Mile High Nonprofit (Launch Issue)

LAUNCH ISSUE

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MILEHIGHNONPROFIT

CONTENTS LAUNCH ISSUE JULY/AUGUST 2020

in this issue EDITOR’S NOTE

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Let’s make city’s commitment to nonprofit sector more strategic and more meaningful

Photo credit: Microsoft Online Photos

INSIDE THE CITY

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Mayor Hancock delivers first virtual State of City

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Time running out to apply for DEDO’s grants

LAUNCH

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Introducing the new “Mile High Nonprofit” eMag

INSIDE HRCP

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DENVER NONPROFITS ENCOUNTER HARSH NEW REALITIES IN FACE OF CORONA VIRUS

“Sign” of the times: DOSLS adapts to meet needs

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

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Leadership from three local nonprofits share thoughts on the new realities for their respective organizations and the impact of the pandemic on the sector as a whole.

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Center for African American Health

THE ACADEMY

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Revamped DOSP website serves as COVID-19 resource hub for Nonprofits

NEXT ISSUE: (SEPT/OCT):

NONPROFITS GATHER SEEKING TO SHRINK ENERGY FOOTPRINT

NEW REPORT EXPLORES WELL-BEING OF LOCAL NONPROFITS

Local nonprofits gather for 2nd Annual $ave Green | Be Green Conference to explore ways to shrink environmental foot prints for their organizations.

DOSP and the Strategic Partnerships Commission issues report on the well-being of local nonprofits. Over 300 area nonprofits weighed in on the current state of their organizations

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editor’snote

MILEHIGHNONPROFIT JULY/AUGUST 2020 CITY GOVERNMENT

Mayor Michael B. Hancock

Executive Director

Welcome

Human Rights and Community Partnerships Derek Okubo

Greetings and WELCOME to the first issue of DOSP’s revamped newsletter—”Mile High Nonprofit.” With this e-publication, we intend to share with you who we are, what we do, and our vision for helping to nurture the growth and success of Denver’s nonprofit ecosystem. And it is an ecosystem!

Thriving ecosystems all share a couple of common elements. They have a variety of players all working together for the good of the sector to ensure sustainability, innovation, and self-governance, while also pursuing individual excellence.

That is the nonprofit community in Denver and all of Colorado in a nutshell.

DOSP is doubling down on its commitment to do its part as a government entity to help the sector further achieve those “ecosystem” goals. From publications like our recently distributed, “Wellbeing of Nonprofits” Report, to the current actions taken to support nonprofits in their recovery from COVID-19, we are dedicated to leaving the sector better than we found it—and that means taking a deep dive into our own processes and finding ways of improving them.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t make mention of the tragic reality we face as a city and as a nation with regard to COVID-19 and the painful death of George Floyd—a death that has become a tipping point for social justice reform across the nation. These two pandemics are hard realizations that there is still a tremendous amount of work we need to do as a nation. But with that, we have a unique opportunity to rebuild better! We should not miss this opportunity.

PUBLISHING TEAM

Advisors Rowena Alegria Theresa Marchetta Derek Okubo

Editor Wil Alston, Director Denver Office of Strategic Partnerships DOSP Team Kevin Dodge Lorelei Johnson Jessica Jorgensen Ken Seeley Contributing Writers Denver Economic Development Office Center for African American Health Kevin Dodge | Ken Seeley Lorrie Kosinski | Brigid McRaith Alison Joucovsky | Sonya Ulibarri

Published by the Denver Office of Strategic Partnerships Wellington Webb Building 201 W. Colfax Ave. Dept. 1102 Denver, CO 80202

The nonprofit sector will continue to be crucial in partnering with the city to meet the needs of all Denver residents.

Wil Alston Editor & Director Denver Office of Strategic Partnerships

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info@denvergov.org/strategicpartnerships www.denvergov.org/strategicpartnerships

720-913-8852

NEW REPORT HIGHLIGHTS STATE OF LOCAL NONPROFITS

The Mayor’s Strategic Partnerships Commission on June 11, 2020 released a report outlining the needs and struggles of nonprofits in Denver, including those working with the City and County of Denver. Denver is home to 12,430 nonprofits, generating $20 billion, and more than 120,000 jobs.

