What Community Foundation Boulder County does

Community Foundation Boulder County (CFBC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community foundation founded in 1991 and headquartered at 1123 Spruce Street in Boulder, Colorado. It serves Boulder County exclusively, operating as a philanthropic intermediary that connects individual donors, professional advisors, and corporate partners with local nonprofit organizations through donor-advised funds, endowed funds, field-of-interest funds, and a portfolio of equity-focused grantmaking programs (Community Trust, BRAVO, Open Door, Veterans, 15 Forever). Since inception, CFBC has distributed over $200 million in grants across more than 2,000 grants annually, and currently manages 396 funds on behalf of donors and nonprofits.

CFBC's product surface spans charitable giving vehicles, planned giving (Legacy Society with $35M+ committed), a Professional Advisor Program for wealth managers and attorneys, corporate Community Partners tiers ($2,500-$50,000), and Nonprofit Endowment hosting services. The underlying technology stack is modest: web-based donor and grantee portals built on the Akoyago platform (gofund, goapply, godonate subdomains), a content-managed public website, the proprietary Trends data platform that consolidates Boulder County social indicators, and a monthly radio program on KGNU. No public API, SDK, or AI/ML capability is documented. Core technology functions as administrative and informational infrastructure rather than a differentiated platform.

CFBC's revenue model rests on administrative fees on donor-advised and managed funds, tiered corporate partnership contributions, legacy gift commitments, and ancillary advisory fees. Donors establish charitable accounts with a $25,000 minimum (or $500,000 for self-directed investing through their own advisor), while grants to nonprofits flow through both donor-recommended and discretionary channels. CFBC is governed by a volunteer board and led by CEO Tatiana Hernandez; recent capacity expansion includes the June 2026 hire of a first Director of Housing Initiatives and participation in the CFLeads Economic Mobility Action Network to develop a regional housing strategy.

Name

Community Foundation Boulder County

Legal name

Community Foundation Boulder County

Website

https://commfound.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Community Foundation Boulder County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community foundation founded in 1991 that manages donor-advised funds, endowments, and equity-focused grantmaking programs for donors, advisors, and nonprofits throughout Boulder County.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Philanthropy and Grantmaking Services

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Charitable Giving & Philanthropic Trust Advisory (FSAEAKAH), Family Offices & Philanthropic Advisors (Grantmaking) (BPAGAKAD)

Keywords

• Community philanthropy
• Donor-advised funds
• Grantmaking services
• Nonprofit foundation
• Planned giving

Headquarters

HQ city

Boulder

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donor-Advised Funds: Donors establish charitable funds with minimum $25K, receiving immediate tax benefits while funds grow tax-free. The foundation earns administrative fees on managed assets. Funds can be endowed (preserving principal, 5% annual grants) or non-endowed (flexible annual giving). Donors can recommend grants to nonprofits or invest through the foundation's pools or their own advisors (minimum $500K for self-managed).
2. Community Partners Corporate Partnerships: Local businesses and civic leaders contribute annual fees at tiered levels (Copper $2,500 to Diamond $50,000) to support foundation events and programs. Partners receive recognition including website listings, newsletter mentions, social media, and signature event visibility.
3. Professional Advisor Program: The foundation partners with wealth managers, financial advisors, accountants, and attorneys to help clients establish charitable giving vehicles. As a nonprofit, fees support operations and core programs serving Boulder County.
4. Planned Giving / Legacy Society: Donors commit planned gifts through bequests, beneficiary designations, or charitable remainder trusts. Over $35M committed through legacy gifts. Revenue supports long-term foundation sustainability and community programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Community Foundation Boulder County is a 501(c)(3) public charity that stewards charitable assets on behalf of individual donors, families, and nonprofits through donor-advised funds, endowed and non-endowed funds, planned giving, nonprofit endowments, and managed (designated and field-of-interest) funds. It distributes grants to Boulder County nonprofits through a portfolio of equity-focused grantmaking funds (Community Trust, BRAVO, Open Door, Veterans, and 15 Forever), while also providing philanthropic advisory services to professional advisors, corporate partnership programs to local businesses, and a community data resource (Trends) to inform civic decision-making.

