Each year, Colorado’s nonprofit organizations work diligently to provide services to communities throughout the state. The need is great and fortunately for the state’s nonprofits, one of the most important factors for people making charitable donations is whether or not the money will stay in Colorado.
According to a survey commissioned by Checkoff Colorado to measure taxpayers’ awareness of the tax checkoff program and their motivations to make charitable donations, 66 percent of the 787 participants said it’s important to them to know that their money is helping local communities.
Checkoff Colorado is a statewide grassroots public awareness campaign focused on educating taxpayers and tax preparers about check-off giving – the program that allows taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to their favorite charitable organizations when they file their state income tax return. This year, taxpayers can donate to 20 funds listed on the 2017 Colorado 104 individual income tax form.
Colorado was the first state in the country to allow for voluntary contributions on the 1977 tax form making this the 40th anniversary of the program.
The funds represent a diverse range of causes that provide critical programs and services to communities throughout the state. The participating organizations in this year’s collaborative campaign include:
Colorado Nongame Conservation and Wildlife Restoration Cash FundHomeless Prevention Activities Program FundPet Overpopulation FundMilitary Family Relief FundColorado for Healthy Landscapes FundHabitat for Humanity of Colorado FundSpecial Olympics of Colorado FundColorado Healthy Rivers FundColorado Cancer FundUnwanted Horse FundUrban Peak and Support Services for Youth Experiencing Homelessness FundThe great thing about check-off giving is the ease in which people can donate to worthy Colorado causes. A $10 donation can make a huge impact, and every dollar donated stays in Colorado to support the critical services and programs these nonprofits provide. Taxpayers can be confident that the checkoff funds are legitimate as they all completed a vigorous review process by the Colorado State Legislature. To become a part of the checkoff program, each fund must demonstrate that it provides an important service to communities across the state.
Checkoff donations support a diverse range of causes including homelessness, pet overpopulation, disabilities, cancer, horses, wildlife and rivers, military families, and more. In 2017, taxpayers gave nearly $1.8 million to the charitable funds in the program.
If you want to make a small donation go a long way, and you want to make sure that donation helps a worthy cause right here in Colorado, then Checkoff Colorado is for you. See for yourself at checkoffcolorado.com.
Jon Pushkin is a spokesperson for Checkoff Colorado.