"This report not only captures the challenges so many of our nonprofits are facing while delivering needed services in Denver,” said Ben Weeda, a commissioner and team leader of the survey task force, “but it also provides us with a critical tool to help strengthen the relationship between the nonprofit sector and the City & County of Denver.”

Data was collected between September 19 and December 1, 2019 from more than 300 nonprofits from sectors that include youth/ education, health, and housing.

Many of the respondents said they exclusively serve low income clients and saw an increase in demand for

services from 2017 to 2018. But while nonprofits voiced their struggles with financial sustainability, management of growth, securing funding for full costs and the lack of diversity in the sector, the issues that rose to the top were those related to working with the city, issues that included: red tape or cumbersome governmental processes and requirements, and late payments following completed services.

“I cannot overstate the value of the nonprofit sector in Denver,” Mayor Hancock said. Nonprofits are our partners in serving some of neediest and hardest to reach residents, so we can never thank them enough.

Like so many other sectors in our city, they have been impacted extremely hard by this ongoing pandemic. But these are challenges the city is committed to helping to solve.”

Respondents reported that 25 percent of their collective funding came from the city, slightly above their funding from individual donors and foundations; and about a quarter of respondents do not contract with the city -- largely because many never began the process and do not understand how to.

“We view this report as a roadmap for strategic change and improvements in the relationship between Denver’s government and the social sector,” said Julia Alverez, Commission Chair. “And when you consider the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the social unrest in our city, there has never been a more important time to act. Now is the time to make dramatic policy shifts.”

The final report of this Nonprofit Well Being Survey was completed in February 2020. However, in March 2020, the world changed with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The dramatic changes to the daily life and to the health and economic future of our city, state, and nation have generated fear and a climate of uncertainty. As nonprofits will play a critical role in responding to this pandemic, the data from this report shows the importance of doubling down on the investment into this sector of our economy.

In late May 2020, the commission presented the report and findings to Mayor Michael B. Hancock during a virtual meeting, along with a set of recommendations aimed at responding to the findings of the report. Mayor Hancock received the report and pledged to the commission a response to these findings by the end of July.

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Based on the report, the Commission made three asks of the Mayor: •

Allocate money to seed the Collective Impact Fund of Denver,

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Take prompt action on the creation of a nonprofit well-being task force within the city, focused on improving the nonprofit contracting lifecycle and the overall relationship between the City and County of Denver and the nonprofit sector, and

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Empower the Denver Office of Strategic Partnerships as the lead city entity for all activities relating to nonprofits with full support from the Mayor’s Office.

INSIDE THE CITY

MAYOR HANCOCK DELIVERS STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS AMID CHALLENGING TIMES FOR OUR COMMUNITY Mayor Michael B. Hancock today delivered the annual State of the City Address, focusing on the city’s resolve to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, a weakened economy, homelessness, an increase in violent and youth crime, and systemic racism.

“In these last few months, we’ve faced uncertainty, upheaval and loss. But we have also acted with resolve.

Resolve to define together what a better city looks like – and attain it. The resolve to create a better future, where we elevate the commonality of the human experience in our decision-making,” Mayor Hancock said in his 10th major address since taking office in 2011. “These temporary public health measures are about social responsibility, yours and mine – to ourselves, each other and the welfare of our city, state and nation. It’s about saving lives. It’s about recovering our economy so that those who have been furloughed or laid off can get back to work and caring for our families.”

Amid the national call for reform in the wake of George Floyd’s killing, the Mayor recommitted to keeping Denver a law enforcement and social justice innovator. He also announced a new initiative – the Denver Institute of Equity and Reconciliation – to tackle institutional racism and bias.

Read the Mayor’s 2020 State of the City Address.

“Where we are today isn’t where we thought we’d be (Continued on page 15)

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TIME RUNNING OUT TO APPLY FOR GRANTS TO AID NONPROFITS state, and federal taxing and licensing authorities.

This relief program is targeting nonprofit organizations experiencing financial hardships due to the COVID pandemic (increased demand, decreased income, new services). The organization need not be housed in Denver but must attest that the funds will be used to support residents of Denver.

