Colorado Girl Scouts celebrate 102 years and a business transformation
As Girl Scouts nationally celebrate the 102nd anniversary of Girl Scouting, Girl Scouts of Colorado is marking a transformation in its business model that has brought the organization back in the black.
It has been a year of transition for Girl Scouts of Colorado. The organization’s leadership made strategic business decisions to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of GSCO that has resulted in the audited financial statements showing a positive change in net operational assets for the first time since 2010.
In building a leaner, grassroots organization focused on serving girls and volunteers, Girl Scouts of Colorado has:
• Reduced expenses by 9% (or $1.1 million).
• Increased contributions from grants and donations by 27%.
• Improved fundraising efficiency, spending 20 cents less per dollar raised.
• Taken staff out of the office and into the community, thereby lowering bricks and mortar property costs and investing more in people.
• Planned a move this summer Girl Scouts of Colorado’s corporate offices in Denver to a smaller, more efficient office space on South Colorado Boulevard.
• Completed a move of the Pikes Peak Service Center in Colorado Springs to a smaller, more efficient space.
• Reduced the size of the office space at the Northern Colorado Service Center in Fort Collins.
Other GSCO news:
• Girl Scouts of Colorado was recently awarded a $100,000 grant for operations from the Daniels Fund.
• This month Stephanie Foote, Girl Scouts of Colorado’s CEO, is launching the Legacy of Leadership Challenge Campaign to the organization’s new endowment fund through the Rose Community Foundation. The endowment began with a $25,000 lead gift from Rae Ann and Richard Dougherty of Golden. GSCO established the endowment to fund the long-term stability of Girl Scouting in Colorado so the organization can focus on delivering strong programs and services to its members.
• GSCO surpassed its budgeted goal for the cookie sale and is on track to meet its organizational goals for 2014 girl and adult volunteer membership.
The ongoing transformation of Girl Scouting in Colorado will continue to have a positive effect on the financial future of the organization.
Regional celebrations (media are invited to attend)
Colorado Springs Open House: Thursday, March 6, 2014, 4:30-6:30 p.m., 5353 N. Union Blvd., Suite 101, C. Springs
• Check out the new office space and Girl Scout memorabilia, meet local staff, learn how to join or volunteer for Girl Scouting and hear a council update from CEO Stephanie Foote.
Denver Open House: Wednesday, March 12, 2014, all day, 400 S. Broadway, Denver
• 7:30-9 a.m.: Breakfast Briefing with CEO Stephanie Foote
• 1-3 p.m.: Girl Scout Alumnae Birthday Celebration, with a council update from CEO Stephanie Foote
• 3-6 p.m.: Girl Scouts of Colorado Information Fair – If you want more information on how to get involved in Girl Scouting in Colorado, this is your opportunity! Come learn how to join or volunteer for Girl Scouts or sign up for a Girl Scout summer camp. There will be a Girl Scout memorabilia Road Show, hands-on activities such as a make-your-own-gorp station and crafts. Supporters will have their last chance to buy Girl Scout Cookies, and the Girl Scout Shop will offer discounts all day.
• 5-6:30 p.m.: Evening Reception with a council update from CEO Stephanie Foote
Grand Junction Open House: March 12, 2014, 1-5 p.m., 580 24 ½ Rd, Grand Junction
• Celebrate the 102nd birthday of Girl Scouts with the Girl Scout staff in Grand Junction. Join the birthday activities and learn more about getting involved in Girl Scouts, both for girls and adult volunteers.
Pueblo Open House: March 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Camp Lazy Acres, near Rye
• Enjoy a day of celebration in the outdoors, including games, snow sculpting, sledding and more for the whole family. Information on how to join Girl Scouts will also be available. For directions to camp email puebloSEinfo@gscolorado.org.
About Girl Scouts of Colorado:
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. We provide a safe place for girls to explore their world – from science, technology and the environment to healthy living, anti-bullying and financial literacy. For 100 years, Girl Scouting has been helping each girl develop her personal leadership skills and make friends that last a lifetime. Girl Scouts is also a great place to enhance job skills and give back to your community as an adult volunteer. In fact, we serve 28,000 girl members and 7,500 adult volunteers across Colorado! Flexible pathways for participation make it easy for girls and adult volunteers to get involved. Come learn more about how you can be part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience by visiting girlscoutsofcolorado.org, calling 1-877-404-5708 or emailing inquiry@gscolorado.org.
