[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 12] [Senate] [Pages 16624-16625] [From the U.S. 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. [[Page 16625]] 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. ____________________