December 2024: CNDC Community Newsletter Find out the latest happenings at CNDC this quarter. View this email in your browserA QUARTERLY UPDATE ON HOW WE ARE Powering MissionsA Note from the CEOAs we approach the end of 2024, CNDC is bursting with gratitude for our Partner Projects and the remarkable work they are accomplishing. You inspire all of us at CNDC! A heartfelt thank you to our funders and community for believing in and supporting these projects. With the new year on the horizon, we’re aware that the upcoming change in presidential leadership bring questions and challenges to many of our partners. But one thing remains clear: the communities we serve need our support more than ever. CNDC is dedicated to providing the resources and structure that allow our partner projects to thrive and focus on their missions even in uncertain times. Again, on behalf of the staff and board, thank you to our partners. Best wishes for an impactful new year.  Melinda HiggsPresident & CEOP.S. Take a moment to learn more about our Partner Projects.Did You Know?As the year winds down, many nonprofits take the opportunity to remind their supporters about the benefits of giving, especially for tax purposes. It's a great time to make a difference!Here are a few numbers to give you an idea of the impact. In 2023, approximately 35% of the 2,300+ online donations made to CNDC partner projects made via Fundraise Up and Colorado Gives came in during December. CNDC partner projects have already matched that number of online donations for 2024 prior to December. If the December giving trend holds, another 800+ donations can be expected this month.  Our Partnership Support team—Anna, Desiree, and Nicki L—are here to help you connect with platforms like Colorado Gives and Fundraise Up, making it easier for your donors to give online.While we're not fundraising pros, we do recommend reaching out to your board members to get them involved as ambassadors for your mission. Their networks can make a big difference!Congratulations on a strong year, and good luck in December!Partner HighlightThe power of partnership in action.MissionGrowing Up Boulder is a nonprofit whose mission is to center young people's rights, voices, and agency to advance equitable and sustainable communities for all. www.growingupboulder.orgPartner Project since 2021. Model A Fiscal Sponsorship What is your biggest success to date?Still running after 15 years of never having enough funding. But really, so, so many things. Helping kids heal from the King Soopers shooting. Hearing from BIPOC youth about policing and seeing their ideas reflecting in the new Policing Plan. Helping kids and families in manufactured housing realize that the land next door to their homes is public, and supporting their access to nature there. Creating the country's first child friendly city map. Doing a TEDx talk that was featured on TED's homepage and has been viewed 2.5 million times.If your organization had a mascot, what would it be and why?Maybe a baby deer? When we were hosting picnics in the park with families with young children, we were treated to a mother and 2 baby deer hopping past us. Our young children were delighted, as were all of the adults!View More Partner Projects > Fiscal Sponsorship10 Questions for Fiscal SponsorsWhether you're a funder evaluating a nonprofit that uses a fiscal sponsor, a nonprofit seeking a fiscal sponsor, or simply a concerned citizen, it's important to understand the relationship between the nonprofit and its fiscal sponsor. Gaining clarity on this connection can help ensure transparency and trust. To guide you, we've compiled 10 essential questions that are worth asking—whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your understanding. Let’s dive in!Mission Alignment: Are the fiscal sponsor and sponsoree aligned in mission or field?Tax Exempt Status: Does the fiscal sponsor have an active 501(c)(3) status?State Incorporation: Is the fiscal sponsor registered as a nonprofit in its state of formation?Agreement: Is there a written agreement outlining services, roles, and fees?Project Separation: Is there clarity on how the project can separate from the fiscal sponsor?Board Approval: Has the fiscal sponsor’s board agreed to the sponsorship?Administrative Capacity: Does the sponsor have the capacity to manage fiscal responsibilities?Compliance: Is the fiscal sponsor compliant with all relevant laws?Financial Reporting: Will the sponsor provide regular, accurate financial reports that include cash position?Liability Insurance: Does the sponsor or project have necessary liability insurance for the activity (based on the sponsorship model)? By the numberspartner projects - 82board of directors - 11staff with @CNDC.org email - 16Other Behind the Scenes?In addition to our support of over 80 impactful partner projects, we’ve been looking internally. Here are two key updates we’re excited to share:2023 Annual Update: While we wrapped up our 2023 Annual Update, we realized we hadn’t shared it yet! It wasn’t meant to be a secret, so here it is. Stay tuned for our 2024 Annual Report, which will be especially meaningful as we celebrate 25 years of CNDC’s impact in the community. HERE for the 2023 Annual UpdatePhilanthropic Collaboration: On September 24, 2024, CNDC hosted a pivotal event with Colorado’s leading funders to discuss fiscal sponsorship. The conversation focused on popular models of fiscal sponsorship and how they affect both funders and projects. The goal? To demystify these models and foster greater collaboration across the philanthropic ecosystem. Our MissionCNDC maximizes the impact of nonprofits through fiscal sponsorship to enable all Colorado communities to thrive. Copyright (C) 2024 Colorado Nonprofit Development Center. All rights reserved.Our mailing address is:Want to change how you receive these emails?You can update your preferences or unsubscribe