 

"A collaboration between Bank of America and the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

This study is a continuation of the 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 Bank of America Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy, the 2014, 2016, and 2018 U.S. Trust® Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy, and the 2021 and 2023 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy: Charitable Giving by Affluent Households research series."

Download Report

CCS Fundraising 2025 Philanthropy Landscape, 14th Edition

"This report provides a comprehensive look at the current state of US philanthropy, compiling and analyzing annual data from Giving USA and other prominent research to ensure your organization stays up-to-date on the most significant industry trends."

Download Report

Celebrations

Welcome our ILD Alumni who’ve recently joined the ILD Steering Committee

• Theresa Garcia, ILD '23 will serve as Selection Vice Chair
• Sam Lincoln, ILD '23 will serve as Communications Chair

Congratulations RMPI and Committee Members and Speakers on a Fantastic Conference! 

• Amy Stewart, CFRE, ILD '12
• Iris Abraham, ILD '24
• Heather Orr, ILD '25
• Brittany Vital, ILD '24
• Hillary Harding, ILD '19
• Lauren Wise, ILD '20
• Marianna DiVietro, ILD '18

Congratulations AFP Colorado Chapter Board Members

Blake Nauman, CFRE, ILD '21 Denver Rescue Mission
Brittany Vital, CNP, ILD '24 Coal Creek Meals on Wheels
Carson Maczuzak, CFRE, ILD '19 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Hillary Harding, ILD '19 Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

Celebrations Cont.

• MaryBeth Lawson, ILD ‘16 is part of the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Cohort
• Sue Samaniego, CFRE, ILD '20 spoke at the CASE Conference for Community Colleges in New Orleans 

ALUMNI ON THE MOVE + PROMOTIONS

• Natalie Barrientos, ILD '25 is now Director, Annual Giving at YMCA of Metro Denver
• Rachel Rooney, ILD '17 is promoted to Interim Chief Development Officer at Boys and Girls Clubs 
• 
  

Alumni on the move

• Sam Lincoln, ‘23 is Director of Gift Planning at Colorado School of Mines 
  
  
• Kellyn Smith, ‘10 is now Director of Development at the Sundance Institute
  
  
• Allson Kerr, ‘24 is now Associate Director of Development, University of Colorado Boulder
  
  
• Gaby Garayar, '23, is now Director of Development at Food Lifeline and based in Seattle, WA
  
  
• Hannah Beltrone, '24, is now Director of Development, Montana Public Radio and based in Missoula, MT 
  
  

• Candice Jones, '22 is now Chief Advancement Officer at the Colorado Ballet

• Tami Vinson, '13 is now Director of Development at the Watershed School

• Kimberly Urish, '12 is now Senior Manager, Leadership Gifts at PATH International

• Theresa Garcia, '24 is now Planning Giving Officer at Colorado Public Radio

• Kacie Merrick, '21 is now Managing Senior Director of Development, UC Davis Children's Hospital and Children's Miracle Network and based in Northern California 

• Ruth Seiler, '20 is promoted to Senior Director of Development, University of Georgia - Terry School of Business 

• Camille Howells, ' is now National Director of Development for Teach Plus

• Amy Kusek, '14 is now Development Partner at RevUp Growth Partners 

• Natalie Barrientos, ‘25 is now Director, Annual Giving at YMCA of Metro Denver

• Lindsey Hoffman, '25 is promoted to Senior Director of Development at Nourish Colorado

• Denae Duesler, '18, is now Director of Advancement at Hendrick Home of Children, based in Abilene, TX

Celebrations 

• Theresa Garcia, ‘24 is recognized by CPGR with the Paul Jonas Emerging Leadership Award

• Savannah Wippel, '15 is now Chair of the ILD Steering Committee 

• Tonya Kelly, '15 is now Vice Chair/Chair-Elect of the ILD Steering Committee 

• Allie Steg Haskett, ILD '15 celebrates her 20th anniversary at University of Northern Colorado 

• Sarah James, ILD '24 became a 21/64 Certified Advisor 

• Jeremy Jones, ILD '24 graduated from CU Boulder with his Master's in Corporate Communication

