Thank you for partnering with the Colorado Energy Foundation. We encourage you to take advantage of your Colorado Energy Foundation grant to help raise awareness of your organization’s mission and the impact of the important work you do in our communities. We want to help you achieve this goal and maximize this opportunity, and have created this toolkit of resources to make it as easy as possible to share the good news and amplify our partnership. This toolkit includes several components, including content for press releases and media statements, social media platforms, and key messages to engage your stakeholders. All current grant recipients are authorized to use any of the resources in this toolkit for any press release, newsletter, website, blog, email, social media post or other communications vehicle that describes or refers to your Colorado Energy Foundation grant.
Download Colorado Energy Foundation Toolkit
Download this folder containing Colorado Energy Foundation logos and MOU, and an invitation letter for the 5th Annual Mardi Gras Ball to share with your cohort.
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cef_toolkit_2021.zip | |
File Size: | 4039 kb |
File Type: | zip |
Branding Guidelines
Approved language describing Colorado Energy Foundation Grant
[ORGANIZATION NAME] is pleased to be a beneficiary and grant recipient of the Colorado Energy Foundation this year. The Colorado Energy Foundation is working with a diverse cohort of nonprofits partners who, through their work, reduce the systemic barriers to equity and access to opportunity for all Coloradans. [ORGANIZATION NAME] will use this partnership with the Colorado Energy Foundation to support our work in [insert what the grant funds will be used for, who it helps and what the expected outcomes will be]
Approved description of the Colorado Energy Foundation
The Colorado Energy Foundation was incorporated in 2019 as a 501(c)(3) supporting organization of the Colorado Oil & Gas Association. The Colorado Energy Foundation seeks to amplify existing philanthropic efforts of the oil and gas industry in Colorado and develop new community partnerships through strategic investment.
The Colorado Energy Foundation is supported by a diverse community of companies and individuals in the broader oil and gas industry in Colorado. This year, four nonprofits were selected as grant recipients by the Colorado Energy Foundation. We are honored to be part of a diverse cohort of fellow nonprofits who are partnering and working collaboratively to amplify our investment in Colorado communities. Our cohort includes Energy Outreach Colorado, Habitat for Humanity of Colorado, Oilfield Helping Hands and Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado.
Approved quotes
“Each of the community partners selected for funding this year share a common thread – they are committed to reducing systemic barriers to equity and access for all Coloradans through their mission. From providing essential food and energy security, to supporting student achievement and developing Colorado’s workforce of the future, each of these organizations have a fundamental impact on our communities.”
Sara Reynolds, Executive Director, Colorado Energy Foundation.
“Colorado’s oil and natural gas industry has a long history of supporting local nonprofits throughout the state. By leveraging the collective resources of the Colorado Energy Foundation through an enhanced strategic plan, these efforts will be amplified to further cultivate relationships and support these organizations that serve Colorado families and communities.”
Dan Haley, President and CEO, Colorado Oil and Gas Association.
Messaging
Sharing the news about the projects you are undertaking with the grant from the Colorado Energy Foundation is a great way to keep your community engaged. Positive news can go a long way to inspire and motivate communities, and we encourage you to look for milestones to share news along the way either via traditional media such as community newspapers and websites or on your own social channels.
Writing and Structuring a Press Release
HEADER:
HEADLINE/SUBJECT: (ONE LINE ONLY)
BODY:
### ABOUT: (COUPLE SENTENCES ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION/MISSION AND LINK TO WEBSITE) |
Social Media
@ColoradoOilGas
Download these graphics and feel free to edit or customize them to help you craft your own social media message to share.
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Outreach
Stakeholder Outreach
Communicating with stakeholders and members of the community about this grant is important so they understand what the Colorado Energy Foundation grant entails and how it will benefit the community and/or your organization. It is also important to convey to your stakeholders how they are an important part of this process while encouraging them to help get your message out.
Your stakeholders can be a valuable asset carrying your message further and with broader, more diverse audiences. Some community groups and beneficiaries to consider sharing your grant announcement with might be:
- Local schools
- Museums
- Municipal and County elected officials
- Public libraries
- After school programs or clubs
- Local recreation centers
- Chamber of Commerce
- State Legislators
Media Outreach
Here are some tips and suggestions to help you get the right media coverage:
- Find the Right Reporter/Publication: Check your local and regional papers' websites for reporters who would most likely cover the story. Look to see who has covered similar stories in the past.
- Make it Relevant for Your Community: Craft a message that explains why this grant and your organization's efforts are so important to the community.
- Make it Visual: Try to include appropriate images/ video when available.
- Follow-Up: Be sure to follow-up with reporters. If a reporter doesn’t respond at first, email them again to ensure they have seen your email and understand why your story is important.
- Let us Help: If you have a big press worthy moment and would like assistance in disseminating your message, please let us know.
Colorado Publications
Events, Opportunities, and Partners
Mardi Gras Ball
The Colorado Energy Foundation is co-hosting a fundraising virtual gala to benefit the 2021 cohort of grant recipients. The annual Mardi Gras Ball is scheduled for Friday, February 12 at 7:30PM. All proceeds will directly support the four grant recipients.
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Community Outreach
Supporting our communities, building long-term partnerships, and investing in the communities we live and work are shared values of Colorado's oil and natural gas industry. COGA's Community Outreach & Investment (COI) Committee helps to support local causes and provide opportunities for COGA members to serve their communities through various initiatives and activities.
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Nonprofit Partners
Many of our nonprofit partners already have relationships with the oil and gas industry. If that applies to your organization, you may wish to connect your existing relationship to the Colorado Energy Foundation.
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