NFF spotlights Colorado nonprofit capacity-building work in new video

Nonprofit Finance Fund has released a video on its three-year Community Builders initiative with the Colorado Health Foundation, highlighting how flexible funding and consulting helped 20 nonprofits expand their reach. The story shows how trust-based support can strengthen community health organizations and scale local impact.

Why it matters: - The Community Builders initiative shows how flexible capital and hands-on consulting can help nonprofits grow their services and strengthen their financial footing. - The effort targeted 20 nonprofits working on the social drivers of community health in Colorado. - The video frames long-term nonprofit stability as a driver of stronger communities, not just stronger organizations.

What happened: - Nonprofit Finance Fund released a video titled “What Does It Take to Build Stronger Communities?” on July 7, 2026. - The video spotlights NFF’s three-year Community Builders initiative with the Colorado Health Foundation. - The initiative was funded by the Colorado Health Foundation and led by NFF. - The program combined unrestricted funding, technical assistance and participation stipends. - The support was designed to let nonprofit executives take part deeply in collaborative work serving their communities. - The video features participating leaders describing the impact of the funding and consulting support. - More information is available in the company’s announcement.

The details: - NFF’s consulting work helps nonprofits build budgets, create financial plans and address operating challenges. - NFF also helps organizations navigate complex operating scenarios and develop resilient business models. - NFF partners with foundations on strategic initiatives that align financial strategy with mission goals. - The work also aims to support grantees’ capacity and capabilities. - Bathsheba Everett, executive director of the Moyo Nguvu Cultural Arts Center, said the organization grew from serving about 350 people annually to more than 5,000 during the initiative. - Everett said that growth would not have happened without the mentoring, coaching and community built through Community Builders. - Everett said the experience gave the organization tools, understanding and resources to keep growing. - Stephania Vasconez, founder and executive director of Mutual Aid Partners, said the organization would not be where it is without NFF’s partnership and support. - NFF helped participating nonprofits expand services and move into larger spaces to increase reach and engagement. - NFF also helped groups invest in workers and make stronger cases in fundraising campaigns. - Charlyn Moss, founder and CEO of Working Within, said nonprofit organizations are doing impactful work and deserve room to grow. - NFF lists its broader mission as helping organizations access money and resources to realize community aspirations. - NFF describes itself as a nonprofit lender, consultant and advocate. - NFF was founded in 1980.

Between the lines: - The initiative reflects a trust-based model of philanthropy, where funders support self-determined needs instead of prescribing all of the work. - Brian Kellaway, senior director of consulting at NFF, said strong communities need strong nonprofits and strong nonprofits need funders willing to invest in long-term stability. - Ryan Severts, senior director of grantmaking operations at CHF, said trust between the funder, NFF and local Colorado communities was invaluable. - The partnership also appears built around peer learning and relationship-building, not just grants and advisory services. - That approach can multiply impact because it supports organizational infrastructure, not only program delivery.

What's next: - NFF says the video is meant to share what the Community Builders model accomplished and how similar support can strengthen other nonprofit networks. - The organization will continue working with foundations on strategic initiatives tied to financial strategy and mission alignment. - The Community Builders example suggests future philanthropic efforts may lean further into unrestricted funding, technical assistance and long-term capacity building.

The bottom line: - NFF and the Colorado Health Foundation used a mix of trust, flexibility and consulting to help Colorado nonprofits grow their reach and resilience.