AFP Colorado Chapter

AFP Colorado honors the lives and leadership of two former board presidents who shaped our chapter and our profession.

Kathie Kramer Ryan passed away on April 30 after a long journey with endometrial cancer. Kathie served on the AFP Colorado Board from 2006 to 2011 and was Chapter President in 2010. Her distinguished career included roles with The Blue Bench, the Denver Art Museum, The Lab at Belmar, and DSST Public Schools, before launching her own firm, Arroyo Fundraising. Kathie was a generous mentor and a steady champion for ethical fundraising in Colorado. A memorial will be held on June 5 at 1:00 p.m. at Table Mountain Events in Golden.

Michael Blimes passed away recently in Las Vegas. Michael served on the AFP Colorado Board from 2005 to 2012 and was Chapter President in 2008. His career spanned Colorado State University, the Denver Symphony Orchestra, the American Humane Association, and the Aspen Valley Medical Association, as well as significant work in Arizona and Nevada. Through his firm, MIDAS Consulting, he supported countless organizations. In 2023, AFP Global recognized him as a Distinguished Fellow for his contributions to the profession.

We are grateful for their leadership, service, and friendship. Their impact endures in the Colorado fundraising community.

Join us for our June Coffee Chat: No Budget, Big Insight: Free Nonprofit Data Resources

Speakers: Maryanne Flynn and Brooke Jennings, Denver Public Library

Coffee Chat is the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Join us at:

Junior League of Denver**
1301 S. Washington Street
Denver CO 80210

**The parking lot is reserved for staff and members, so we ask that coffee chat attendees use the surrounding streets for parking.

Anyone with fundraising duties in their job description is welcome to attend. Coffee Chats are free to everyone and there is no need to register.

What do you know about Building Performance Standards and Energize Denver Standards? Nothing? That can cost you a lot of money.

When the event organizer conducted his first energy audit for his organization, a total of $1.8 million in fines was looming over the next 6 years if his organization did nothing to improve energy efficiency.

Fortunately, there are funding opportunities available to address these issues, and these funders will present at the Nonprofit Energy Resources for Decarbonization event on June 4:

Colorado Energy Office
Denver Regional Council of Governments
Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency - City and County of Denver
Xcel Energy

They will present about the energy efficiency requirements as well as the opportunities that exist for building owners in Denver and throughout Colorado to upgrade their buildings to get them in compliance.

To put it in fundraiser parlance, there will be more capital campaign gifts in this room than you will see the rest of the year!

Register now: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/uvbhnym

And, tell your CEO, COO, and Director of Facilities that this is one that they need to consider, too!

As Older Americans Month comes to an end, we are excited to highlight the work of Luna Collins and the team at Coal Creek Meals on Wheels . Serving communities across Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, and Superior, CCMOW is doing far more than delivering meals. Through nutritious food, meaningful connection, and programs that support independence, the organization is helping older adults age with dignity and remain connected to their communities. In this conversation, Luna shares how CCMOW is expanding access to meals, advancing sustainability initiatives, celebrating the importance of Older Americans Month, and how mentorship through AFP Colorado has supported her growth as a fundraising professional.

❓Can you give us an overview of CCMOW's mission and your role?

Coal Creek Meals on Wheels’ mission is to support independence and quality of life for residents in Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, and Superior by providing nutritious meals and meaningful social connection. In my role as Foundation & Corporate Relationship Manager, I focus on building and strengthening partnerships with foundations, businesses, and community organizations. I help secure funding through grants, sponsorships, and in-kind support, while also leading outreach and communications efforts that raise awareness of our work. Ultimately, my role is about connecting community resources to our mission so we can serve more people and deepen our impact.

❓Can you share a recent win or story that you're excited about?

I’m really excited about a couple of recent initiatives that expand both our impact and sustainability. Thanks to a grant from Boulder County Public Works’ Resource Conservation Division, we’re taking meaningful steps toward reducing waste by introducing reusable to-go containers in the Coal Creek Café and transitioning away from single-use serving items. At the same time, we’ve been able to expand access to our meals by growing our grab-and-go distribution network. We recently added a new site at Broomfield FISH with support from the Broomfield Community Foundation, which allows us to reach even more community members who benefit from convenient, nutritious meal options.

❓Can you tell us about Older Americans Month and how that is connected to your organization/those you serve?

Older Americans Month is a time to recognize the contributions, resilience, and diverse experiences of older adults, while also raising awareness about the importance of supporting healthy aging. At CCMOW, this is deeply connected to our work. Many of the individuals we serve are older adults who rely on our meals not just for nutrition, but also for connection and the ability to remain independent in their homes. Our services help reduce isolation and support dignity and quality of life. Older American Month is also an opportunity for us to celebrate our neighbors and highlight the importance of community support in helping people age with independence.

❓Has your involvement with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (specifically the Colorado Chapter) supported your professional growth as a fundraiser? If so, how?

My involvement with AFP Colorado has been incredibly valuable, especially through the mentorship program. I’ve found the mentorship to be both motivating and encouraging. My mentor, Marissa Briceno, has been especially helpful in sharing practical strategies for staying organized and tracking deliverables in a way that allows me to clearly see progress and impact over time. That kind of guidance has strengthened both my day-to-day work and my long-term growth as a fundraiser.

As Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us, mental health is not a separate issue affecting only a few; it is part of every person’s story, every workplace, and every community. Across Colorado, organizations and advocates are working to reduce stigma, expand access to care, and create systems where individuals and families can truly thrive.

This month, we spoke with Amy Stewart of Mental Health Colorado about the organization’s statewide impact, recent legislative victories supporting youth mental health, and the important role Mental Health Awareness Month continues to play in advancing understanding, advocacy, and well-being for all Coloradans.