On behalf of everyone involved with ILD, we are thrilled to celebrate the Class of 2025 and officially welcome them into the ILD Alumni Community!  These graduates are motivated, dedicated, and full of talent and inspiration. While we continue to navigate the many personal and professional twists and turns that a year can bring, they found space to connect and thrive. We know the benefits of this experience are already at work in the community. Join us in cheering them onwards from here!  Faculty, mentors, steering committee members, community partners, friends, and CEOs of participants, we are truly grateful to all of you. Each of you contributed in meaningful ways to our success this year. Our graduation speaker was Sara Hazel, ILD Class of 2011 and President & CEO of Denver Public Schools Foundation. Sara delivered a message that reminded us all to embrace the power of “Yes.” Saying yes to the ILD experience was just the beginning for these graduates — she encouraged them to continue saying yes: to building connections, staying curious, offering support, collaborating with others, and driving collective impact across Colorado’s nonprofit community. We know that it's our relationships and community that sustain us through whatever the future holds. Cheers to moving forward together.

Did you miss the celebration? Click here to see more photos, quotes from ILD mentors, and the event program.

Career News

• Liesl Thomas ILD '11, is now VP of Development at Energy Outreach Colorado

• Kimberly Urish CFRE ILD '12 is offering consulting services! 

• Leah Bobbey CFRE ILD '22 is now Associate Director, Professional Advisor Relations at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation

• Katy Anderson ILD '18, is now Executive Director at the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation

• Jennifer Johnson ILD '15 is now Senior Director of Philanthropy at Denver Library Friends Foundation

• Kevin Mullin CFRE ILD ‘13, is now Director of Development at Judi’s House in Aurora

• Samantha Lincoln CFRE ILD '23 is now Director of Gift Planning at Colorado School of Mines

• Amy Stewart ILD ‘12 is now Vice President of Development at Mental Health Colorado

• Kate Verlaan ILD '14 is Chief Growth Officer at Water for People (4/24)

• Janet McFarland Burlile ILD '09 is now Chief Development Officer at Girls Scouts of Colorado (8/24)

• Renee Ferrufino ILD '16, is now President & CEO at The Women’s Foundation

• Maggie Stoot ILD '19, is now VP of Development at The Women’s Foundation

• Jaime Marston Cook ILD '20, recently joined the team as Major Gifts Officer at The Women’s Foundation

• Lindsey Hoffman ILD ‘25 is now Director of Development at Nourish Colorado 

ILD Volunteer Community 

• Jane Marsh is now Executive Director at Red Rocks Community College Foundation

• Tess Rickey, CFRE is now Chief Philanthropy Officer at Vote Solar

Essential Shifts in Philanthropy

Led by Scott Arthur, Vice Chancellor of Advancement, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Long-time ILD faculty member and fan favorite, Scott led the cohort through a fast-paced overview of the cultural shifts at CU Anschutz that have created a rewarding and people-centered environment for staff and donors. Underscoring the role of major gifts in nonprofit financial goals, participants are asked to consider their top 3 donors and create customized "Campaigns of One" for each relationship. While these donors are invited to come alongside you and invest in something where they have true alignment, this will come naturally as will their interest in future projects.
     Tip Look at your calendar; these top donors will have a tailored plan with the time and attention needed for the relationship.

Internally, creating a culture where everyone on the team feels welcome and supported is central to success. Metrics reflect your commitments and focus on engagement rather than solely on dollars. Value collaboration rather than competition. A key question to ask when preparing for a meeting is, "Have we earned the right to have this conversation?" (i.e. the investment you're asking for shouldn't shock your benefactor). 

     Tip Give new team members time to find their own voice. Everyone has their own style and gifts that they bring to this work. 

• Keep authenticity as a core value and make it evident in the work you do.
• Practice the joy of philanthropy: this work is full of meaning and purpose.
• What would it look like to be vision-based rather than needs-based?
• Consider your own plan in terms of gifts of significance
• Our work values listening far more than talking/selling
• Transformational gift opportunities will come at the intersection of: benefactor's values and aspirations, the nonprofit's mission and vision, and the fundraiser's integrity and passion.

Community Resources | Civic Engagement, Policy & Nonprofits 

The Women's Foundation of Colorado recently hosted a Chat4Change session with the author of Democracy in Retrograde: How to Make Changes Big and Small in our Country and in Our Lives, Emily Amick. The discussion focused on the value of civic engagement as powerful way to be proactive and find hope in the midst of uncertain times. 

“It may seem that only those already in power are the ones with the ability to make change, but democracy is a participation sport, and if we all take on one small part, we can make big changes.”

