Colorado's Giving Spirit: How a Record $56.5M Defied Economic Headwinds

ARVADA, CO – December 10, 2025 – In a remarkable display of collective generosity, Colorado Gives Day 2025 has set a new fundraising record, with more than 102,835 people donating a staggering $56,533,062 to support thousands of local nonprofits. The annual 24-hour giving event, which has become a cornerstone of the state's philanthropic calendar, not only surpassed its 2024 total but also saw an 8% increase in the number of individual donors, signaling a powerful community response during a period of significant need.

"Colorado Gives Day makes it so easy for people to support the causes they care about," said Kelly Dunkin, president and CEO of Colorado Gives Foundation, the organization powering the statewide movement. "The event is truly a statewide movement and donors rallied together with a record-setting year when our communities needed it most."

This year's achievement is particularly noteworthy when set against the backdrop of Colorado's 2025 economic climate. While the state avoided a recession, it navigated a period of moderated growth, persistent inflation, and a cooling labor market. Economic forecasts from institutions like the University of Colorado's Leeds School of Business pointed to slower job creation and stagnating real estate markets. For the average household, the cumulative financial pressure was palpable, with inflation adding tens of thousands of dollars to living costs since 2020. This economic reality placed immense strain on nonprofits, which faced rising operational costs and a simultaneous surge in demand for essential services.

The Strategic Engine Behind the Generosity

The unprecedented success of Colorado Gives Day is not accidental but the result of a finely tuned strategic engine designed to maximize participation and amplify impact. At its core is the ColoradoGives.org platform, which provides a centralized, user-friendly hub for donors to discover and support over 4,600 vetted nonprofits. This year, 616 new organizations participated for the first time, broadening the event's reach.

A key driver of donor behavior is the event's $1 million-plus incentive fund, contributed by the Colorado Gives Foundation, presenting sponsor FirstBank, and other corporate partners. This fund proportionally boosts every dollar donated, meaning that a nonprofit receiving 5% of the day's total donations also receives 5% of the incentive fund. This mechanism provides a tangible and compelling reason for donors to give through the platform, as it demonstrably increases the value of their contribution. Research from previous years indicates nearly half of all donors are influenced by the incentive fund when making their giving decisions.

"We are proud to be a part of Colorado Gives Day, especially during a time when our communities need it most," said Kelly Kaminskas, chief operating officer of FirstBank, which has sponsored the event for 16 years. "We're honored to champion a movement that fuels local nonprofits and unites Coloradans in generosity. This is about building stronger communities, together." FirstBank's commitment extends beyond the incentive fund to include advertising support and over $100,000 in additional nonprofit prizes, further gamifying the event and encouraging broad participation.

Cultivating Sustained Support Beyond a Single Day

While the 24-hour giving blitz grabs headlines, a crucial aspect of Colorado Gives Day is its role as a catalyst for long-term, sustainable philanthropy. The event strategically encourages donors to think beyond a one-time gift. A standout achievement in 2025 was the establishment of over 7,000 new monthly recurring donations, which will provide a predictable and steady stream of income for nonprofits for months and years to come.

This focus on sustained giving was directly incentivized by a $250,000 matching fund from the Colorado Gives Foundation, which matched the first month's gift for new recurring donations set up during the campaign period. This initiative directly addresses one of the nonprofit sector's greatest challenges: donor retention and financial stability. By converting the high engagement of a single day into ongoing support, the foundation helps organizations move from relying on episodic fundraising to building a more resilient financial base.

"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and thrilled to connect with so many new donors," said Roselle Drahushak-Crow, President of the Board of Directors for Atomic Theater. "This generosity energizes us to expand theater opportunities that celebrate culture, strengthen our community and inspire social awareness through the arts." Her sentiment reflects the experience of the 92.4% of participating nonprofits that received a donation, validating the event's effectiveness in connecting organizations of all sizes with a broad base of community supporters.

A Regional Success in the National Context

Colorado Gives Day's 2025 performance is even more impressive when viewed against national charitable giving trends. While national giving in the U.S. grew in 2024, outpacing inflation for the first time in three years according to Giving USA, individual giving has shown signs of strain. Colorado's 8.57% growth in its donor base runs counter to national data suggesting a contraction in the number of individual donors in recent years.

The top five categories receiving funds—Human Services ($10.8 million), Arts, Culture & Humanities ($6.3 million), Education ($6.2 million), Animal-Related ($5.7 million), and Food, Agriculture & Nutrition ($4.5 million)—show a consistent alignment with community priorities seen in previous years. The continued dominance of Human Services and the strong showing for Food and Agriculture underscore the ongoing response to economic pressures felt across the state.

Since its inception in 2010, Colorado Gives Day has now facilitated over $581 million in donations, playing a significant role in elevating the state's philanthropic profile. Its continued growth and ability to foster both widespread and sustained giving make it a model for how strategic partnerships, innovative technology, and a deep understanding of community spirit can create a powerful and lasting force for good.