As we prepare to close out 2021 and welcome a new year, we must maintain our spirit of gratitude and continue to share the “5 Ts” of goodwill - Time, Talent, Treasure, Testimony, and (Social) Ties to create positive changes within our communities.
In reflecting on the year, I’ve been fortunate to witness the impact these gifts can make. When we put each of these building blocks together, they form a solid foundation to build upon, but more importantly, strengthen the communities around us. It’s individuals coming together and the work of the collective that’s most impactful. The Black Resilience in Colorado (BRIC) Fund is thankful for our collective “BRIC Builders,” our partners and inaugural donors. They share our vision to address systemic racism and historic inequities that negatively impact Black communities. But more importantly, they’ve joined to move the vision to action in ensuring critical Black-led and serving nonprofits have the resources to shift from surviving to thriving – so that no community is left behind. In over a year, you helped us raise more than $2 million, in which we were able to grant $1.7 million to 98 nonprofit organizations and resource BRIC’s capacity building programs including the BRIC Loan Program.
During the year, BRIC also took over the programming for the Executive Directors of Color Institute (EDCI) and partnered with The Denver Foundation to celebrate its 10th anniversary, and welcome the addition of 12 outstanding graduating nonprofit BIPOC EDs to the more than 150 EDCI alumni who have taken the helm of their organizations with a to impact their communities. The words of Vanecia Kerr, Chief Impact Officer – Mile High United Way, who served as the keynote speaker at the graduation incapsulates the clarion call for their leadership perfectly:
“We need leaders who can help us navigate and process what we are experiencing and help make sense of it all. Leaders who are sometimes on the national stage but leaders in every community. Leaders who we may not know by name but who quietly provide inspiration and hope. Leaders who know how to move us forward through the work they do every day.”
I’m so thankful for those nonprofit executives and individuals who choose to serve and to lead, including Vanecia, who reminded us “that we can lift as we climb.” That’s the responsibility of all of us - Let’s remember to do this today, tomorrow and every day in 2022 and beyond!
I’m also proud to have witnessed the resilience of Colorado’s Black communities’ -- to drive for systemic change, elevate unheard voices, and raise awareness of our often-unseen Black philanthropists. The BRIC Fund is excited to continue to support the progress of Colorado’s Black communities. Will you join us? Will you continue to invest your 5 Ts to support the efforts of BRIC? Help us lift as we collectively climb to create change and build the equitable communities we deserve, BRIC by BRIC.
In gratitude & solidarity,
LaDawn