Product overview

Community Foundation Boulder County operates as a philanthropic hub offering a portfolio of grantmaking funds, donor services, and community programs. The core products include Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) with three subtypes (Endowed, Non-Endowed, Gift Fund), and five named Equity-focused grantmaking funds: Community Trust, 15 Forever (youth engagement), BRAVO Fund (Latino communities), Open Door Fund (LGBTQ+ community), and Veterans Fund. Supporting services include Legacy Society (planned giving), Professional Advisor Program (for wealth managers and attorneys), Nonprofit Endowments, Managed Funds (Designated and Field of Interest), and Community Partners corporate sponsorships. The foundation also publishes Trends, a data resource on community social indicators, and produces a monthly radio show 'A Public Affair' on KGNU. The organization participates in the CFLeads Economic Mobility Action Network for housing strategy development. All programs are delivered through web-based fund management and grant application portals; no public API is offered.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Community Trust: Grantmaking fund addressing needs throughout Boulder County in areas including animal care and welfare, arts and culture, civic engagement, education, environment, and health and human services
• Equity Funds
• BRAVO Fund
• Open Door Fund
• Veterans Fund
• 15 Forever Fund
• Donor-Advised Funds
• Legacy Society

Products and services

• Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) Charitable giving accounts allowing donors to contribute cash, securities, or other assets (minimum $25K), receive immediate tax benefits, and grow funds tax-free while recommending grants to nonprofits over time. Offered in three variants: Invested Fund (Endowed) preserving principal with up to 5% annual grants; Invested Fund (Non-Endowed) allowing flexible annual giving without restrictions; and Gift Fund holding assets in cash for immediate grantmaking. Self-directed investment through donor's own advisor requires a minimum $500K fund. Targeted at individual donors and families seeking tax-efficient, locally stewarded philanthropy.
• Community Trust The foundation's discretionary grantmaking fund addressing evolving needs throughout Boulder County in areas including animal care and welfare, arts and culture, civic engagement, education, environment, and health and human services. Grants are awarded annually to nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, and fiscally sponsored projects serving Boulder County; recent cohorts funded 100–145 partner organizations per year.
• 15 Forever Fund A grantmaking fund established in 2006 to promote civic engagement, philanthropy, and leadership among Boulder County youth. The fund distributes grants to youth-focused nonprofits based on funding priorities identified by a youth advisory committee.
• BRAVO Fund A permanent endowment aiming to improve the quality of life for Latino communities throughout Boulder County. The fund raises money and distributes grants supporting arts, environmental, health and human services, civic, educational, and cultural aspects of Latino communities, with priority given to projects initiated by Latinos to benefit Latinos.
• Open Door Fund A permanent endowment supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals and allies in Boulder County. Since 1996, the fund has raised over $2M from thousands of donors and distributed nearly $1M to provide for the continuing needs of this community. In 2025, $47.3K was granted to 11 organizations.
• Veterans Fund A permanent endowment supporting Boulder County Veterans and their families by raising money and distributing grants to community partners to create, sustain, or expand programs and projects for Veterans. In 2025, $11.2K was granted to 6 organizations.
• Legacy Society A planned giving program recognizing donors who include the foundation in their estate planning through bequests, beneficiary designations, or charitable remainder trusts. Over $35M has been committed through legacy gifts. The program offers personalized legacy planning support to ensure donors' charitable wishes are fulfilled.
• Professional Advisor Program A program connecting wealth managers, financial advisors, accountants, and attorneys with foundation staff to build charitable giving plans for clients. Benefits include administrative and grant services, donor anonymity, educational offerings, philanthropic advising, family philanthropy facilitation, and investment management through the foundation's investment pools or the donor's own advisor (minimum $500K fund).
• Nonprofit Endowments Long-term funds held and managed by the foundation on behalf of nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits may receive annual distributions for unrestricted use, with a recommended 5% annual payout and any balance reinvested in principal.
• Community Partners Program A corporate partnership program offering six annual giving levels (Diamond $50,000, Platinum $25,000, Gold $15,000, Silver $10,000, Bronze $5,000, Copper $2,500) with recognition including website and newsletter listings, Trends convening visibility, and signature annual Friends Party recognition. Targeted at local Boulder County businesses seeking meaningful community impact.
• Managed Funds Funds hosted by the community foundation for organizations or causes. Includes Designated Funds providing ongoing support to specific nonprofits, and Field of Interest Funds focusing giving on specific cause areas such as arts, education, or environment.
