What's Happening?
Care Synergy, a nonprofit network supporting hospice, home health, PACE, and palliative care organizations across Colorado, is conducting an executive search for a Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO). This senior fundraising leader will be responsible for developing
and executing a comprehensive enterprise-wide philanthropy strategy. The CPO will oversee all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, planned giving, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, grants, stewardship, special events, and fundraising operations. The role involves working closely with the CEO, Affiliate leadership, and volunteer boards to strengthen philanthropic engagement and cultivate relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners. Care Synergy's philanthropy program is structured as a centralized enterprise function, serving its Affiliates, which include The Denver Hospice, Colorado Visiting Nurse Association, Colorado PACE, and Pathways. The organization currently maintains a donor and prospect base of over 20,000 constituents and generates approximately $2 million annually in philanthropic revenue.
Why It's Important?
This executive search highlights Care Synergy's strategic commitment to expanding its philanthropic support to fuel innovation, service expansion, and long-term sustainability within the healthcare sector. The successful CPO will be instrumental in strengthening the financial foundation of a network that provides critical community-based services for individuals facing serious illness, aging, and end-of-life transitions. By centralizing and enhancing fundraising efforts, Care Synergy aims to maximize its impact across Colorado's Front Range. The role signifies the growing importance of strategic philanthropy in nonprofit healthcare organizations, particularly as they seek to broaden their reach and adapt to evolving community needs. The ability to cultivate strong donor relationships and secure significant funding will directly influence the quality and accessibility of hospice, home health, and palliative care services for thousands of Coloradans.
What's Next?
The executive search for the Chief Philanthropy Officer is ongoing, with Care Synergy seeking an experienced fundraising executive to lead its enterprise-wide philanthropy program. Once appointed, the new CPO will be tasked with building upon the existing fundraising program, identifying new engagement opportunities with various partners, and establishing fundraising metrics to monitor progress toward revenue goals. This will involve leading capital initiatives, planned giving efforts, and special fundraising initiatives to support long-term organizational priorities. The CPO will also lead, mentor, and develop the philanthropy team, oversee fundraising operations, and manage the philanthropy budget. The successful candidate will be expected to represent Care Synergy within the community to strengthen partnerships and advance philanthropic support, ultimately aiming to increase the organization's annual philanthropic revenue and expand its services.
Beyond the Headlines
The strategic decision by Care Synergy to invest in a high-level Chief Philanthropy Officer underscores a broader trend in the nonprofit healthcare sector: the increasing reliance on robust philanthropic programs to supplement traditional revenue streams. As healthcare landscapes evolve and demand for specialized services like hospice and palliative care grows, organizations are recognizing that sustained community support is vital for mission fulfillment and innovation. This move also reflects a sophisticated approach to fundraising, moving beyond transactional giving to focus on long-term donor engagement and strategic partnerships. The CPO's role will not only be about securing funds but also about weaving philanthropy into the organizational culture, ensuring that donors feel connected to the mission and impact of Care Synergy's vital services. This strategic investment could serve as a model for other regional healthcare networks seeking to enhance their financial resilience and community impact.
