[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 167 (Thursday, November 3, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S7124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE COLORADO NONPROFIT ASSOCIATION

 Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam President, today I honor the 
Colorado Nonprofit Association as it celebrates 25 years of supporting 
Colorado's nonprofit organizations and strengthening our communities.
  Colorado has a strong and diverse nonprofit sector with almost 19,000 
public charities. These nonprofits perform many services that 
strengthen Colorado's communities and enrich the lives of our 
residents. It is also important to note that even in our current 
troubled economy, these organizations are an engine of growth, 
generating almost $17 billion in revenue in 2009 and sustaining 
thousands of jobs throughout the State.
  Colorado Nonprofit Association is a statewide organization with 
almost 1,400 nonprofit members whose mission is to lead, assist, and 
strengthen nonprofits. Founded in 1986 as the Colorado Association of 
Nonprofit Organizations, its original charge was to create and support 
programs designed to increase the effectiveness of nonprofits around 
the State. The Association has since expanded its scope as the 
nonprofit sector has grown.
  The association has developed key resources for nonprofit 
organizations and the public. ``The Principles and Practices for 
Nonprofit Excellence in Colorado,'' first published in 2007, contains 
State and Federal legal requirements, management best practices, and 
transparency and accountability standards. Supported by Colorado's 
secretary of state and attorney general, the association has 
distributed more than 30,000 copies of this resource and conducted 
numerous training sessions around the State. The association's Colorado 
Generosity Project seeks to increase charitable giving in Colorado by 
increasing awareness of the nonprofit sector. It has also published 
several research reports about nonprofit economic activity and the 
beliefs and behaviors of Colorado's donors. Each of these initiatives 
has contributed to a greater culture of giving in the State while 
strengthening local economies and improving the well-being of every 
Coloradan.
  The association further encourages civic engagement by nonprofit 
organizations. With wide community networks, nonprofits are well 
situated to solve community and social problems and to engage 
policymakers in this effort. The Colorado Nonprofit Association 
provides resources and information to nonprofits to support their 
advocacy and develop productive working relationships with elected 
officials. I appreciate the association's continued partnerships, which 
make our State a better place to live.
  In the Nation's current economic climate, the demand for services and 
programs offered by nonprofit organizations is greater than ever. The 
Colorado Nonprofit Association provides the right leadership to assist 
our nonprofits in these challenging times. I recognize this 
organization for its contributions over the years and look forward to 
its continued success.

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