Does the program have any priorities to determine funding? What factors ensure that grants are being awarded in an equitable way?

You are more likely to receive a grant if you are in one or more of these priority categories: The City and County of Denver’s Economic Development Office (DEDO) has created a new grant program to support nonprofits as they try to continue critical programs and services for residents across a spectrum of needs.

The new grant program is being coordinated by DEDO’s Neighborhood Equity & Sustainability Department (NEST) and is one of the city’s overall economic initiatives to support the nonprofit community during the COVID19 pandemic.

What does this mean for nonprofits?

The Nonprofit Emergency Relief Fund (NPERF) will provide one-time grant assistance up to a maximum of $15,000 per grantee to eligible Denver nonprofit organizations to alleviate financial impacts resulting from COVID-19. We’re anticipating three rounds of funding from June through December 2020.

Application dates: •

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Applications received after 5 p.m. on July 2, 2020 – August 7, 2020 (by 4:59 PM) will be considered for Round 2 of funding

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Nonprofits who are operating within priority neighborhoods including Elyria- Swansea, Globeville, NE Parkhill, East Colfax, Montbello, Sun Valley, Valverde, Villa Park, West Colfax, Westwood. Organizations not located in these neighborhoods but serving these resident will also be prioritized if supporting documentation is provided.

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Nonprofits that provide service to vulnerable populations including under-resourced or historically marginalized groups such as communities of color, older adults, people experiencing poverty or homelessness, immigrants and refugees, people living with disabilities, LGBTQ+, veterans, and the people you serve are represented on your board and/or staff.

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Nonprofits whose pursuit of equity is expansive where language justice, underrepresented groups, and social/economic equity is meaningfully represented.

Can nonprofits reapply if not selected the first or second time?

Yes, eligible nonprofits are encouraged to re-apply if they have been previously denied.

Applications received after 5 p.m. on August 7, 2020 – September 11, 2020 (by 4:59 PM) will be considered for Round 3 of funding

How long does the selection process take?

Applications are being accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. You can expect to be notified if awarded within three weeks of your application being received.

Who is eligible to apply?

Colorado registered nonprofit organizations, including those with nonprofit fiscal partners who are engaged in activities that are legal under Colorado and federal law.

APPLY NOW!

Your organization must be in good standing with local, 7

DOSP ROLLS OUT REVAMPED NEWSLETTER IN E-MAG FORMAT As part of the Denver Office of Strategic Partnerships’ plan to re-assert itself as the city’s lead entity for the growth and development of its nonprofit sector, the office has begun re-issuing its newsletter.

Now, in e-magazine form, the revamped publication; titled: “Mile High Nonprofit,” will be issued bi-monthly and will feature a variety of topics related to the nonprofit sector in Denver, as well as highlight issues related to the city’s engagement and utilization of nonprofits.

Recurring departments will include: •

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Inside The City—readers will be given an inside look at some of the processes and issues related to engaging nonprofits as city contractors.

Inside HRCP—will provide readers with a look at the diverse work of

the Office of Human Rights and Community Partnerships (HRCP), which is the agency where DOSP lives.

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Spotlight—this section will highlight the work of nonprofits that are successfully contracting with the city.

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The Academy—is the publication’s technical assistance forum and will focus on a variety of information and resources for starting and growing strong nonprofits.

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Doin’ Business With The City—will focus on critical issues for nonprofits currently contracting with the city or that aspire to.

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Project Watch—will focus on nonprofit participation with key city entities like National Western, the airport, and the convention center.

REVAMPED WEBSITE TO SERVE AS “RESOURCE HUB” FOR NONPROFITS Denver’s Office of Strategic Partnerships has overhauled its official website making it a “resource hub” for nonprofits.

The purpose of the revamped site is to act as a “onestop-shopping” destination for individuals and organizations looking to learn more about the city and its utilization and engagement of the nonprofit sector.

