Mile High Nonprofit (Issue #5 | Q4 |2023

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AD 2024 SAVE THE DATE

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ISSUE #5 | AUGUST 2023

inside this issue 2023 Save Green | Be Green Conference

FEATURES

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DEPARTMENTS

Cover: General Conference Overview

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Committee Chair Letter

Collaboration and environmental responsibility key themes

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SGBG Origin Story

Conference Photos

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Conference Snapshot

Faith-based organizations sit at core of conference beginning

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By The Numbers: Infographic

Pitch Competition

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Meet Our Planning Committee

A new edition for the 2023 conference

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Meet Our Sponsors

Survey: Attendee Feedback Key considerations for the 2024 conference

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committee chair’s letter

MILEHIGHNONPROFIT ISSUE NO. 5 | AUGUST 2023

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As the Save Green Be Green (SGBG) planning committee chair for my 2 year it was my honor to plan the 4th Annual SGBG Conference with our partners again.

A little about this conference -- SGBG aims to help nonprofit organizations like churches become stronger and more resilient through equitable access to energy and conservation resources. The planning committee envisions a world where nonprofits and faith-based organizations don’t have to ask for equal access, but equal access finds them, because equal access to these resources should be a basic human right.

In that, the SGBG conference had three goals. The first was to increase attendance of individuals that were not presenters, speakers, or part of the planning committee and to reach more organizations in the community. The second goal was to bring in new and engaging programming, and our third goal involved relationship-building.

Post conference, I can say with confidence that we met and exceeded these goals successfully. We had 72 outside attendees, the highest number of outside attendees yet for the conference. Our new programming aimed at increasing engagement received much praise. The new panel discussions, “Discussions with Faith Leaders” and “Energy Equity and Environmental Justice” had some of the most attendees and best audience discussions. The big game-changer this year was the “Pitch Competition.” It brought in four new SGBG organizations and an exciting new programming element for the conference. These organizations presented a “pitch,” or a plan, for how they would use awardable funds for energy efficiency in their organization, and we heard some incredibly innovative pitches. Finally, we heard countless stories of organizations meeting others and building relationships which is crucial for these organizations as it not only helps to advance their work, but energy efficiency in Denver as a whole.

Finally, I must laud the SGBG planning committee and the undeniable value they bring to this conference. A personal goal of mine was to build a team that represented and believed in SGBG’s vision, and I believe that was achieved. The entire SGBG planning committee participates on a volunteer basis, which exemplifies the undeniable passion and dedication we all have for this work, and we wouldn’t have this conference without them. Our partners included: Xcel Energy, Energy Outreach Colorado, Denver City Council – Council President Jamie Torres of District 3, the Environmental Protection Agency—Region 8, Grid Alternatives, Waste Management, and the Denver Office of Climate Action Sustainability and Resiliency.

While I am exiting this role as the SGBG planning committee chair, I am more than excited to pass this role to Mary Schultz, D-ONE’s new Energy Efficiency Program Manager. Mary brings new perspectives and years of nonprofit talent to the D-ONE team, and I am confident that under her leadership, SGBG will be back in 2024 even bigger and better than ever!

CITY GOVERNMENT

Mayor Mike Johnston

HUMAN RIGHTS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS (HRCP) Executive Director Perla Gheiler PUBLISHING TEAM

Advisors Heidi Rodriguez, HRCP PIO Lisana Munoz, HRCP Deputy Director & Acting Exec. Dir.

Editor Wil Alston, Director Denver Office of Nonprofit Engagement D-ONE Team Krystina Finlay | Nydia Gomez | Jessica Jorgensen Tiffany Le | Julia Mahoney | Ken Seeley | Mary Schultz

Contributing Writers Tracy Williams, Tradewinds Public Relations Sylvia Lambe, Tradewinds Public Relations

Published by the

Denver Office of Nonprofit Engagement Wellington Webb Building 201 W. Colfax Ave. Dept. 1102 Denver, CO 80202 info@denvergov.org/nonprofitengagement www.denvergov.org/nonprofitengagement

720-913-8852

Sincerely…

Julia Mahoney Conference Committee Chair D-ONE

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GENERAL CONFERENCE OVERVIEW | SGBG 2023

Celebrating the success of the 4th Annual $ave Green | Be Green Conference

The 4th Annual $ave Green| Be Green Conference once again solidified its role as a key forum for empowering environmental stewardship with Denver-based nonprofits.

ere of a “Shark Tank” inspired pitch competition where invited Denverbased nonprofits presented their ideas for sustainable practices or minor facility upgrades.

The annual convening hosted by the Denver Office of Nonprofit Engagement (D-ONE) was held at the New Hope Baptist Church on June 22, and offered a wealth of energy efficiency knowledge. It not only delved into money-saving facility planning, conservation efforts, and environmental management, but the conference also provided vital and actionable insights into managing energy equity. Returning as an in-person conference, the annual event stayed true to its vision of providing nonprofits with the skills and knowledge needed to initiate energy saving projects and sustainability programs.

