Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley: Your Community Impact Partner
When families embark on a journey to make philanthropy a part of their lives across generations, it often starts with simple concepts: Having fun as a family, getting in touch with nature, being authentic and open about values, donating canned goods or clothing to families in need, recycling cardboard and aluminum cans, celebrating every birthday and holiday with a big cake and a gift to charity, buying wrapping paper from the school fundraiser, contributing to a handful of favorite charities–even eating healthy food and appreciating every peaceful moment. In today’s social impact culture, “doing good” is a powerful way to create a sense of belonging–in the family, the community, and the world.
CFGV helps you take it to the next level, so both you and your community get the most out of your family’s social impact experiences. Here are four steps that make it all work.
You're good!
Studies show us that before a person can become deeply engaged, emotionally and intellectually, in a community or a cause, he or she must feel affirmed that what he or she is doing already to “do good” is in fact good. This includes not only giving to charities, of course, but also volunteering in the community, recycling and respecting the environment, donating canned goods, serving on boards of directors or committees, and attending community events. It can also include purchasing products that support a cause, marketing favorite charities through social media, and even committing to personal and family health and wellness. CFGV knows you are making a difference in lots of ways.
A little learning goes a long way
Your community foundation can give you the educational resources you need! Learning about philanthropy is in high demand across all generations. Students are interested in techniques that result in lives actually being changed for the better. Parents want to know how to teach their young children about doing good. Grandparents want to know how to leverage philanthropy to create a multi-generational platform for preserving family values. Young professionals are seeking new ways to access business information about nonprofits, especially online. Business leaders and corporate executives seek techniques for charitable planning that meet their tax and estate planning objectives. Your community foundation can help with all of this, and more!
Get inspired!
Stories are powerful. Your family’s unique story about making an impact will inspire others to pursue their own charitable objectives, too. The cause selected is an important part of any story! Other factors include how did the experience with philanthropy made the giver feel and the ways the giver’s life was enriched by feelings of gratitude and the ability to help people in need. CFGV wants to understand your own story of philanthropy and find out what inspires you the most. When you are giving to the causes you love, everyone wins–you, the community, and the organizations you support!
To read stories from Gunnison Valley community members and the causes that have captured their hearts, check out our Annual Reports from the last decade.
Take action...
Motivation is the moment of truth! Does a student, an employee, an executive, or a parent have the tools and information to act on a philanthropic desire? CFGV is committed to providing those tools and information to everyone in the Gunnison Valley. People at all levels of giving frequently voice this frustration: “I want to help, but I just don’t know how I can help.” Your community foundation can offer ideas for specific actions you can take to support your community and the causes you love. You’ll be motivated and happy because you will know that your act of doing good, no matter how big or how small, makes a real difference.
Executives, civic leaders, parents, employees, students, and anyone else engaged in philanthropy, will love the expertise of their partners at CFGV, and the community will be all the better for it. Now that’s success by doing good.
Are you ready to transform your community impact? Jessica Wurtz, CFGV’s Director of Philanthropy, loves to sit down with engaged community members, learn what causes have captured their hearts, and dream up ways to make a difference in the Gunnison Valley. Set up a meeting via our contact form, or call the office at 970-641-8837.
Simplified Summary
The Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley (CFGV) helps families make a difference in their community. Here’s how it works:
You’re Already Doing Good Things!
The things you and your family already do are important! CFGV believes all these actions matter and make a difference.
Learning About Helping Others
CFGV can provide tools and information to help others. Kids want to learn how to really change lives. Parents want to teach their children about doing good. Grandparents want to share family values. CFGV has information for everyone!
Get Inspired by Stories
Sharing stories about helping others can inspire more people to help. CFGV wants to hear what causes you care about most. When you give to causes you love, everyone wins!
Take Action
Many people say, “I want to help, but I don’t know how.” CFGV can help. Even small actions can make a big difference!
If you want to make a difference in the Gunnison Valley, you can contact Jessica Wurtz at CFGV by filling out a form on their website or calling 970-641-8837.
