Broomfield Community Foundation Celebrates 30 Years as a Local Hub for Philanthropic Activity

BCF Board President Lisa Herman speaks at the 2022 Heart of Broomfield Awards.

By Kristen Beckman

This summer, the Broomfield Community Foundation turns 30.

The foundation was launched in 1993 by a group of Chamber of Commerce members who were brainstorming ways to manage an increasing number of solicitations for donations and contributions. The group also wanted to ensure their contributions were going to worthy causes. After incorporating as a 501(c)3 organization, the foundation began its mission with just $550 in the bank.

Throughout the next 30 years, the foundation awarded its first grants in 1994, appointed its first executive director in 1998 and raised more than $150,000 in donations from 283 small business and family contributions to establish its first permanent endowment in 2001.

Today, the foundation has more than $4 million in assets under management and has distributed over $3 million into the community through grants and scholarships. Through the collaborative support and investment of over 1,500 donors, the foundation has funded over 100 local nonprofit organizations and initiatives and provided over 100 scholarships.

The community is invited to help the foundation celebrate 30 years at the Great American Picnic on July 4th at the Broomfield County Commons, where it will be joined by its partner of 30 years, Sill TerHar Motors.

Executive Director Marianna Williamson shared her perspectives on the foundation and its growth during the past three decades.

Q: What was the original mission of BCF and how has that mission evolved over the past 30 years?

A: The Broomfield Community Foundation’s mission has always been to improve the quality of life for all Broomfield residents. Our five pillars focus grant funding on the arts, civic causes, education, human services and seniors. While our mission has stayed the same, the amount of our grant funding and additional support provided to nonprofits serving Broomfield has grown substantially over the course of 30 years.

Q: What are some of the most significant or noteworthy milestones/accomplishments since it was founded?

A: In the past five years alone, our annual grant distribution has more than tripled, as well as increasing the number of Donor Advised and Scholarship Funds which provide an infusion of investment dollars directly into our local community. Additionally, the scope of support to local organizations extends beyond just grant funding. The foundation facilitates a monthly service provider network called BCSN, which connects nonprofits, foundations, government agencies, and faith-based organizations to build capacity for greater collaborative impact. Other capacity-building efforts include the development of a volunteer platform and annual speed networking featuring local nonprofit volunteer opportunities.

Q: What are the goals for the Foundation for the next decade?

A: The best entry point for local community members is to join our iGIVE365 program (www.iGIVE365.org). Our goal is to increase our iGIVE365 membership to provide supplemental support for our annual grant cycle. If we can get just 2 percent of Broomfield residents to join by giving $1 per day back to the community, we could fully support our annual grant cycle. Additionally, we would like to further develop our Planned Giving Program to sustain the foundation and our local nonprofit community well into the future and to ensure that local residents can leave a legacy.

Q: Why has the organization been successful over 30 years?

A: BCF has had steady growth and success because of Broomfield’s strong community support, which includes donations from generous individuals and local businesses. Additionally, we must credit some of our success to the strengthening of our partnerships with local agencies, service providers, faith-based organizations, the City of Broomfield, as well as a long list of outstanding board members over the years. As the foundation continues to build these relationships, the more support we are able to provide to nonprofits, both financially and organizationally. This growth, therefore, creates a virtuous cycle wherein nonprofits are able to expand their scope and reach while we continue to grow and provide ever-increasing support.

Q: How long have you been with the foundation and what is your role?

A: Five years ago, I began my tenure as the executive director. As a result of continued growth and a rapid broadening of service programs, especially during COVID-19, Dion West shifted her role from board vice president and grant committee chair in 2020 to join me as co-executive director. Our skills complement each other well and as a result of this joint endeavor, we are able to devote more time and resources to ensuring the foundation’s legacy well into the future.

Q: How can residents support the Broomfield Community Foundation?

A: Residents can join our iGIVE365 program (www.iGIVE365.org). Residents also can give back and enter for a chance to win $3,000 cash by donating to our tapkat campaign through July 4 at https://www.tapkat.org/broomfield-community-foundation/1EbZWE.

In addition, community members can join a committee, establish a personal fund to support what matters to them, participate in the annual Broomfield Gives Month in November in which donations to BCF will be matched up to $30,000, or join us at the annual Heart of Broomfield Awards on September 29.

We also have an amazing Youth Advisory Council composed of high-school-aged leaders who manage their own charitable fund and provide grants to local nonprofits. (www.broomfieldfoundation.org/yac)