Executive Directors
of Color Institute
The Executive Directors of Color Institute (EDCI) is a two-year leadership development and organizational capacity-building program for BIPOC nonprofit leaders.
EDCI is a personal and professional development opportunity for leaders of color in the Colorado nonprofit community. The institute seeks participants looking to grow and expand their skill sets; contribute to a dynamic network of peers; and work to inform, shape, and maximize the opportunities in today's nonprofit sector while making the sector more inclusive, and equitable. Monthly peer-led learning sessions strengthen the individual leadership, capacity, and collective impact of BIPOC-led nonprofit organizations.
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For more information, contact
“I think it’s critical for leaders of color to have a safe space where we have the opportunity to vent frustrations, to celebrate victories, and to deeply engage in conversations, that quite frankly, others will not understand.”
- Dontae Latson, EDCI alum
EDCI Cohort
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What is your relationship and how are you tied into The Denver Foundation?The BRIC Fund was established after the murder of George Floyd and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Founded by long-time Denver Foundation staff leader, LaDawn Sullivan, BRIC became an addition to the Foundation’s 20-plus year leadership and racial equity efforts. From June 2020 to August 2022, BRIC was a prioritized focus of LaDawn’s work with the Denver Foundation. In August 2022, BRIC became a fiscally sponsored project of The Denver Foundation – meaning BRIC has more autonomy, making decisions through its advisory board and executive director. The Foundation provides back office support and charitable tax status for donations made to BRIC. The Foundation has also annually invested resources in BRIC since 2020 and is committed to the mission and efforts of BRIC.
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What are responsive grants?Responsive grants are the approved grants from a traditional request for proposals made by a foundation or fund. Typically, the requester provides guidelines and an application to be completed and submitted by a nonprofit (the responder). After a review process, the applicants are notified of the decision – approval or decline.
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How often are BRIC grants awarded?As of January 2023, BRIC grants are awarded once a year, typically in mid-June.
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Do you award grants outside of Colorado, and if not, do you plan to expand your efforts at some point?At this time, BRIC does not award grants outside of Colorado. We do not anticipate expanding geographic boundaries in the near future.
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We are a new organization and don’t have all the information requested in the guidelines. Can we still apply?Incomplete applications will be declined. But, we do encourage that once the guidelines have been met that you apply. Please contact us at info@bricfund.org to talk specifically about your application and next steps.
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What happens with my donation after it has been made, and how do I ensure it supports nonprofits and the community?Your donation is processed and a thank you/charitable deduction receipt will be sent to you via email or mail. Contributions can be earmarked to support programs implemented by nonprofits in the community or your donation can support any of BRIC’s operating expenses and programs.
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Can you specify where (focus areas) your donation can go towards?Yes, though you cannot specifically request your donation support a specific nonprofit that BRIC supports. Donations will support community programs and services focused on – emerging needs, economic opportunities, health, housing, racial justice and youth.
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Are there similar organizations in other states?Yes, BRIC was one of the first of a growing number of Black-focused funds and foundations across the country.
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Does BRIC have any employment or volunteer opportunities?BRIC invites volunteers to help with its annual community gatherings. Also, BRIC has an all-volunteer advisory board. Interested? Please contact us at info@bricfund.org.
Congratulations to our
2023 EDCl Cohort Graduates!
This report encapsulates the heart it takes to be a leader of color to carry out a vision meant to transform one's community. Learn how, why, and what opportunities exist for EDCI to continue and enhance the program to meet the needs of leaders of color on the front lines - serving their communities and dismantling the systems perpetuating inequality and inequity.
"My class was unique in that we went through the EDCI program during the pandemic's peak and the height of the racial distress in our country. EDCI provided a space for like-minded individuals facing the same challenges to come together to talk, heal and share everything we were experiencing as executives of color in our community. It allowed me to bring my whole self as a woman of color to my work and the communities we serve."
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~ Tanaka Shipp - Founder & CEO, QueenShipp