The Pitch Competition served a three -fold purpose: to incentivize conference engagement, present examples of real-world proposals of nonprofit energy efficiency projects, and inject an exciting new element into the conference. This tangible aspect not only enhanced organizations' facilities but also underscored the event's commitment to fostering impactful environmental stewardship.

Through workshops, discussions, and networking, the conference equipped participants with insights and resources for money-saving facility planning, conservation efforts, and effective environmental management. One of the highlights during this year’s conference was the premi-

Collaboration was key for the successful delivery of this year’s conference. Conference partners included: Councilwoman Jamie Torres - District 3, Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR), Energy Outreach Colorado, Xcel Energy, EPA Region 8, Waste Management, and GRID Alternatives.

This collective partnership laid the groundwork for a unique opportunity that extends beyond knowledgesharing – it also gave participants the 5

chance to be active agents of change within their organizations.

"Looking back on this year’s conference, I am inspired by the energy, enthusiasm, and commitment of our community to champion sustainability, ” said Wil Alston, director of DONE. “The combination of collaboration and actionable insights ignites a collective drive for positive change."

We celebrate the connections forged, the ideas sparked, and the knowledge shared collectively that shape a greener and more sustainable future for our community.

The $ave Green | Be Green Conference stands as a testament to city’s dedication to environmental responsibility, community collaboration, and a brighter tomorrow.

For updates and information on upcoming events, initiatives, and opportunities, stay connected with the Denver Office of Nonprofit Engagement (D-ONE).

CONFERENCE ORGIN STORY | SGBG 2023

Faith-Based organizations sit at the core of SGBG mission

Central Presbyterian Church

ties for energy efficiency projects existed at the federal, state, and city levels. However, these opportunities may be unknown to nongovernmental entities, notably, nonprofits and faith-based organizations.

With support from the EPA and some guidance from the Colorado Nonprofit Association, Suzanne connected with the Denver Office of Strategic Partnerships (now D-ONE) and Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC).

Suzzane Satter Environmental Protection Agency Region 8

The $ave Green Be Green Conference is the brainchild of Suzanne Satter of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While attending meetings to discuss her church’s maintenance, Suzanne noticed that they frequently

discussed the church’s need for repairs. Reflecting on her church’s struggle, Satter thought that the wider faith-based community and nonprofits must also face similar issues trying to find money for facility maintenance. With her focus on sustainable materials management, Satter knew that funding opportuni6

With Strategic Partnerships’ financial backing and EOC’s help, the first $ave Green | Be Green Conference began at Central Presbyterian Church in 2019.

PITCH COMPETITION | SGBG 2023

Nonprofit winners secure close to $17K in funding in inaugural pitch competition

The Denver Office of Nonprofit Engagement’s (DONE) $ave Green Be Green (SGBG) conference awarded $17,000 in prize money to local nonprofits and faith organizations in their first ever ‘Pitch Competition’ that took place at New Hope Baptist Church on June 22.

New Hope Baptist Church, fostering hope in Christ, strives to illuminate its community. Funds will facilitate a transition to energy-efficient LED lighting, aligning their mission with sustainable practices.

3rd Place Bluff Lake Nature Center– $2,500 Bluff Lake Nature Center, a sanctuary for wildlife, relies on community support for conservation. The grant will contribute to the design phase of a new community building set to break ground in late summer 2024.

The contest, devised by D-ONE, adopted a 'Shark Tank'-inspired format, featuring Denver-based nonprofits showcasing their strategies for sustainable practices within their respective premises.

The winners presented the most compelling ways in which their building upgrades will advance energy equity benefiting the communities they serve. The funds awarded to the winning organizations will play a pivotal role in supporting their proposed projects, thereby making substantial strides towards energy conservation and sustainability.

"We are grateful to SGBG and its partners for this opportunity and prize that will allow us to build a new community kitchen with energy-efficient appliances and continue our mission of feeding people and preventing food waste," said Jessica LeCortz, Development & Events Manager, We Don't Waste.

1st Place

Organized by D-ONE, the annual SGBG conference offers a dynamic platform for nonprofits and faithbased groups to glean insights on cost-effective facility planning while contributing to environmental preservation.

We Don't Waste – $9,500 Colorado's prominent food recovery organization, We Don't Waste, works to reduce hunger and food waste in the Denver area by recovering quality, unused food from the food industry and delivering it to nonprofit partners, such as food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, schools and daycare programs, and more. Their grant will aid in acquiring Energy Star-rated commercial kitchen equipment for their new Food Recovery Hub.

"Our thinking is that, if we can assist local nonprofits with energy savings, those savings can then be redirected back to their missions and communities,” said Wil Alston, D-ONE Director. “The SGBG is a key contributor to this mission, which also fosters energy equity and empowers organizations to become even greater environmental stewards while optimizing expenses. “

2nd Place New Hope Baptist Church – $5,000 7

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SURVEY RESULTS| SGBG 2023

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CONFERENCE SNAPSHOT | SGBG 2023

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BY THE NUMBERS| SGBG 2023

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AD GENERAL EE PROGRAM AD W/LINK TO D-ONE’S EE PAGE

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PLANNING COMMITTEE| SGBG 2023

Planning committee

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AD SAVE THE DATE/SGBG 2024

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