In addition, the site will also serve as resource for Denver nonprofits seeking resources to help recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

www.denvergov.org/dosp

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SAVE GREEN | BE GREEN: GATHERING OF ENERGY PROS On March 10, 2020, Denver’s Office of Strategic Partnerships, in collaboration with Energy Outreach Colorado and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA Region 8), hosted the Second Annual $ave Green, Be Green event at the Central Presbyterian Church.

This year’s workshop involved 20 presenters, several volunteers, and more than 50 attendees. The day included numerous breakout sessions that encompassed ways to support Denver metro-area nonprofits and faith-based organizations focused on money-saving facility planning, conservation efforts, and on environmental management of their physical spaces, staff and clients/ congregants. Attendees were given tangible information and access to resources for action that can help them become better stewards of the environment.

The workshop kicked off with welcoming remarks from Wil Alston, Director of DOSP, along with Mark Smith, Director of the Land, Chemicals, and Redevelopment Division of EPA Region 8. During the lunch break, Brooke Pikes, Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Program (NEEP) Program Manager, provided an informative presentation on NEEP. Breakout sessions included Messaging for Change to Inspire a Beautiful World, Clean Energy Investments, Prioritizing Building Upgrades, Eco-Friendly Waste Disposal, Strategies for Keeping Food out of Landfills, Forming Green Teams, Healthy Buildings, Indoor Air Quality, and the Impact on Occupant Health, and Denver’s Initiatives and Programs. Participants also had the opportunity to uncover the hidden treasure in their buildings by attending the Save Money and Resources with EPA’s Treasure Hunt.

We are looking forward to next year’s $ave Green, Be Green workshop!

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Mile High Youth Corp Brigid McRaith Executive Director/CEO

Sunshine Home Shares Alison Joucovsky Executive Director/CEO

The Denver Office of Strategic Partnerships is well into its plan for recovery in the City of Denver, with its focus on the well-being of our nonprofit organizations and those they serve. As we launch our new Mile High Nonprofit e-magazine in a time of world pandemic, we asked three nonprofit leaders how their organizations are impacted. It is a cross section of input from Girls Inc. of Metro Denver that serves school age girls; Mile High Youth Corp that serves young adults and Sunshine Home Shares that serves older adults. You will see how adaptable these organizations are in addressing new problems. The personal insights are particularly compelling to address the anticipated greater challenges with more collaboration, innovation, better attention to racial equity issues, and more responsive funding and capacity building that will be needed.

What has been the immediate impact to your organization?

Sonya: Girls Inc. of Metro Denver’s work has shifted significantly since mid-March, which includes moving 10

Girls Inc. of Metro Denver Sonya Ulibarri Executive Director/CEO

into a remote work environment, converting to online program delivery, and providing new services to meet the immediate and growing needs of the community.

A survey of girls and families confirmed major challenges with food and housing insecurity, economic instability due to job and income loss, threat of violence, and lack of access to technology and home internet.

These stressors are symptoms of the deep systematic inequalities that low-income and communities of color continue to face.

Brigid: Mile High Youth Corps moved to working re-

motely and pushed back all program start dates past April. We created 8 and 16 week scenarios from a programmatic and financial impact standpoint as well as began immediate outreach to our MHYC family of supporters, alums, and partners.

Alison: Sunshine stopped seeing our clients in person

mid-March. Since we work with vulnerable older adults, this has shifted from seeing new clients to supporting our current clients with weekly check-in's, mediation, and financial assistance. Staff even attempted Zoom intakes. Our staff have also pivoted our work to (Continued on page 11)

NEW NORMAL DENVER NONPROFITS ENCOUNTER HARSH NEW REALITIES IN FACE OF CORONA VIRUS

support another nonprofit who was overwhelmed with client demand for rental assistance staffing the TRUA line for Brothers Redevelopment.

What are your personal insights of the COVID impact to the broader nonprofit community?

Alison: It has been amazing to watch how organizations have swiftly pivoted their work to meet community need and pulled resources and staffing to support those who are most vulnerable. It highlights the important role the nonprofit organizations play in providing gap services. I have been impressed with how the foundations stepped up and immediately opened up funding for emergency assistance and have allowed for general operating so organizations could move swiftly to meet needs. I feel this crisis has certainly highlighted issues we knew existed, such as social isolation for older adults and the need for funding to be responsive to those needs.

