About COFIE

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.  

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COFIE Steering Committee and Staff

• Monica Abrahams - COFIE Program Manager
• Crystal Ayala-Goldstein - Caring For Denver Foundation
• Zach Jonas - The Denver Foundation
• Mariana Diaz - The Colorado Trust
• Jacquie Esquibel - Caring for Denver Foundation
• ​Marcie Moore Gantz - Colorado State Historical Fund
• Saira Hamidi - The Colorado Trust
• ​Kristi Petrie - AJL Foundation
• Paola Ramírez - Chévere Educational Consulting ​

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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. 
  

Group Agreements

Come as you are

• We are the sum of many parts, including identity, state of mind, energy, and more. We strive to create a safe space where members are empowered and engaged to share as they are able and desire to do so, while contributing to the collective presence in the room.​

Uphold confidentiality

• Stories and details must stay, but lessons and tools can leave. Share from your experience unless you have consent from other parties to share their experience and/or story. Assume that members are speaking from their own experience and not on behalf of their respective organizations unless they say otherwise.​

Be curious

• Listen with active curiosity. Ask questions to understand rather than to be right. Recognize that there are different perspectives, experiences and realities in the room. When speaking, use ‘I’ statements. Pause and get curious when you are feeling activated about what is going on inside you that needs attention.

Growth is at the edge of discomfort and we embrace this discomfort

• We don’t grow by staying in our comfort zone, nor do we want to be in the panic zone. We learn and grow in the middle - the stretch zone, the place that challenges us. In this zone, we expect and accept some discomfort and at times, a lack of closure or clarity.
  

Accept that First Drafts are okay

• It’s okay to speak in first drafts. We understand that we are continuously building trust with each other and we give grace and space to learn and grow. We are committed to being intentional in our speech to avoid and reduce harm; if our words don’t align with our intention, we take steps to tend to the impact.​

Create culture with caring call-ins

• Address conflict, or a real or perceived transgression, directly with the person/s involved. Acknowledge good intent and also tend to the impact. Be transparent and forthcoming about your intention for the conversation. All parties involved are asked to enter the conversation with the goal of leaving with stronger understanding and commitments to change behavior as needed. Feel free to reach out to a member of the COFIE Steering Committee if support would be helpful.