What is Gary Community Ventures?
Gary Community Ventures is a philanthropic organization that blends the power of business, policy, and philanthropy to boost opportunities for Colorado kids and families. They’re not just about writing checks—they use their resources in smart ways: making impact investments, funding policy and advocacy initiatives, providing philanthropic grants, and even incubating new social change solutions through their Venture Lab. It’s all about creating real, lasting change.
The Main Benefit of Gary Community Ventures
At the heart of their work is a commitment to breaking down systemic barriers and building breakthrough solutions. Here’s a quick snapshot of what they focus on:
- School Readiness – helping kids start strong
- Youth Success – supporting young people to thrive
- Family Economic Mobility – empowering families to move forward financially
By combining business savvy, policy influence, and philanthropic passion, Gary Community Ventures partners with the community to reshape opportunity in Colorado.
How They Partner with the Community
Gary Community Ventures doesn’t work in isolation. Their mission is all about partnership—working hand-in-hand with the community to leverage different tools and resources. This collaborative approach helps ensure that solutions are not only innovative but also deeply rooted in the needs and voices of those they serve. It’s a team effort aimed at reshaping the arc of opportunity for Colorado’s kids and families.
Commitment to Racial Equity
One of the core values driving Gary Community Ventures is a strong commitment to understanding and addressing racial oppression. They openly acknowledge both individual and collective privilege and actively bring diverse perspectives into their work. This focus on racial equity isn’t just a side note—it’s central to everything they do, aiming to create a more just and equitable Colorado for all.
The Venture Lab: Incubating Social Change
The Venture Lab is where new ideas come to life. It’s an incubator for social change solutions, designed to test and grow innovative approaches that can break down barriers and improve outcomes. This lab is a space for creativity, experimentation, and collaboration—helping to turn promising concepts into real-world impact.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Quality Education (SDG 4) – by promoting school readiness and youth success
- Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) – through efforts to dismantle systemic barriers and advance racial equity
- Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) – by supporting family economic mobility
- Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) – leveraging business, policy, and philanthropy in collaboration with the community
The Vision for Colorado’s Future
The vision driving Gary Community Ventures is clear and inspiring: all children in Colorado should have the chance to grow up healthy and reach their full potential. It’s a big goal, but with their integrated approach and deep community partnerships, they’re making strides toward a future where opportunity is truly accessible to everyone. It’s about reshaping the future—one child, one family, one community at a time.
