The Daily Sun-Up How Colorado Gives Day grew from $8 million to $55 million
Nov 4, 2025
Tamara Chuang, a business and tech reporter at The Colorado Sun, dives into the remarkable journey of Colorado Gives Day. She reveals how this philanthropic initiative skyrocketed from $8 million in its inaugural year to nearly $55 million today. Tamara discusses the surge in donor participation and the innovative donation methods that have evolved over time. With a 39-day giving period now in place, she highlights how technology has streamlined the process. She also addresses the vital support for food banks amid rising challenges and the impact of legislature changes on SNAP funding.
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Surprising Early Growth
- Colorado Gives Day launched in 2010 with a $1 million goal and unexpectedly raised $8.4 million its first year.
- That early surge became a signal that Coloradans respond strongly when organized giving is presented.
Sustained Growth And A Pandemic Surge
- Total donations through 2014 exceeded $524 million, showing sustained growth over time.
- Donations jumped 25% from 2019 to 2020, and the state has topped $50 million annually since the pandemic.
Leverage The Platform And Business Pages
- Use the Colorado Gives platform to choose nonprofits by type and donate in multiple ways including stock or retirement funds.
- Businesses can create curated pages to promote handpicked nonprofits and amplify giving.