About COFIE

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Colorado Funders for Inclusiveness and Equity (COFIE) exists to support, educate and embolden Colorado funders to lead the movement toward inclusivity and equity in philanthropy. 

COFIE has two purposes. First, the group serves as a resource to local funders as they challenge their thinking and consider implementing changes within their own organizations regarding inclusiveness and equity. The group provides ideas, information, and educational opportunities to interested parties.

Second, the group serves as a support network for members as they educate themselves about inclusiveness, equity, diversity, and anti-oppression practices. The group offers a confidential, respectful and trusting learning environment for all where ideas can be shared and discussed openly.

Membership is free and open to all Colorado funders. For more information, contact us.  

COFIE Steering Committee and Staff

  • Monica Abrahams - COFIE Program Manager
  • Zach Clapper - The Denver Foundation
  • Jacquie Esquibel - Caring 4 Denver Foundation
  • Brian Firooz - Gary Community Ventures
  • Marcie Gantz - Colorado State Historical Fund
  • Saira Hamidi - The Colorado Trust
  • ​Kristi Petrie - AJL Foundation
  • Paola Ramirez - RESCHOOL Colorado 

History

COFIE was created in 2008. At that time, several current COFIE members were involved with the Colorado Association of Funders (CAF) and delivered a very sucessful program that was attended by nearly 100 grantmakers. It was clear there was an appetite for information about how to become a more inclusive organization.

​A group of grantmakers took on the charge and worked with a facilitator to create COFIE. More than a year was spent developing the group's values, operating beliefs, etc. What started as a small group of about ten people has grown into a vibrant group of more than 300 grantmakers committed to personal and professional development to advance and promote inclusiveness and equity.

Statement of Beliefs

COFIE understands that we exist in a community rich in diversity, and we:
  • Define equity as freedom from bias and equal access to opportunity regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, class, age and ability.
  • Recognize that we each have the responsibility and power to further equity in philanthropy regardless of experience or roles within our organizations. 
  • Honor the varied experiences and perspectives of our members and are committed to creating a supportive space where members can safely bring our full selves to the conversations and work.
  • Work to build relationships, share expertise and collaborate with the larger nonprofit sector wherever possible. 

Operating Principles

Accountability
  • We use what we learn here in our personal and professional lives to the best of our ability.
  • We demonstrate inclusive attitudes and behaviors and are open to new ideas.
  • We are candid about our ability to undertake projects or endorse positions and will follow through on our commitments.
  • We share ownership of COFIE by rotating responsibilities like meeting facilitation, hosting meetings and events, supporting program activities and disseminating external communications.
Healthy Power Dynamics
  • All commit to be the change we want to see in the world.
  • We agree to work through and address conflicts in a respectful manner.
  • We give permission for our colleagues to respectfully call us out when we're embarking on a power trip.
  • We check our assumptions and examine our motives before calling someone out.
  • We disclose all the hats we wear and which one we're currently sporting as well as our needs and agendas.
  • We don't project fantasies about who in the room has power to make change in their organizations, grantees or communities.
  • We own and exercise the power we have, when we have it, to make change in our organizations, grantees and communities.
Respect
  • We show up, on time and listen deeply, without digital distraction.
  • We foster open discussion of issues related to inclusiveness and equity.
  • We create a safe space where everyone is empowered to fully participate.
  • We ensure the identities of all Coloradans are honored and spoken of respectfully.
  • We acknowledge that each individual - and the organization they serve - is at a different place on a continuum.
  • We respect the confidentiality of the identities of community members, staff, board members, and nonprofits with whom we work.
  • When we debate, we seek greater understanding rather than conversion.
Confidentiality
  • Many of the conversations and discussions that take place are confidential or sensitive in nature, and we recognize and respect that confidentiality.
  • We mark as confidential any documents or emails concerning COFIE processes or individual concerns.