ColoradoGives.org

By Marla J. Williams, President and CEO of Community First Foundation A child gives up his or her allowance to help a nonprofit charity. A community member discovers a new organization they’re passionate about just down the street. A nonprofit serving home bound seniors is able to deliver 20 percent more meals next year. After seven years, I am still stunned by the ripple effect of Colorado Gives Day . The numbers are always incredible. This year, donations totaled $33.8 million. Generous donors made more than 145,700 gifts to 2,111 nonprofits in just 24 hours. These numbers represent the extraordinary generosity of individuals all across the state. Thank you for your contributions yesterday and for being part of the Colorado Gives Day movement. As we look at the far-reaching effects of Colorado Gives Day, the best indicator of what's to come may be our newest program, Kids for ColoradoGives. A portion of the $33.8 million raised yesterday came through KidsforCol

Meet the Online Giving Team Ever wonder what’s happening behind the scenes on Colorado Gives Day? Answering questions, processing donations and communicating progress is an all-hands-on-deck affair at Community First Foundation, but there are three staff members who really keep the ColoradoGives.org wheels turning, today and every day. Meet the online giving team!   Meet Dana Rinderknecht, director of online giving Q. What’s your role on the team? A. I raise awareness of the program and keep it moving forward with exciting new ideas like KidsforColoradoGives.org . Q. What’s the coolest thing about ColoradoGives.org most people don’t know? A. That you can set up ongoing, regular donations to your favorite nonprofit to support them year-round. This gives them funds they can rely on and helps you spread out your cost. Q. What are your personal charitable passions? A. For me, it’s about making the world a better place. Q. What are you most looking fo

By Dana Rinderknecht, Director of Online Giving at Community First Foundation Colorado Gives Day is coming! Once again it is time to make your list and, like Santa, check it twice! As you craft your list, the wonderful thing about ColoradoGives.org , the online giving platform for Colorado Gives Day , is that you can learn more about the nonprofits you already support as well as others you didn’t realize were out there doing good work. This year we have more than 2,000 nonprofits from all over the state of Colorado participating. You might ask yourself, “What can I learn about these nonprofits?” and, “Where do I start?” Go to ColoradoGives.org and  search . You can search by name, cause, or location. For instance, if you want to find out which nonprofits are working in your neighborhood, type in your zip code and press “Go.” When you see one you like, click “Learn More” on the widget to view the profile . The first tab is an overview of the program, starting with pictu

By Samantha Barlow, Communications Coordinator at Community First Foundation Black Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us in a wave of late night lines and busy websites; today is #GivingTuesday. In Colorado, the way we participate in #GivingTuesday is by scheduling our Colorado Gives Day donations. This year, our Colorado Gives Day Rally  coincides with #GivingTuesday to remind Coloradans to give where they live. The Rally is the last “big hurrah” before Colorado Gives Day and takes place on the West Steps of the Colorado State Capitol. Nonprofit representatives show up in costumes, FirstBank conducts five cash prize drawings, and the Governor officially proclaims December 6, 2016, as Colorado Gives Day. Sixteen-year-old Allison Winn of the Stink Bug Project is also talking all about KidsforColoardoGives.org as the place for kids in the Colorado Gives Day movement. Nonprofits and Coloradans across the state will continue to rally support for their causes in the last

By Samantha Barlow, Communications Coordinator at Community First Foundation Karma Lynne is 10 years old. She’s a fifth grader, a Lakewood resident and a community volunteer. She’s also a Kid for ColoradoGives! Kids for ColoradoGives is a new program that allows young donors to experience the joy of giving. Community First Foundation created KidsforColoradoGives.org , a kid-friendly component of the ColoradoGives.org website, to connect the next generation of Colorado givers with local nonprofit organizations. This weekend, we interviewed Karma about her experience using the new site. Q. What did you think when your grandmother, Lynne Valencia, asked you to check out KidsforColoradoGives.org with her? A. I was excited to give money to places that help others. I never knew there were so many organizations in Colorado that do good. Q. Did you learn something new on KidsforColoradoGives.org? A. I really liked looking for organizations that help animals. T

By Lisa Lujan, Online Giving Coordinator I’m not going to lie, I’m proud. I’m proud to be a part of the ColoradoGives program at Community First Foundation because I love helping other people. I’m always a little thrown back when people ask where I work, then look at me like I have eggplants growing out of my ears when I enthusiastically reply, “I’m part of the ColoradoGives program at Community First Foundation!”  Even though I’m thrown back, it’s okay. It’s okay because it’s a great opportunity to tell them what I do, how important our nonprofits are to the community, and why we should support them. We know that for many of you, this season – especially Colorado Gives Day on December 6 – is one of the most important fundraising periods of the year. That’s why I’m encouraging you to share the ways people can get involved with ColoradoGives.org on Colorado Gives Day. Shout it from the rooftops! Tell friends and family to do the same. If we all tell one new person,

