19/09/2017
A statement from the CYM Board of Directors and Executive Director - Nonprofits have always grappled with the uncertainties of fundraising. It’s not unusual for a nonprofit organization to lose a funding source, only to gain new supporters to make up for the loss.
Colorado Youth Matter is not immune to these funding issues and the associated staff turnover that can follow. We have experienced the loss of several government and private financial supporters in an already tenuous political and financial landscape making our work increasingly difficult to sustain.
To alleviate our dependence on three large grants, staff and board have been pursuing new funding sources to diversify and balance our financial portfolio, working on a new strategic plan to expand our services and mission to reach new audiences while we explore the intersectionality of youth s*xual health and other topics, and implementing changes that decrease general operating expenses while still offering the level of quality and expertise we’ve been known for.
Through these combined efforts we ended the 2016-17 fiscal year with a small net income – reversing several years of losses.
Regrettably, these changes didn’t occur quickly enough, and after receiving notice of loss of funding from another major supporter, the Colorado Youth Matter Board of Directors has made the difficult decision for dissolution of the organization effective December 31, 2017.
We understand that the information we are sharing may be a lot to process. Assuredly the decision was not made lightly.
We have always demonstrated a commitment to being good partners; we will continue that legacy as we wind down our work. Our plan over the next few months is to make decisions that result in the least amount of disruption for our stakeholders while providing them time to make the necessary accommodations. Additionally, we are working with local partners to find a new path for our programs that have demonstrated positive change and impact to the youth of Colorado.
