We believe that ideas and people – when connected, focused and properly resourced – can accomplish extraordinary things. We know we can’t do it alone, but by activating the needed ingredients, we can achieve it together. We want Jefferson County to be the model for what happy and thriving communities look like and we have big dreams and hopes for our county that we look forward to accomplishing together, with you.
Community First Foundation has earned the Gold Transparency 2022.
Here are some of our honors and other ways we are involved in the community.
Top 25 Most Powerful Women In Business Award – Awarded to Kelly Dunkin, president and CEO of Community First Foundation, on Aug. 11, 2022 by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce.
2022 Jeffco Schools Foundation Engagement Award – Awarded May 14, 2022 as a community partner who goes above and beyond to serve Jeffco students and families.
Behind the Scenes Community Partner, 2020 – Awarded Aug. 6, 2021 by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce for efforts related to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Jeffco Hope Fund, and in response to efforts related to the tragedy in Olde Town to develop the Healing Fund. The award was presented to the team at Community First Foundation for “consistently showing up in response and recovery efforts, talent pipeline improvements, civility promotion and much more.”
Good News Jefferson County Coalition, 2021 – The 226 Jeffco Hope Grantees were honored by the Good News Jefferson County Coalition for their work responding to the needs of the county as impacted by the pandemic.
Community Champion Award, 2018 – President and CEO Marla J. Williams was honored by the Mental Health Center of Denver with an award for exceptional community leadership.
Top 25 Most Powerful Women, 2018 – The Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce named Marla J. Williams among the elite, selected group of Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Denver. Marla was recognized for her professional achievements and contributions to the Denver community.
Robert W. Scrivner Award for Creative Grantmaking, 2017 – The Council on Foundations awarded Noah Atencio, Vice President of Community Impact, this award for the creation and promotion of The Innovators Society, a program that funds promising, but not yet proven, approaches to mental wellness. Noah’s efforts have led to measurable growth of five mental wellness innovations in the Denver area and the creation of a 512-member network committed to accelerating new solutions for mental wellness.
Lifetime Achievement Award, 2017 – Colorado Planned Giving Roundtable honored Vickie Wilson, our recently retired Vice President of Development, with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Silver Anvil Award of Excellence, 2017 – The Public Relations Society of America (national) recognized the communications department for its Colorado Gives Day 2016 marketing campaign.
Silver Pick Awards winner, 2017 – The Public Relations Society of America – Colorado Chapter awarded the communications department three Silver Pick awards for its Colorado Gives Day 2016 campaign. We won in the categories of Community Relations, Events and Observances, and Integrated Communications.
In Appreciation and Support for Colorado Gives Day, 2017 – Recognition from the SUN Foundation of Community First Foundation’s support of Colorado Gives Day.
Lawyer of the Year, 2017 – Community First Foundation former Board Member Stephanie Tuthill was recognized by The Best Lawyers in America 2017 publication as the Lawyer of the Year for Denver in the field of trusts and estates. Learn more about Stephanie Tuthill’s recognition >
Community Partnership Award, 2016 – The Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA), City of Arvada and the AEDA Business Retention Committee awarded the Foundation for improving quality of life within the Arvada community. Video about our contributions >
Children’s Champion Award, awarded by Triad, the Early Childhood Council for Clear Creek, Gilpin and Jefferson Counties, 2016 – Given to individuals and organizations who have demonstrated outstanding contribution to improving the lives of young children and their families in the counties of Jefferson, Clear Creek and Gilpin.
Champions of Education Award, awarded by Red Rocks Community College Foundation, 2015
Woman of Distinction, awarded by Girl Scouts of Colorado, honoring Cheryl Haggstrom, Executive Vice President of Community First Foundation, 2015 – Honorees are women who have reached remarkable levels of achievement as business, community and civic leaders.
Foundation of the Year, awarded by The Action Center, 2014 – The Action Center recognized and thanked Community First Foundation for our deep belief and commitment to The Action Center’s mission.