By Kayla Arnesen, Director of Strategic Communications Thanks to our wonderful   Colorado Gives Day   media sponsors, our statewide movement is receiving nearly $500,000 in donated print, online, on-air, bus board and billboard media support. These powerful partnerships help us spread the word about Colorado Gives Day. We are pleased to welcome a new sponsor this year, Outdoor Promotions of Colorado, which is sharing the Colorado Gives Day message on 20 bus stop shelters located around the Denver metro area. If you have the opportunity to interact with any of our sponsors, please thank them for their outstanding support: The Networks of 9NEWS   Univision Comcast   Colorado Public Television (CPT12, PBS)   Outdoor Promotions of Colorado iHeartMedia   Rocky Mountain PBS   Mile High Outdoor Advertising   Denver Business Journal   5280 Magazine   Keep an eye out for Colorado Gives Day banners at bus shelters like this one in Arvada!

By Samantha Barlow, Communications Coordinator at Community First Foundation At the end of the month, hundreds of individuals will celebrate Colorado’s thriving nonprofit sector and rally in support of Colorado Gives Day . The Colorado Gives Day Rally happens  Tuesday, November 29 at 11 a.m.  (rain, snow or shine) on the Capitol’s West Steps. This year’s rally is taking place a full week before Colorado Gives Day. We want to capitalize on the charitable momentum of #GivingTuesday , a global day of giving fueled by social media, to encourage Coloradans to donate locally through ColoradoGives.org . In Colorado, the way we participate in #GivingTuesday is by scheduling our Colorado Gives Day donations. The Rally is the last “big hurrah” before Colorado Gives Day (December 6). If you are a participating ColoradoGives nonprofit and can get to the Capitol building on November 29, read on!  Here are six tips to help you make the most of the event:  Date : Tuesday, No

By Samantha Barlow, Communications Coordinator at Community First Foundation Q. Would you say you’re more of a planner or a procrastinator? A. Planner. You're going to be thrilled. Do we ever have the tool for you! Starting today, November 1, you can schedule all of your Colorado GivesDay donations. These donations will process on Colorado Gives Day, December 6, and still qualify for the giving day perks like the $1 Million Incentive Fund . A. Procrastinator. You're in good company. As a fellow procrastinator, ColoradoGives has just the tool to help us kick the habit. Starting today, November 1, we can schedule our Colorado Gives Day donations to make sure we don’t miss our chance to support nonprofits working to make our communities better. Scheduled donations will process on Colorado Gives Day, December 6, and will receive a boost from the $1 Million Incentive Fund . How Scheduling Your Donations Works Take your time, explore the variety of nonprofits

By Angela Bevacqua, Senior Communications Specialist, Community First Foundation FirstBank, corporate partner for Colorado Gives Day, is giving nonprofits participating in the 24 giving blitz a chance to add even more to their coffers. Like previous years, FirstBank is contributing $500,000 towards the $1 Million Incentive Fund plus $100,000 in cash prizes . The cash prizes are a fun way to bring in a little extra.  $100,000 in Cash Prizes Here’s the breakdown of this year’s prizes. Our tried and true prize categories have returned, along with one that is new and different: Facebook Trivia Prizes – 15 prizes at $1,000 each Rally Prizes – 10 prizes at $1,000 each Luck-of-the-Draw Prizes – 13 prizes at $5,000 each Kids for ColoradoGives Prizes – 1,000 prizes at $10 each Something New for Kids This year we’re allocating $10,000 for nonprofits receiving donations through KidsforColoradoGives.org , our new website for young givers. As a kid-friendly component of ColoradoG

By Samantha Barlow, Communications Coordinator, Community First Foundation Now there's a special place for kids on Colorado Gives Day! Community First Foundation has launched Kids for ColoradoGives, a new Colorado-based online giving program designed for kids and families. KidsforColoradoGives.org is a kid-friendly component of the ColoradoGives.org website where young donors can experience the joy of giving in a fun, safe environment. At the launch event at the Denver School of the Arts on September 15, 2016, Colorado Lt. Governor Donna Lynne remarked, “This website helps kids learn about all the ways local nonprofits make our lives better and has the power to inspire a lifetime of charitable giving. Kids for ColoradoGives is the only giving program that offers a real-world giving experience in a trusted, safe online environment." The Lt. Governor is serving as a Kids for ColoradoGives program ambassador. Lt. Governor Donna Lynne introduces Kids for ColoradoGives

By Angela Bevacqua, Senior Communications Specialist, Community First Foundation, and featuring Jackie Poliseo, Donor Relations Specialist, Morris Animal Foundation Q: Jackie, what does Morris Animal Foundation do? A: We are one of the only foundations that funds animal health research. We fund scientific studies for companion animals, horses and wildlife globally, but primarily in the United States. We fund a lot of research at Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and are headquartered in Denver. Q: Tell me about your donor base. A: It’s mostly individuals, including pet owners and animal lovers; but sometimes researchers who are applying for research grants. A lot of veterinarian clinics the memorial program on our website where the veterinarian or client can donate to us in memory of a pet and choose one of our memorial cards. Our donors are nationwide, not just in Colorado. Q: How do you fundraise? A: We have two major campai