❓Can you give us an overview of Mental Health Colorado mission and your role?
Mental Health Colorado is a nonprofit mental health organization and the leading nonpartisan advocate for mental health in our state. We work to promote mental well-being, increase access to care, reduce discrimination, and ensure all Coloradans have the opportunity to thrive. Through education and community engagement we are creating lasting changes across the lifespan—from early childhood to aging adults.

Mental Health Colorado is an affiliate of Mental Health America, a nonprofit organization that works on federal level mental health related policy and advocacy, and also the founder of Mental Health Awareness Month.

❓Can you share a recent win or story that you're excited about?
The passage of SB26-060: Mental Health Training in Concussion Education, also known as Alyssa's Youth Concussion and Mental Health Protection Act.

This legislation helps strengthen mental health supports for youth athletes by equipping coaches with education and helping families better recognize potential mental health impacts following concussion.

❓Can you tell us about Mental Health Awareness Month and how that is connected to your organization/those you serve?

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the US since 1949. Initiated as Mental Health Awareness Week by Mental Health America, it was started to promote greater understanding of mental health and promote reform to harsh systems.

Mental Health Colorado is using this month to promote mental health with the understanding that mental health is part of everyone's story, and while mental health is often treated as an individual issue it is influenced by far more than personal experience, including systems, policies, environments, community and relationships.

❓Has your involvement with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (specifically the Colorado Chapter) supported your professional growth as a fundraiser? If so, how?

YES! AFP CC has been an integral part of my learning and career development in the nonprofit space. I have leaned on education sessions, online content and - most importantly - the network of colleagues I've met through AFPCC for insights, advice and support. I have also had the opportunity to serve as a mentor and in leadership roles through committees and boards that have provided me with critical experience that has influenced how I show up as a colleague, leader and human in my work. I am deeply grateful for the experiences AFPCC has enabled, and for the wonderful people I have met through AFPCC.

Why AFP Colorado membership makes a difference: Local relationships. Leadership opportunities. Real connection.

AFP Colorado brings the global strength of AFP to our local fundraising community creating space for connection, leadership, and shared learning.

Local benefits for AFP Colorado members include:

🌟Leadership development opportunities: Serve on committees, take on leadership roles, and develop skills that benefit both your organization and your personal career trajectory.

🌟 Engaged, member only community: Attend exclusive social and networking events designed to foster authentic relationships, beyond business cards and LinkedIn requests.

🌟Structured mentoring opportunities: Participate in AFP Colorado’s mentoring program to gain perspective, insight, and encouragement from experienced professionals who have walked similar paths.

🌟Coffee Chats with local leaders: Join informal conversations that allow you to connect personally with peers, chapter leaders, and seasoned professionals in our region.

🌟Thursday Thoughts: stay connected with chapter news, resources, learning opportunities, and ways to get involved—delivered straight to your inbox.

AFP Colorado is where fundraising professionals build relationships that last and careers that grow. Learn more here: https://afpcc.org/new-item22/join689685

Check out this AFP ICON recap from Brittany Vital, Director of Development at TGTHR to end youth homelessness and this year's Chamberlain Scholar!

"Attending AFP ICON 2026 in San Diego this April as a Chamberlain Scholar was an incredible experience, and one I’m deeply grateful for.

Thank you to AFP Global for creating opportunities like the Chamberlain Scholarship and to AFP Colorado Chapter for supporting my attendance through a travel stipend. Having the opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and fully invest in my professional growth was both energizing and impactful.

As my first AFP ICON, what stood out most was the people. I had the chance to build new connections, reconnect with familiar faces, and be reminded how valuable this profession’s network truly is. AFP creates space for lifelong relationships, mentorship, and collaboration, and I left feeling inspired by the generosity and passion of fundraisers across the country.

I also came back with so many practical ideas I’m excited to bring into my work at TGTHR to end youth homelessness, especially around strengthening monthly giving programs, creative donor stewardship, and finding ways to work more efficiently and sustainably without sacrificing quality or personal wellbeing.

Conferences like this are a powerful reminder that professional development matters. Taking time to learn, connect, and grow ultimately makes us stronger leaders and stronger advocates for our missions.

If you’ve ever considered getting involved with AFP, I highly encourage it. Opportunities like this can truly shape your career, expand your network, and reignite your passion for the work we do every day. I'd be happy to connect as an AFP Board member to talk more about membership and the benefits of this wonderful network!"

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Happy Hour and Mentee Celebration last week! And thank you to Wipfli for hosting!

May’s Coffee Chat, Taxes… the Season is Not Over Yet!, featured Brandy Bertram from Great Big Good, LLC and Shawna Mounsey Shawna Mounsey from the Colorado Children's Campaign in a guided discussion about how understanding tax policy, charitable tax credits, and donor tax strategy can help nonprofits maximize giving opportunities, strengthen fundraising conversations, and enhance donor relationships.

The discussion encouraged fundraisers to better understand the interaction of charitable giving, capital gains, tax deductions, and tax credits, invoking thoughtful questions, creating strategies to build stronger donor relationships, and unique ways to connect supporters with trusted professional resources (and how to build those networks).

Make sure to mark your calendars for our next Coffee Chat on June 9!

A recent episode of What the Fundraising featuring Mallory Erickson and Dr. Linnea Passaler explored a topic that deserves more attention across our profession: nervous system regulation and fundraiser wellness.

The conversation reframes burnout in an important way. Burnout is not simply about poor time management or working too many hours. Often, it is the result of prolonged stress and a nervous system that has remained in a constant state of activation for too long. For many fundraisers, that reality feels familiar.

Check out the full podcast episode here: https://malloryerickson.com/podcast/293-fundraiser-wellness-healing-your-nervous-system-with-dr-linnea-passaler/