Who Should Attend?

Grant-makers, grant-seekers, business leaders and government representatives will all benefit from the relationship building and educational opportunities of the Heart of Colorado 2008 Rural Philanthropy Days Conference.

Benefits

• Discuss potential projects one-to-one to gain a mutual understanding of the needs of our rural communities.
• Learn about successful programs and projects throughout the five-county region.
• Build new partnerships and relationships across the nonprofit, private and government sectors.
• Collaborate with peers about new methods and opportunities to improve our communities.
• Network, network, network!

Grant-Makers

Two days of your time—is it worth it? YES! You’ll gain insight about the Heart of Colorado region (learning about its economy, regional issues, and what is on the horizon). You will also help call nonprofits, elected and government officials and other leaders to action…, forming partnerships, building capacity and advancing valuable services. You will help strategize about serious opportunities of importance to Heart of Colorado and enjoy the hospitality of the region. The experience will pay off in many ways including making wiser investments. So join in, you are most welcome!
—Jeff Pryor, Anschutz Family Foundation

Grant-Seekers

In 2004, I attended Heart of Colorado Rural Philanthropy Days in Cañon City. During the conference, I met with over a dozen potential funding agencies, but none more important than USDA Rural Development. Because the agenda encourages funders and nonprofits to exchange information, I was able to identify USDA as a perfect match for our financing needs. The result of that $10 million conversation? A brand-new, state-of-the art, multi-million dollar hospital in Woodland Park that is credited with saving the lives of over 60 emergency room patients in just six months.
—Bob Harvey, Executive Director, Pikes Peak Regional Medical Center Association and Foundation

Three days of your time—is it worth it? YES! You'll join other nonprofits, government, businesses, and elected officials in creating a regional strategy that helps secure the future. In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in valuable training sessions, meet people from the region who share common interests, and network with grant-makers … gaining increased understanding of resource development potential. You can help the Steering Committee extend a warm welcome to grant-makers and state leaders that will show them your love for the Heart of Colorado and your dreams for the future.
—Jeff Pryor, Anschutz Family Foundation

Effective fundraising is not just measured by how many checks you receive but rather by how many relationships you can foster. Rural Philanthropy Days represents an opportunity to raise funds, but more importantly, RPD is a chance to build collaboration, expand relationships, and strengthen the capacity of your organization. To miss this exciting event is to miss the opportunity for long-term success.
—Gabriel Guillaume, Executive Director, Community Resource Center

Business and Government Leaders

Rural Philanthropy Days is a must-attend event for elected and appointed officials at both the municipal and county levels. Public agencies and nonprofit organizations share a remarkable similarity in their goals for community development, environmental protection and service delivery. Government-nonprofit partnerships will play an ever more important role in meeting those goals. RPD offers learning and networking opportunities that encourage attendees to explore new ways to form collaborative relationships.
—Steve Randolph, Mayor, City of Woodland Park

The Rural Philanthropy Days Steering Committee volunteers are doing a fantastic job. I appreciate their hard work for the Heart of Colorado communities, and these efforts will be rewarded. Philanthropic funding for local nonprofits comes back ten-fold to all sectors of the five counties involved. And the quality of programs and services provided by the nonprofits help stressed county and municipal budget dollars go farther. I support RPD wholeheartedly.
—Jerry Mallett, Chaffee County Commissioner