Colorado Gives Day Opens for Early Donations November 1, Extending State's Largest Giving Campaign
Colorado's signature charitable giving event opens for donations November 1, offering Northern Colorado residents the opportunity to support local nonprofits through a statewide platform that has raised more than $524.6 million since its launch in 2010.
Colorado Gives Day extends its giving window through December 9, with all donations eligible for incentive matches and prizes that amplify the impact of every contribution. The annual movement features more than 4,600 verified Colorado nonprofits on ColoradoGivesDay.org, including dozens of organizations serving Larimer and Weld Counties.
"Colorado's nonprofits need our support this year more than ever, and the incredible thing about Colorado Gives Day is that the opportunity to help has never been easier," said Kelly Dunkin, president and CEO of Colorado Gives Foundation. "When you give through ColoradoGivesDay.org, you become part of a powerful statewide movement to make good happen in our communities."
The 2024 campaign raised $54.8 million from 95,000 donors, with participating nonprofits averaging $12,800 in donations, according to Colorado Gives Foundation.
Expanded Giving Window and Incentives
The 2025 campaign introduces several features designed to increase participation and maximize donations. A $1 million incentive fund will proportionally boost all contributions made between November 1 and December 9, with additional $100,000 in prizes available for nonprofits meeting specific fundraising goals.
Colorado Gives Foundation created ColoradoGivesDay.org in 2010 as an annual day of giving to encourage Coloradans to support their favorite causes. The secure online platform features thousands of verified Colorado nonprofits, all of which have been vetted to confirm their charitable status and are in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State's Office.
A new monthly donation match will provide up to $100 for the first month of any new recurring gift established during the giving period, with $250,000 available for this initiative. Donors who contribute $100 or more to a single nonprofit will be entered into hourly random drawings for Southwest Airlines tickets.
FirstBank has served as presenting sponsor since the event's launch 16 years ago, playing a vital role in building the program from raising $8.4 million for 539 nonprofits in 2010 to its current scale.
"Every dollar donated through Colorado Gives Day makes a difference, empowering nonprofits to advance their missions and create meaningful change," said Kelly Kaminskas, chief operating officer for FirstBank and a Colorado Gives Foundation board member. "FirstBank is proud to support Colorado Gives Day by contributing to a $1 million+ incentive fund to enhance giving, providing $100,000 in nonprofit prizes, and working to ensure the message of Colorado Gives Day reaches as many people as possible."
Northern Colorado Organizations Participate
Local nonprofits serving Larimer and Weld Counties include organizations addressing education, health care, social services, arts and culture, environmental conservation and animal welfare. Examples include Poudre School District Foundation, Thompson Education Foundation, Food Bank for Larimer County, Weld Food Bank, Salud Family Health Centers, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, Larimer Humane Society and Crossroads Safehouse.
Nonprofits can register for the platform anytime, though Colorado Gives Foundation recommends enrollment before October 31 to maximize promotional opportunities and technical support during the campaign period.
The Good for Business Challenge, sponsored by Delta Dental of Colorado, encourages local businesses to create fundraising pages supporting designated nonprofits. Twenty-five randomly selected business pages that raise $1,000 or more will receive a $1,000 match for their chosen organization.
Community Celebrations Mark Final Week
Three "Light Up the Night" laser light shows at drive-in movie theaters will celebrate the final week of giving on December 2 in Fort Collins, Lakewood and Colorado Springs. The free community events are designed to build momentum leading to the culminating day on December 9.
The platform features search and filtering tools allowing donors to identify nonprofits by location, cause area and mission focus. Categories include protecting the environment, supporting the arts, education and finding cures for diseases.
"Whether you care about protecting our environment, supporting the arts, education or finding a cure for cancer, you can find the causes that matter to you on ColoradoGivesDay.org," Dunkin said. "With thousands of nonprofits to choose from, it's easily the best day to give to support our communities."
Colorado Gives Foundation connects people, ideas and Colorado nonprofits to make charitable giving more accessible and impactful. The organization is a Jefferson County grant maker investing millions annually to nonprofits across the county, while working statewide to build nonprofit capacity through ColoradoGives.org, endowment management and donor services.
Donations can be made beginning November 1 at ColoradoGivesDay.org. Additional information about participating nonprofits, incentive programs and community events is available on the website.