Outstanding Foundation of the Year, awarded by National Philanthropy Day, 2013 – National Philanthropy Day is a special day set aside nationwide each November to recognize the thousands of generous people and organizations who donated their time, talent and financial resources to worthy causes.
Outstanding Foundation of the Year, awarded by Ability Connection Colorado, 2013 – The nonprofit serving people with disabilities and challenges recognized Community First Foundation for our commitment to the nonprofits in our community and for our efforts to help nonprofits build endowments.
Good News Jefferson County Coalition, Celebrate Jeffco – A celebration of the positive work being done in Jefferson County.
National Philanthropy Day 2020 – A celebration of nonprofit philanthropy.
Colorado Planned Giving Roundtable Symposium 2020 – Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute (RMPI) is AFP Colorado’s annual conference dedicated to bringing Colorado fundraising professionals and nonprofit staff together to learn, network, and rejuvenate their passion for service.
Colorado Nonprofit Conference 2020 – A two-day digital experience giving nonprofits intimately, online access to industry trailblazers, panel discussions, networking, self-care tips, cultural activities and more.
Arvada Chamber of Commerce Business Summit 2019 – Full day educational conference.
Colorado Nonprofit Association’s Fall Conference & Exhibition, 2019 – Annual event of skill-building and networking in support of Colorado’s nonprofit community.
Colorado Planned Giving Roundtable’s Summer Symposium, 2019 – Two-day regional planned giving conference featuring the industry’s top philanthropic speakers.
Annual Good News Breakfast, 2019 – Event to recognize good things happening in Jefferson County.
National Philanthropy Day Colorado, 2019 – Annual event presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Colorado Chapter to recognize contributions of philanthropy and people active in the philanthropic community.
Philanthropy Colorado (formerly Colorado Association of Funders) Luncheon, 2019.
Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute, 2019 – A two-day conference for more than 100 nonprofit leaders and development professionals.
Colorado Planned Giving Roundtable’s Summer Symposium, 2018 – Two-day regional planned giving conference featuring the industry’s top philanthropic speakers.
Colorado Nonprofit Association’s Fall Conference & Exhibition, 2018 – Annual event of skill-building and networking in support of Colorado’s nonprofit community.
Colorado Bar Association CLE Estate Planning Retreat, 2018 – A three-day educational event for trust and estate planning professionals.
Colorado Nonprofit Association’s Colorado Nonprofit Week Awards Luncheon, 2018 – Statewide, week-long event to celebrate and recognize the positive impact of nonprofits in Colorado.
Jefferson Center for Mental Health Diamond Anniversary Event, 2018
Colorado Bar Association CLE Estate Planning Retreat, 2017 – A three-day educational event for trust and estate planning professionals.
Seniors’ Resource Center Giving Hope Gala, 2017 – Fundraising event in honor of retiring President/CEO John Zabawa.
Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute, 2017 – A two-day conference for more than 100 nonprofit leaders and development professionals.
Colorado Planned Giving Roundtable’s Summer Symposium, 2017 – Two-day regional planned giving conference featuring the industry’s top philanthropic speakers.
Colorado Nonprofit Association’s Fall Conference & Exhibition, 2017 – Annual event of skill-building and networking in support of Colorado’s nonprofit community.
National Philanthropy Day Colorado, 2017 – Annual event presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Colorado Chapter to recognize contributions of philanthropy and people active in the philanthropic community.
Metro Community Partners Network (MCPN) Green Tie Gala, 2017 – Annual fundraiser; this year in honor of the retirement of David S. Myers.
Colorado Nonprofit Association’s Colorado Nonprofit Week Awards Luncheon, 2017 – Statewide, week-long event to celebrate and recognize the positive impact of nonprofits in Colorado.
Jefferson County Coalition’s Good News Breakfast, 2017 – Brings Jefferson County citizens together to celebrate positive happenings and values that link our diverse communities.
