Local Catholic ministries and organizations hope for a three-peat of generous donations next week through the online philanthropy campaign Colorado Gives Day.
For some of these ministries, this is at least the third year they have participated in the 24-hour online fundraising day. This year’s Colorado Gives Day on Dec. 9 is organized by the online giving site www.coloradogives.org, where donations may be made year-round to nearly 1,500 Colorado nonprofits.
Some 88,000 Coloradans donated more than $20 million for 1,442 nonprofits last year. Since its inception in 2007 by the Community First Foundation, the online fundraising site raised more than $73 million for area charities.
Catholic nonprofits online this year include Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver, Father Woody’s Haven of Hope, Bishop Machebeuf High School, Holy Family High School, St. John the Evangelist Parish in Loveland and Seeds of Hope Charitable Trust.
Seeds of Hope has received an increasing amount each year to aid students unable to afford Catholic school tuition. Last year it received $32,060 through the site, and $24,905 in 2012 and $19,714 in 2011.
“While the event has grown every year, so have our donations through this unique opportunity—nearly 40 percent just in the last two years,” said executive director Natalie Mesko. “Community First Foundation’s work on behalf of so many great organizations is a true asset to our community and sets an example for community foundations across the country.”
She emphasized how nonprofits must go through a rigorous application process before they are eligible for donations through the site.
Nonprofits especially benefit from no transaction fees on the fundraising day and receive a portion of the $1 million incentive fund. The incentive fund is a pool of money distributed to each nonprofit based on the amount donors give on Colorado Gives Day. Donors may also preschedule their donations.
Other area Catholic organizations, including the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Mount St. Vincent Home, Divine Mercy Supportive Care, Arrupe Jesuit High School and Escuela de Guadalupe School, will also participate this year.
Colorado Gives Day
What: a 24-hour online fundraising campaign for Colorado nonprofits
When: Dec. 9
Visit: www.coloradogives.org
