Philanthropy Center in Boulder?
May 5th, 2008 by contributor
To understand the concept of Philanthropy - it sometimes takes seeing it lived out. The word brings about an action, and in my mind it is to give of what you have to those that are in need. After doing some research, I have found primarily two types of Philanthropy Centers; those providing resource and services (including information and research pertaining to fund raising/grant writing, network connections, trainings and workshops), and those that facilitate program outreach, financial opportunities and hands-on activities.
Philanthropy is about giving financial resources, time, care and help to causes that people care about. As a City that is financially blessed in many ways, I would like to propose a tangible visualization of these blessings: The Philanthropy Center. We are a community filled with financial and inspirational leaders, political activists, non profit organizations, entrepreneurs, designers, and creatives - so why not use our resources to create a physical space that would benefit our community on local, national and international levels?
I would like to see a public space in Boulder, Colorado that encompasses the following Philanthropy Center attributes:
- It would be an event space large enough to host city-wide events and festivals
- It would foster creativity
- It would provide a refreshing perspective to the world
- It would bring together the smartest minds in an effort to think outside the box
- It would offer opportunities to the art communities
- It would bridge the gap between the ‘have-nots’ and the ‘haves’
- It would be an architecturally beautiful building
- It would inspire dreams
- It would bring diversity
- It would provide an example to others “live by example”
- It would give to the hopeless
I would like to see a place that initiates actions and purpose that goes beyond our City. A space that builds upon the ingenuity and inspiration that makes this City what it is and redefines our City as a culture of givers. I would like to see a place that encourages our community to take a leap of faith into a world of sharing opportunity through the people and resources that make us who we are.
I like the idea of Boulder giving back; instilling the mind set of being culture of givers - especially as we are a community that has so much to give. A CENTER is a great concept to be both the foundation (providing the resources) as well as the action.
I am interested to see if the city is aware of this idea? Have you talked with the city? It seems to me that this could bring additional economic development to Boulder. I would be willing to get involved with this? What do you see as a next step?
There is a national Foundation Convention this week in Washington D.C. May 4th-7th. It is by approved invite only; however it is great to see people getting together to discuss the effect of giving.
What other ways are people giving besides giving their money? It would be great to hear from those that are investing into others. The concept of Kiva.org is taking giving on the road to 3rd world countries. What does that look like in Boulder.