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Colorado Gives Day 2024: A Generous Outpouring from Coloradans

On December 10, 2024, Colorado witnessed an incredible display of generosity as the annual Colorado Gives Day took place, raising an astounding $54.6 million through 245,790 donations. This event, which has become a hallmark of philanthropy in the state, saw 4,533 participating nonprofits united for a common cause - enhancing the community's welfare.

Colorado Gives Day, hosted by the Colorado Gives Foundation, has emerged as one of the largest charitable events in the nation, significantly contributing to the economy and social fabric of Colorado. This year, the event saw nearly 800 new nonprofits joining in, showcasing the expanding landscape of community service across the state.

The Impact of Giving Together

The event brought together 94,712 citizens eager to support various local initiatives. Kelly Dunkin, the president and CEO of the Colorado Gives Foundation, expressed her admiration for the citizens' involvement, stating, "With 94,712 people making a donation, it's incredible to see how much Coloradans care about our nonprofits." Dunkin emphasized the beauty of this event lies in its inclusivity; everyone can contribute to causes close to their hearts.

ColoradoGivesDay.org, the dedicated platform for the event, simplifies the donation process by offering a seamless experience for both donors and participating nonprofits. Ensuring all nonprofits were in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office, it set a robust foundation for trust and transparency in the giving process.

For numerous small- to mid-sized organizations, Colorado Gives Day represents their largest fundraising opportunity of the year, enabling them to fulfill their missions and serve the community more effectively. The top three categories receiving donations were:

• - Human Services: $10.2 million
• - Education: $6.9 million
• - Animal-Related Services: $5.4 million

A Digital Shift in Fundraising Dynamics

The success of Colorado Gives Day would not have been possible without its key sponsor, FirstBank. As a longtime partner, FirstBank provided significant support through various measures, including cash prizes, incentive fund contributions, and event sponsorship. Kelly Kaminskas, FirstBank’s chief operating officer, praised the collective effort of Coloradoans, saying, "The generosity in Colorado is truly remarkable," displaying a spirit of solidarity and community involvement.

Historical Context and Future Endeavors

Since its inception in 2010, Colorado Gives Day has amassed over $500 million in donations, empowering thousands of nonprofits to enact positive change in their communities. This year was no exception, with the most common donation amount hitting $100, illustrating a community aspect wherein many individuals banded together to make a lasting difference.

The first contribution of the day was made promptly at midnight to the Longhopes Donkey Shelter, initiating another productive day of fundraising, with the last donation similarly amounting to $10, reaffirming the cyclical nature of giving.

With more businesses engaging in philanthropic activities, 118 organizations collectively raised over $545,713 for local nonprofits, reflecting a growing trend of corporate social responsibility within the state.

In conclusion, Colorado Gives Day serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of community giving and the strength found in unity. The ongoing support from individuals and organizations will continue to cultivate a culture of generosity, ensuring that Colorado's nonprofits can thrive and serve effectively for many years to come. As communities unite through acts of giving, the spirit of philanthropy remains alive and well in Colorado, promising a brighter future for all.

For more information on Colorado Gives Day and how you can contribute, visit ColoradoGivesDay.org.