Foundations aren’t the only organizations making donations to keep nonprofits running. Some of the best nonprofits in the state are backed by businesses. On November 9, Awards for Excellence recognized one such benefactor through the Governor John A. Love Award. The award is given to a corporation that improves the quality of life for Coloradans through a demonstrated commitment to the nonprofit sector. This year, U.S. Bank proved more than deserving of this honor.
The Governor John A. Love Award recipient may designate a $5,000 grant to the nonprofit of the corporation’s choice. This year, Hassan Salem, the state president of U.S. Bank in Colorado, chose to give the grant to the Colorado Foreclosure Hotline. The Colorado Foreclosure Hotline helps people keep their homes. After announcing the recipient of the funds, Salem had another announcement for the audience: U.S. Bank would match the $5,000 gift from El Pomar and the Colorado Division of Housing would match the sum, bringing the total donation to $20,000. This marked both the most money given to one organization through an individual award and also U.S. Bank’s tireless commitment to the community.
“For nearly 150 years, U.S. Bank has contributed to the strength and vitality of Colorado communities—providing lending, investment, contributions, volunteers and more to local nonprofits,” said Hassan Salem, president of U.S. Bank in Colorado. “Our nonprofit partners, in turn, work with us to create affordable housing, small business growth, economic opportunity, jobs and more financially savvy Coloradans. Receiving an award that recognizes the value of this work is an unexpected treasure.”
Based in Denver, U.S. Bank creates a community of giving by collaborating with numerous organizations to achieve the greatest amount of impact. Its decision to seek matching funds for the Love Award is an unprecedented example that demonstrates this collaborative nature.
Located in six of the nine regions in the state, U.S. Bank’s impact can be seen throughout Colorado. In El Pomar’s North Region, the following nonprofits received funding from U.S. Bank and El Pomar Foundation in 2009 and 2010: Alternatives to violence, Inc., Crossroads Safehouse, Inc., Ensight Skill Center, Habitat for Humanity-Estes Valley, House of Neighborly Service, Neighbor to Neighbor, Inc., United Way-Larimer County, and United Way- Weld County.