By Angela Bevacqua, Senior Communications Specialist, Community First Foundation, and featuring Beth Smith, Development Manager, Dairy Arts Center Q: The Diary Arts Center in Boulder has really transformed in the last few years! Can you give us an overview of your mission and purpose? A: The Dairy Arts Center is Boulder’s largest multi-disciplinary community arts center. It houses arts organizations such as theatre and dance, and includes art galleries, performance venues, teaching and dance studios, a cafe and an art-house cinema.We are in the final stages of a major renovation and will finish next summer. Q: How has The Dairy used Colorado Gives Day to support fundraising? Q: How did you promote the match? Photo of matching grants donors makes the "ask" more personal. Copy includes message that every gift to The Dairy that day increases The Dairy's share of the $1 Million Incentive Fund. A: The match was from prominent, well-known arts supporters and hel

By Angela Bevacqua, Senior Communications Specialist, Community First Foundation, and featuring Beth Smith, Development Manager, Dairy Arts Center Q: The Diary Arts Center in Boulder has really transformed in the last few years! Can you give us an overview of your mission and purpose? A: The Dairy Arts Center is Boulder’s largest multi-disciplinary community arts center. It houses arts organizations such as theatre and dance, and includes art galleries, performance venues, teaching and dance studios, a cafe and an art-house cinema.We are in the final stages of a major renovation and will finish next summer. Q: How has The Dairy used Colorado Gives Day to support fundraising? A: I was a new employee in 2013 when we participated in our first Colorado Gives Day, and creating our ColoradoGives profile helped me learn a lot about the Dairy. It’s just a three-person team working on the event—me, the marketing director and ED--so that first year I took advantage of the marketing mater

By Bryce Wilkinson, Senior Online Giving Specialist Summer. A time for running through sprinklers, riding bikes, vacations and the many other activities long days with sunshine afford. At our house, as I’m sure is also the case for many of you, we typically have friends and family stay with us at various points throughout the summer. Before our guests come, we always tidy up a bit, so everything is in order and looks good when they arrive. This same concept of getting your house ready for guests applies to your ColoradoGives.org profile. Each year you are required to complete the entire Profile Update Process . The Profile Update Process is a way to make sure you have reviewed the profile, updated information as necessary, checked for accuracy and uploaded current required documents. It is important to complete the entire Profile Update Process for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, it is a requirement for your profile to remain on ColoradoGives.org, to participate on

By Samantha Barlow, Communications Coordinator Susie Davis presents on Eagle County Gives' strategies for helping local nonprofits work with businesses to maximize donations. In June, seven current and prospective Regional Champions gathered at Community First Foundation’s  Meeting Space  to build community, share ideas and learn about new programs, website enhancements and ways to help nonprofits better steward donors. ColoradoGives Regional Champions  partner with us to increase online giving in regions beyond metro Denver. They extend the “Give Where You Live” message by providing support, outreach and awareness to the local nonprofits in their communities. We interviewed Susie Davis with Eagle County Gives to get an insider’s view of our day in June: Q. How long have you been involved with ColoradoGives as a Regional Champion? A. Eagle County Gives was an early adopter. Through the collective efforts of several Eagle County nonprofits over the past four yea

By Lisa Lujan, Online Giving Coordinator Should we be on Instagram? I’ve heard that Snapchat is the latest, can you get us on that? Is Google+ still relevant? Why aren’t we on YouTube? If you’re like me, not only have you heard some of these questions before, you’ve asked them of yourself. The truth is there are a LOT of ways to use social media to engage with your audience today. It seems like I can’t get through a week without hearing about “the latest and greatest” new platform we HAVE to be on. It can definitely feel a little overwhelming at times. So how do you know if your organization should be on a specific social media platform or not? To help answer this question, I’ve come up with a few tips I’ve learned over the years to help you narrow down which platform(s) might be best for your organization. The first tip is… Know your audience . It’s an old adage, but, unlike the constantly changing tech environment we live in, it remains consistently true. If your aud

By Dana Rinderknecht, Director of Online Giving Tuesday, May 3, was Give Local America Day 2016. This giving day allows communities around the country to do something similar to Colorado Gives Day. This year there was a technology glitch in most of the communities causing the online fundraising platform, Kimbia, to go down for almost 10 hours in the middle of the day. I was asked by Beth Kanter to write a blog about our crisis planning process for Colorado Gives Day, and we thought Colorado Nonprofits might find this informative. Lessons from Give Local America Day On Give Local America Day community foundations across the country rally to support local nonprofits in what is marketed as the largest community-driven crowdfunding event of the year. As a self-proclaimed Gives Day Junkie, I love giving days. We have not participated in Give Local America Day, but ColoradoGives.org has completed six gives days and over the course of these we have raised over $111 million dollars fo