Speed-to-Need

The Three-Hour Promise

When a request for help comes in, our Board has three hours to respond. Here's how it works:

1. Request Submitted A request for assistance is submitted to all Board members through our established communication channel.
2. Board Reviews Board members have three hours to review and vote on the request.
3. Majority Approval If a majority votes yes, the request moves forward. If no response is received within three hours, this counts as a "yes."
4. Questions Welcome Any Board member may briefly pause the clock to ask clarifying questions — but not indefinitely.
5. Funds Disbursed Once approved, the Treasurer or designated officer releases the funds.

No one person can approve Speed-to-Need funds alone. This protects legal integrity, donor confidence, and the Foundation's ethical standing. We act together.

Who We Help

The Foundation provides assistance based on compassion, dignity, and community need. While each situation is reviewed individually, we use the following guiding principles:

• Local Focus We prioritize individuals and families within Colorado Springs and the surrounding region.
• Acute Hardship The need should involve an urgent, time-sensitive situation where rapid help can prevent further harm.
• High Impact We seek opportunities where a modest amount of support can stabilize someone's situation or create significant relief.
• Dignity & Confidentiality We support individuals in a manner that protects privacy and avoids shame or public exposure.
• Non-Discrimination We do not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, identity, orientation, or political affiliation.

These principles are not rigid rules — they're a framework to ensure fairness, consistency, and alignment with our mission.

Dignity-First, Low-Barrier Approach

We do not require heavy documentation or bureaucratic paperwork. Most needs are verified simply through:

• A brief description of the situation from the individual or family
• A message or post within the 411 community
• Confirmation from a community member familiar with the situation
• Board observation and judgment based on context

The goal of documentation is clarity, not bureaucracy. Evidence should be sufficient to understand the nature of the hardship while maintaining the individual's dignity and privacy.

Types of Assistance

Speed-to-Need has helped with situations including:

This is not an exhaustive list. Each situation is evaluated on its own merits, with the question: Can a small, timely intervention make a meaningful difference?