How is your organization coping with the impact?

Brigid: We’re focused on solutions to meet the urgent needs of our community. We have been able to re-direct our Energy and Water Conservation Corps members, thanks to the generosity and flexibility of Denver’s Office of Strategic Partnerships. The crew is now providing ongoing emergency relief services in the community in the areas of food security, community wellness and operational support for partner agencies.

We’re also working hard to mitigate the impact on our participants and alums, which has been significant.

We’re providing tele-mental health services, as well as emergency food, transportation and other supportive services to those in need.

Sonya: The COVID crisis will stretch the resources and

resilience of the nonprofit sector. It’s likely that we will be asked to do more with less as community needs rise and funding declines. We must rely on each other more than we ever have – to partner, share resources and best practices, and advocate for policies that our sector and communities desperately need. Accountability to our well-polished equity statements will be critically important, as will the need to demand more sustainable and fair funding practices.

Sonya: At Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, we have chal-

lenged ourselves to meet this moment in time by asking the following question: Have we done all we can?

To date, this includes ensuring pay continuity for all staff and hourly employees, distributing 500+ meals per week from our West Colfax facility, stocking an emergency food & supply bank, eliminating all program fees, distributing technology, developing a virtual training guide for educators, and maintaining deep and meaningful relationships with girls and families. Additionally, our social enterprise coffee shop, Bold Beans, has distributed 300 lbs. of coffee beans to frontline workers. We are also providing staff with resources to address the trauma and stress we face each day as individuals in this work.

Brigid: Many nonprofits are pivoting to respond to

this crisis, and it offers us a great opportunity to find innovative ways to collaborate, now more than ever before. And while we don’t have a great deal of clarity on when or how this will play out, we do know now that racial inequities continue to proliferate as a result of COVID-19. The nonprofit sector is vital to the health and recovery of our communities and I’m hopeful that we’ll find ways to collectively grow our impact with a focused fight against inequity and injustice.

Alison: We have moved to team meetings via zoom

twice per week and making sure our clients feel connected and supported. Our staff are resuming direct services for home sharing now as we open safely. As for our work helping with rental assistance, it is safe to say the need for rental assistance is drastic.

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INSIDE HRCP

“SIGN” OF THE TIMES: DOSLS ADAPTS TO MEET COVID-19 NEEDS

“Since COVID-19, everything has changed, yet we continue on… just differently,” says Lorrie Kosinski, director/ lead interpreter for Denver’s Office of Sign Language Services.

The mission of the office is to create access to Denver government programs, services and events for deaf, blind, and hard of hearing people.

Core operations for the department include: • Providing sign language interpreters and real-time captioning upon request; • Educating employees on the city’s responsibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide effective communication for their deaf/hard of hearing clients and customers (just contact the Office!); • Informing, engaging and empowering Deaf people to be involved with Denver government; and • Providing resources and referrals.

What are current challenges?

• Learning technology and how to virtually incorporate interpreters and captions into City business.

• For those relying on lipreading, mandatory masks have cut down or cut off communication.

• Deaf people in general prefer face-to-face communication instead of virtual.

• Deaf cultural norms such as greeting someone with a hug or getting someone’s attention by tapping their arm are now taboo with social distancing.

What’s changed since COVID-19?

• Interpreters and real-time captioning are showing up on screen instead of on-site for City appointments, meetings and events.

• A sign language interpreter team is present for every Mayor’s press conference regarding COVID-19 updates.

• Critical City information is being made accessible to the Deaf community through translation into American Sign Language (ASL) by skilled Deaf interpreters.

“The impact of COVID-19 in the work place has brought changes and challenges,” says Kosinski, “but it has also provided our office with new avenues for learning, innovation and efficiencies as we...Keep Calm and Denver on!”

Lorrie A. Kosinski, Director, Lorrie.Kosinski@denvergov.org, 720.913.8487, 720.458.8486 VP 12

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT CENTER FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN HEALTH ON THE FRONT LINE IN FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19

The Center for African American Health (The Center) is on the move and their timing couldn’t be more perfect! As Colorado and the rest of the world face the challenges presented by the COVID-19 occurrence, The Center’s mission and planning to become even more visible and more active is needed now more than ever.

