2023 - 2024

Barton Institute Strategic Framework

 
 
 

Mission

We support leaders and their communities who are working to develop and foster places for opportunity, connection, and belonging in Metro Denver.

 

Vision

Our vision is that all people in Metro Denver have the power, access, means, and freedom to lead the lives they want.

 

Focus

We focus on projects that use strategies and approaches that others can adopt and adapt.

 
 

Core Values

 

The Barton Institute is…

  • Community-driven

  • Dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion

  • Committed to listening and learning

  • Action-oriented

  • Agile and flexible

  • Financially prudent

  • In service to community

 
 

Key characteristics of community leaders

 

The word for entrepreneur in Spanish is emprendedor, which literally means “one who illuminates”

Community leaders…

  • Engage in deep listening

  • Are user-centered

  • Can harness resources

  • Are visionary; they see what is possible

  • Build trust and long-term relationships

  • Are accountable to the community and to themselves

  • Have empathy, humility, and courage

  • See the trees and the forest

 
 

Key characteristics of safe community spaces

 

Safe community spaces are…

  • Inclusive

  • Free from violence and bullying

  • Joyous, healing, and accepting

  • Places with shared leadership

  • Open and nurturing

  • Places where people feel heard and seen

  • Places for opportunity, connection, and belonging

 

2024 Update

In 2024, the Barton Institute became the fiscal sponsor for Food Justice NW Aurora and for a project of the East Denver Food Hub. The Barton Institute is also developing a Pathways Program to mentor and support emerging leaders from historically marginalized communities.

 

2023 - 2024 Goals

 
 

Goal 1

Support our three fiscal sponsees in making a positive impact in the community.

A. Deliver exceptional fiscal sponsorship services in the areas of:

i. Employment (payroll, benefits administration, HR)

ii. Accounts payable and accounts receivable

iii. Grant management

iv. Partnership and mentorship/leadership

B. Colorado Safe Parking Initiative

i. Help them to grow, serve, adapt, and be sustainable

ii. Develop the staff and infrastructure needed to serve as many as 30 safe lots throughout Metro Denver

C. Commún

i. Help them to grow, serve, adapt, and be sustainable

ii. Assist them with their work to develop a community center on the Loretto Heights

campus

D. Village Institute

i. Help them to grow, serve, adapt, and be sustainable

ii. Assist them in becoming a separate 501c3 whenever they choose to do so

 
 
 
 
 

Goal 2

Continue to develop the Barton Institute as a strong, sustainable, and vibrant organization.

We want to leverage the philanthropy of the Barton family and other donors by making a positive impact in the metro Denver community.

 
 
 

Goal 3

If resources permit, add one or two additional fiscal sponsees in late 2023 or 2024

Ideally, organizations led by community entrepreneurs who are people of color from the community. Ideally, these organizations create and provide safe community spaces.