Colorado Gives Day lasts five weeks, has incentives to boost donations – Denver Gazette

Colorado Gives Day lasts five weeks, has incentives to boost donations  Denver Gazette

Since Colorado Gives Day began 17 years ago, the 24-hour push for charitable donations has stretched into a five-week drive that begins Nov. 1. Colorado Gives Day, a 24-hour push for charitable donations for nearly 5,000 nonprofits around the state, will be held this year on Dec. 8. But since it began 17 years ago, the campaign has stretched into a five-week drive, with the early-giving window opening on Sunday at coloradogives.org. “We know remembering one specific day between November and December feels really impossible,” said Kelly Dunkin, president and CEO of Colorado Gives Foundation, headquartered in Denver. No matter your interests — supporting low-income housing programs, afterschool activities, veteran mental health, stray animals — the statewide philanthropic initiative encompasses organizations that need contributions.

“We have big-name nonprofits to very small nonprofits — there’s something that will appeal to everyone — and any donation between Nov. 1 through Dec. 8 counts toward Colorado Gives Day,” Dunkin said. The en masse model of raising money matters, she said. “You get to be part of the statewide movement and be connected to fellow Coloradans.” Last year’s fundraising hit three records for most money donated ($56.66 million), most donors (102,835) and most nonprofits (4,618 participating). The most common donation was $100, the foundation reported. This year, donors who give $100 or more on