Guiding Principles for Members of the
Colorado Association of Funders

The Colorado Association of Funders

The Colorado Association of Funders is a nonprofit regional association serving organized grantmakers of all types and sizes across the state. CAF's mission is to bring people, information and resources together to promote effective and responsible philanthropy in Colorado. CAF recognizes and honors the diversity of our members: opinions, donor intent, philanthropic goals, and governance.

Members of the Colorado Association of Funders

As grantmakers we all share a commitment to our individual philanthropic missions and to the communities we serve. We are dedicated to effective stewardship and the accountable practice of grantmaking as set forth in our governing articles and bylaws.

Guiding Principles

As individual organizations and as members of CAF, we strive to adhere to high standards of ethical behavior in all aspects of our work by aspiring to the following principles.

  1. Honor the philanthropic mission of our organizations and the intent of our donors and founders;
  2. Work respectfully with applicants, grantees, donors, our colleagues, and the general public who seek information about our programs and activities;
  3. Make available basic information about our programs, funding priorities, and application processes;
  4. Fully understand and fulfill our fiduciary and legal responsibilities;
  5. Respect our applicants, grantees, donors, and colleagues and use discretion in communicating with others about specific organizations and individuals;
  6. Recognize and respect the diversity of the communities we serve;
  7. Be thoughtful and purposeful in our grantmaking and operations, and periodically review the practices that affect our governance, finance and accounting practices, communications, and grantmaking policies and procedures.