Superior approves fundraising agreements for Marshall Fire remembrance project

Superior Town Council unanimously approved resolutions Oct. 26 authorizing a fundraising adviser and Colorado Gives Foundation to support a Marshall Fire remembrance project. The approvals were subject to final Town Attorney approval, after which the mayor is authorized to sign. The council approved both resolutions 6-0, according to the meeting recording.

Make Philanthropy Work will help develop the campaign strategy, identify prospective donors and conduct outreach. Its contract sets a $46,000 fee for initial planning. A 12-month fundraising phase would cost $72,000 and requires separate written authorization after the Town approves a campaign strategy. The fees are not contingent on how much the campaign raises.

The campaign proposal sets a working fundraising target of about $3 million to $4 million, subject to validation by the adviser. It says project costs could reach $5 million as design and construction estimates are refined. The proposal aims for campaign readiness in mid-December and describes implementation during 2027. The project could include a gathering place, a pet memorial and dispersed markers, the meeting packet says.

Colorado Gives Foundation would receive, hold and invest donations, issue receipts and disburse money to the Town on written request. The agreement sets a 5% administrative fee, which the foundation may raise after consulting the Town if its administration costs prove substantially higher than expected. The foundation retains control of donations and discretion over disbursements under the agreement.

Staff told council members that donations could not be returned. If the project cannot proceed or money remains, the agreement provides for fire memorialization at the Town Council’s discretion. If the sponsorship agreement ends, it sets procedures for transferring remaining funds; if the Town does not provide required instructions and documentation within 90 days, the foundation may redirect the balance to eligible charitable purposes.

Town project materials describe resident engagement beginning in 2023 and work by a remembrance subcommittee representing town advisory groups. Louisville has committed $25,000, according to notes from Superior’s Cultural Arts and Public Spaces Committee. The proposal also lists Deanna Haas, who lost her home in the fire and rebuilt in Louisville, on the campaign team, saying her experience would inform its approach to community relationships and trust.