One of my biggest guilty pleasures is online shopping. Luckily for me, the Community Foundation has helped create a way to turn my guilty pleasure into a good deed through its work as regional champion for Colorado Gives Day! This safe, online giving platform is a fun and easy way for savvy people to participate in charitable giving. All you have to do is go to SWCOgives.org and donate directly to the local causes you care about starting now through Dec. 9.
Colorado Gives Day started in 2010 and is the largest online fundraising event specifically for Colorado-based nonprofits held every December. The Community Foundation became a regional champion in 2017, and SW CO Gives was created. The Community Foundation helps with regional marketing and promotional efforts to increase public awareness around SW CO Gives Day to boost fundraising totals for nonprofits serving Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan counties.
There are more than 180 nonprofits across SW Colorado to choose from. You have the option to make a one-time donation, or you may increase your impact and make a monthly recurring donation to your favorite nonprofit. It is also a great alternative gift idea if you would like to donate on behalf of a friend or loved one.
In 2024, SW CO Gives brought in the most donations in its eight-year history with $894,000 going to local nonprofits. It was the largest increase in donations since they took on the role of regional champion, up from $675,000 in 2023. Their goal for 2025 it to break $1,000,000.
Nonprofits participating in Colorado Gives Day span many sectors and communities across our region including animals, arts and culture, education, environment, human services and youths. You may search for nonprofits filtering by sector or geographic area, or type in the name of a specific nonprofit you would like to support.
You can be a part of this safe, local-giving initiative at a level that fits your financial reality. There is no minimum or maximum amount to donate, and it is quick and easy. After making your donations, print out your receipt for your tax records. Save time and get into the spirit of giving, all while satisfying your online shopping itch.
Martha Tinsley Minot is a board member of the Community Foundation, an organization that works tirelessly to support the nonprofit sector and channel local philanthropists to support our community through grants.