• Resilience Fund: Collaboration Grants A grantmaking program supporting Boulder County nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects in assessing the feasibility of or establishing collaborations that strengthen capacity and result in more efficient use of resources. Open application period: Jun 4, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $200M in total funds granted since 1991
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Tebo PropertiesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2025Shopping center owner partnered with CFBC to lead the 'Nederland Strong Block Party for Revival & Recovery' benefit concert for businesses and employees displaced by the Caribou Village fire.
• CFLeadscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2024Community Foundation Boulder County participated in the CFLeads Economic Mobility Action Network (EMAN) from September 2024 through October 2025. This peer learning program helped CFBC engage communities to develop a local economic mobility agenda while building foundation capacity. CFBC worked with local partners to support the Regional Housing Strategy.
• Regional Housing PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with Lisa Ritchie from the Regional Housing Partnership through the CFLeads EMAN process to explore how the foundation could support the community's Regional Housing Strategy.
• Boulder County Housing AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Susanna Lopez-Baker from Boulder County Housing Authority through the CFLeads EMAN process to advance affordable, attainable housing initiatives.
• KGNU RadiominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCFBC hosts 'A Public Affair' radio show on KGNU community radio, featuring monthly discussions with nonprofit leaders, civic officials, and community organizations on topics including Veterans, housing, arts, food security, and LGBTQ+ issues.
• Prismatic ConsultingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSurvey and data analysis partner supporting the 2026 Boulder County Nonprofit Survey Report.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Chicago Community Trust: Long-established community foundation serving the Chicago region with donor-advised funds, endowment services, equity-focused initiatives, and community data products. Highly comparable operating model and program mix, useful for benchmarking institutional community foundations.
• Foundation For The Carolinas: Charlotte-based community foundation managing a large pool of donor-advised funds, scholarships, and corporate giving programs. Comparable mid-large community foundation with similar DAF, planned giving, and equity focus.
• The Denver Foundation: Colorado's largest community foundation, operating a comparable donor-advised fund, discretionary grantmaking, and community-led giving model in the Denver metro area. Directly comparable in structure, fund types, and equity-focused initiatives, and serves as the most relevant in-state peer for CFBC.
• Greater Houston Community Foundation: Regional community foundation offering donor-advised funds, planned giving, and competitive grantmaking to a single metropolitan area. Comparable in scale, fund types, and community-led grantmaking approach to CFBC.
• Silicon Valley Community Foundation: One of the largest community foundations in the U.S., managing multi-billion-dollar donor-advised funds and place-based grantmaking. While substantially larger than CFBC, it operates the same community foundation model with comparable DAF, legacy, and equity-focused programs at a different scale.
• Aspen Community Foundation: Community foundation serving a single affluent Colorado county with donor-advised funds, charitable giving vehicles, and place-based grantmaking. Closely comparable geography, donor profile, and operating model; useful for benchmarking AFUM and grant throughput against CFBC.
• Pikes Peak Community Foundation: Colorado Springs-based community foundation operating DAFs, scholarship funds, and discretionary grantmaking in El Paso County. Comparable nonprofit community foundation model with similar fund types and donor-advised fund services to CFBC.

Others

• Schwab Charitable: National donor-advised fund sponsor affiliated with Charles Schwab, offering low-fee DAFs integrated with Schwab brokerage accounts. A direct national competitor to CFBC's DAF and self-managed investment options.

Broad incumbents

• Fidelity Charitable: Largest national donor-advised fund sponsor, backed by Fidelity Investments. Directly competes with CFBC's DAF product on convenience, scale, and integrated brokerage services — the principal national alternative CFBC is positioning against in its 'Closer to Home' donor migration campaign.
• National Philanthropic Trust: National independent DAF sponsor managing one of the largest pools of donor-advised fund assets in the U.S. Competes with CFBC for DAF donors but at national scale, offering similar tax-advantaged charitable accounts with broader geographic flexibility.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCNkOL_wjydpkHFwdOL62Upw
• Facebookfacebook.com/Commfound
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/community-foundation-boulder-county
• Instagraminstagram.com/commfound
• Xx.com/CommFound

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments15 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Community Foundation Boulder County