In a recent interview with the Women’s Foundation of Colorado, Deidre Johnson, The Center’s CEO and Executive Director, said that, “Populations considered most at risk are those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma and high blood pressure. For genera-

tions, African Americans have disproportionately experienced these exact health disparities. The situation is further exacerbated by poverty and the number of African Americans holding front line jobs that are considered essential. The ability to shelter in place or work remotely is a privilege. In some cases you cannot do so or do not have that choice, so you are by default at higher risk.”

Johnson went on to say that, “COVID-19 is merely shining a light on these historic inequities. If we do nothing bold to dismantle systemic racism, our community will continue

to be at risk when the next pandemic arrives.”

With a mission rooted in preserving the health of the African American community, The Center offers African American and Black Metro Denver communities culturally responsive resources that support them in overcoming the root causes of health problems so they can maximize their individual and family health. As a Family Resource Center, The Center helps individuals and families overcome social, economic, and educational challenges and helps parents gain access to the skills, resources, (Continued on page 14)

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT cont’d Established in 1997 and reenvisioned in 2005, The Center evolved from the health programming of the Metro Denver Black Church Initiative, which for more than a decade collaborated with black churches to offer health programs throughout the African American community, as well as programs for at-risk youth, academically struggling students, and ex-offenders.

(Continued from page 13)

and knowledge they need to provide a solid foundation for their children and families to thrive.

Through a workforce development grant received last November 2019 from Denver’s Economic Development Office (DEDO), The Center is deepening its footing in the community with the delivery of its workforce development activities at their new site.

Since 2005, the now Park Hill based center, has provided prevention and disease management programs focusing on diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, wellness programs for seniors, health insurance literacy, and a variety of health education topics as well as referrals to community resources.

On January 30th, 2020 The Center moved into new Hudson Street location at 3350 Hudson Street in Denver where they took over the former ROOTS Elementary school.

Doing their part in the fight against COVID-19, to date, The Center has distributed PPE and other critical supplies to over 35 local organizations including food banks, homeless shelters, churches and nonprofit organizations in the Denver community.

As well, The Center has distributed over $81,000 in direct support to over 150 Families (mostly headed by single African American young women), this support has provided food, rent & utilities relief, and other critical supplies to 354 children who reside in the homes.

The Center recently deployed a COVID-19 Community Needs survey at the end of April 2020 to further identify the emergency relief resources most important to those directly and indirectly impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. The survey features up to 30 questions asking the respondent a variety of relevant life topics such as perceptions and trust in news sources on COVID-

Johnson believes that by leveraging its extensive community partnerships and relationships, The Center has provided evidenced-based, grassroots health education, health promotion, disease prevention and disease management programs to thousands of individuals throughout metro-Denver in a culturally responsive manner that has garnered the organization state-wide recognition.

What’s Ahead?

19 information, behavioral changes in daily life, experienced or observed barriers and issues, and their general opinions. To date, The Center has received over 500 survey responses. Once survey results are finalized, The Center will share the results with the public and key partners who also use data to provide timely emergency relief in a equitable and efficient manner to better serve the African American community during this unprecedented pandemic.

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Johnson says the work of The Center is even more important today given the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on African Americans.

Their focus going forward will be on seeking health equity and securing critical linkages to high quality and affordable health services for African Americans. These efforts will be central to the growth and expansion at the new Park Hill location.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL REPORT

(Continued from page 6)

back in January. But know this: we will come back better than we were before. I know this because we have done it before,” the Mayor continued. “We did it after the Great Recession when we took Denver from one of the toughest economies in the country to one of the best. We know how to create jobs and grow an economy – and this recovery must have a social conscience.”

Click here to read the news release in its entirety.

Moving forward together and getting through these times together does not mean that we will always agree,” Mayor Hancock said “Disagreement is healthy.

Dysfunction is not. And if there was ever a time when people needed functional, collaborative, and effective government, surely, it’s now. Whether in Washington or Denver, our recovery depends on government that works, and an open, transparent collaboration with the people.”

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