Equity Exchange
Transforming Values into Economic Impact
Most faith-based congregations, nonprofit and mission-driven organizations face common operational needs—from facility maintenance and renovations to catering for events and meetings. Yet finding and vetting vendors who align with your values of social and economic justice can be challenging and time-consuming and in many cases, not even on your organization’s radar. Equity Exchange transforms these everyday purchasing decisions into opportunities for meaningful economic impact.
Through strategic vendor partnerships and peer support, Equity Exchange helps organizations redirect their spending to support local, minority-owned businesses. Members are supported in connecting with vendors while forming a cohort committed to creating a more equitable local economy.
Why Join Equity Exchange?
Members gain access to:
Local, minority-owned small businesses who can meet your needs for goods and services
Quarterly peer learning sessions to share strategies and experiences
Support implementing inclusive procurement practices
A supportive network committed to social and economic justice
How It Works
Equity Exchange members meet quarterly to:
Identify upcoming vendor needs and opportunities
Share successful vendor relationships and learnings
Support each other in expanding inclusive procurement
Shape Equity Exchange’s continued evolution
"St. Francis Center strives to be a community leader providing services to marginalized populations in our city. Our partnership with Equity Exchange has made it so much easier to align our spending with our equity commitments. From roofing to janitorial and everything in between, Equity Exchange helps ensure our operational dollars make a lasting, positive impact."
— Glenn Barrows, Infrastructure Operations, St. Francis Center
Ready to Create Impact?
Review these key elements that help ensure successful participation in the Equity Exchange. Our most effective partners demonstrate the following characteristics:
Readiness Checklist:
Commitment to Local Empowerment: Are you ready to shift spending toward local businesses owned by people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and veterans, while maintaining discretion over vendor choices?
Documenting Impactful Choices: Will you track spending with businesses that align with your social and economic justice values?
Engage in Quarterly Check-Ins: Can you participate in optional check-ins to share experiences and learn from peers?
Designate Your Liaison: Will you identify a staff member or volunteer to manage vendor relationships and ensure smooth communication?
Champion Inclusive Local Spend: Are you prepared to promote inclusive spending practices within your organization and celebrate community impact?
Our History & Partners
Launched in 2020 as Co-Purchase Colorado, this initiative was co-created with eleven faith congregations seeking to align their spending with their social justice values. The program has evolved into today's Equity Exchange.
Equity Exchange Partners
First Unitarian Society of Denver
Highlands Church
Jefferson Unitarian Church
Mountain View United Church
St. Francis Center