A New Chapter for Rainbow City
Big things are happening at Rainbow City! We are thrilled to share that we've officially adopted Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) principles and an inclusive budget-making process. Starting today, these shifts will transform how we build connections, allocate resources, and empower our community.
This marks an exciting milestone in Rainbow City's ongoing commitment to equity, inclusivity, and collective growth. But what does this mean, and how can you be part of these impactful changes? Let's break it down together.
Reflecting on Past Challenges
For years, our fundraising and budgeting practices have faced obstacles that limited their impact. Challenges included time constraints, rotating leadership, and a lack of expertise in modern development techniques.
On top of that, many approaches we relied on in the past leaned heavily on transactional giving or short-term goals while leaving the larger community out of the picture. Efforts like silent auctions and year-end appeals brought some success but fell short of building the long-term relationships and inclusivity we strive for in our mission.
These limitations have shown us a clear need to rethink the way we operate. A turning point has come, and we are ready for it.
Why the Shift Toward Community-Centric Fundraising
Over the past decade, Rainbow City has naturally gravitated toward the principles of CCF without completely formalizing them. Since its formal introduction by Vu Le and a collective of Seattle-area nonprofit leaders in 2015, CCF has become a rallying cry for organizations looking to prioritize equity alongside their missions. CCF calls for a community-first mindset, where relationship-building with donors and stakeholders becomes an active and intentional process. It’s about sharing resources, promoting equity, and ensuring diverse voices shape decision-making.
This approach aligns perfectly with Rainbow City's mission of creating an inclusive environment where everyone is valued. By reimagining how we engage with donors, volunteers, and members, we can break down barriers of inequity and uplift all members of our community equally.
A Look Ahead
With the policy now passed, the wheels are already in motion to bring these changes to life. Here’s what you can expect as we roll out CCF principles and inclusive budgeting over the next year, starting in June 2025.
Inclusive Budgeting
Our inclusive budget-making process will invite community voices into critical financial decisions. Through outreach sessions and participatory meetings, we’ll create a shared understanding of how resources are allocated and managed. This ensures transparency and accountability every step of the way.
Prioritizing Equity and Diversity
From how we plan events to how we distribute resources, equity and diversity will no longer be ideals—we are embedding them into every facet of Rainbow City's operations. This includes recognizing the value of contributions that go beyond financial donations, such as time, expertise, and advocacy.
Strengthening Community Ties
Through initiatives like collaborative programs with local nonprofits and enhanced volunteer opportunities, Rainbow City aims to foster new connections and build trust. Being part of our community means belonging to something bigger than ourselves.
How You Can Get Involved
Excited? Us too! Here’s how you can join this movement and make an impact with Rainbow City.
Join a Committee
We’re inviting everyone to be part of the change. Consider joining one of our community committees where you can help shape ideas, initiatives, and decisions. You don’t need experience; just your passion and a desire to contribute.
Attend Outreach and Feedback Sessions
We'll be holding regular sessions to gather feedback and share progress updates. These open forums are your chance to voice your ideas, ask questions, and stay connected to Rainbow City’s vision. Together, we’ll ensure our plans reflect the diverse needs of our community. Keep an eye out on our Events page.
Spread the Word
The more support we have, the stronger our impact will be. Share our mission with your friends, family, and networks. Encourage them to join the conversation or attend an event. Collective growth starts with awareness and advocacy.
Be Part of Rainbow City's Next Chapter
At Rainbow City, we know that the best ideas and solutions come from the collective. Together, we’re redefining how we fundraise and allocate resources to reflect the incredible diversity of our community. This is about uplifting voices, fostering connection, and ensuring equity in everything Rainbow City stands for.
Now’s the perfect time to get involved and be part of meaningful change. Join us as we take this exciting step forward. Whether it’s joining a committee, attending an outreach session, or simply sharing our story, your contribution matters.
Let's get started on building a brighter, more inclusive future together.