       “There are so many ways to be engaged in civic life: advocating for policy changes, joining a sports league, organizing a meal train for a sick neighbor, serving on a school board, or even trying to dismantle the entire system itself.”

― Sami Sage and Emily Amick, Democracy in Retrograde: How to Make Changes Big and Small in Our Country and in Our Lives

Community-Centric Fundraising + New Research 

This month, CCF and Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy hosted Adopting Community-Centric Fundraising: Findings from a national study with  Elizabeth J. Dale, Ph.D. and Maya Hemachandra, MPA, CFRE and Dana James from CCF!

Read the Report: Adopting Community Centric Fundraising

Hightlights

• 76% reported their organization had changed some fundraising policies or practices 
• Just over 50% of organizations reported making changes in 8 or more domains (principle areas) In practice, this looks like: 
• Sharing support with other nonprofits
1. Highlighting another nonprofit's work: 76.3%
2. Passed along funding opportunities: 65%
3. Shared fundraising resources with other orgs: 63.6%
4. Publicly crediting a partner org: 59%
• Working for systemic change

1. Taken a public stance on a politically charged issue: 47.3%
2. Written op-eds or other materials to challenge harmful perceptions/practices: 32.5%
3. Invited supporters to take political action: 29%

Ways to Get Engaged: Sign up for our newsletter or join the Community Centric Fundraising Mighty Networks to receive links to the Guide from Elizabeth and Maya out in April and to learn about their future panel in May.

More Resources 

Are you looking for ways to get more involved in your local nonprofit networks? Or, are you looking for where to stay informed about policy changes in 2025? We've rounded up some options for you below. 

association of Fundraising Professionals Colorado Chapter 

Coffee Chats | Membership | Mentor Program 

AFP International Advocacy & Resources

Colorado Planned Giving Roundtable

Membership | Summer Symposium | Mentor Program

Equity in the Center

Awake Awoke to Work | Services | Newsletter 3/25 Resistance in Bloom

National Council for Nonprofits

2025 Tax Policy Updates

Virtual Press Conference - March 4, 2025

Colorado Health Foundation

Policy News and Advocacy Tools | News Releases

The Denver Foundation 

2025 Policy Positions | 100th Anniversary

Colorado Nonprofit Association 

Advocacy Resources | Newsroom | Membership

Women's Foundation of Colorado 

Programs   |   Legislative Priorities

Blog: Colorado Fiscal Institute Helped Me Understand TABOR So I Can Advocate for Better Policy

 The Urban Institute 

What is the Financial Risk of Nonprofits Losing Government Grants?

Independent Sector 

Membership | Navigating This Moment Together: Advocacy, Action, and Resources

• Alumni Leadership @ The Women’s Foundation!
  Renee Ferrufino, ILD '16, is now President & CEO
  Maggie Stoot, ILD '19, is now VP of Development
  Jaime Marston Cook, ILD '20, recently joined the team as Major Gifts Officer

• Alumni Leadership @ Denver Library Friends Foundation! Katy Anderson, ILD '18 is now Executive Director
  Jennifer Johnson, ILD '15 is now Senior Director of Philanthropy 

• Cori Deterding, ILD '16, is selected as a 2025 Woman of Impact by the American Heart Association

• Theresa Garcia’s ILD '23 organization, FloCrit was featured on Kyle Clark’s word of thanks! 

• Sam Lincoln ILD '23 received her CFRE certification. Congratulations! 

• MaryBeth Lawson ILD '16 has been appointed to serve on the Colorado Women's Commission 

• Sarah Korn ILD '23 and Sarah James ILD '24 led our February Alumni Learning Mash-Up on 2/24 

• Jeslin Shahrezaei ILD '15 completed her Executive Education Certificate from Harvard University in February

• Brittany Vital, CNP, ILD '24 joined the AFP Board of Directors + her organization Coal Creek Meals on Wheels celebrates serving one million meals! 

• Kacie Merrick, ILD '21 celebrates 10 years at Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation

• Savannah Wippel, ILD '15 celebrates 15 years at Anchor Center for Blind Children

• Project Angel Heart (shout out: Andrea Pacheco, ILD '21) is a finalist for the 2025 Denver Metro Chamber Business Awards in the “Large Nonprofit” Category

Have something to add to the celebration? Email Sarah: ildcolorado@gmail.com.