Media Newsroom
Colorado Gives Foundation is your resource for sharing impactful stories about giving in Colorado. Whether you’re covering Colorado Gives Day, trends in philanthropy, or how people can support the causes they care about, we can connect you with experts and provide valuable insights.
News Releases
2024
Give to what matters to you on Colorado Gives Day
$5.7 Million Boost for Jeffco Supports Nonprofits Addressing Local Needs
Advocacy in Action Benefits Colorado Nonprofits
2023
Coloradans raise an inspiring $54.2 million for Colorado nonprofits
Thriving Jeffco Responsive Grant Awards
Imagine the amount of good we can do together
Fostering Opportunities Program Increases Graduation Rates for Foster Care Students in Colorado
Building a Sense of Belonging in School Communities Affected by Closures
Videos
Press Kit
Colorado Gives Foundation is a community foundation (501(c)(3) public charity) dedicated to improving the lives of people in Jefferson County. We also work statewide to help donors, whether they are individuals, organizations or businesses, with giving accounts that fulfill their charitable interests. In addition, we support nonprofits serving Jefferson County through philanthropy tools including grantmaking to ensure that all of Jefferson County is thriving.
Unlike other community foundations, we also run a year-round online giving platform – ColoradoGives.org – that connects donors to nonprofits across the state of Colorado, and powers a giving day every December called Colorado Gives Day. Our work is rooted in attentive listening and a firm commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Colorado Gives Foundation is where donors find and discover the community impact that matters most to them, which is good for everyone.
- Colorado Gives Day is Tuesday, December 10 but you can give early starting on November 1.
- All donations received Nov. 1 – Dec. 10 get amplified by a $1 Million + Incentive and can help nonprofits win $100,000 in prizes.
- Colorado Gives Day is the biggest 24-hour giving movement in the state and one of the most successful giving days in the nation.
- In 2023, you helped raise more than $54 million for Colorado nonprofits on Colorado Gives Day.
- Colorado Gives Day began in 2010 and has raised more than $469 million.
- Coloradans can easily find all the causes they care about in one place at ColoradoGivesDay.org and donate to one or more incredible nonprofits who work tirelessly to make good happen in Colorado.
- Any business can support the causes they care about by taking The Good for Business Challenge. It’s free and the first 50 companies to raise $1,000 get an extra $1,000 for their nonprofit(s).
- For many local nonprofits, Colorado Gives Day is their single biggest fundraising event of the year.
- The platform is FREE for nonprofits. They can easily build a custom fundraising page that highlights the incredible work they are doing in our communities.
- Colorado Gives Day has become a sort of holiday where the more we give, the better we make this incredible state we call home.
Download Headshot
Kelly Dunkin joined Colorado Gives Foundation as President and CEO in February 2019. As a veteran nonprofit leader, she and her team work to connect people, ideas and nonprofits to make good happen.
A natural connector, she brings together partners interested in building a brighter, more equitable future for everyone. Her passion is motivated by a dedication to helping our communities thrive.
Kelly is a gifted and persuasive presenter and a quick thinker who brings energy, creativity, and a commitment to learning to solve difficult problems.
Previously she worked for a variety of nonprofits, businesses and social impact organizations, including 11 years with The Colorado Health Foundation in Denver, where she grew into the role of Vice President of Philanthropy, and 10.10.10, a project of Colorado Nonprofit Development Center that inspires entrepreneurs to solve 10 “wicked” social problems. Kelly also served as a consultant for businesses, nonprofits and social impact startups on projects in Lima, Peru, where she developed her Spanish-language skills.
Throughout her career, Kelly has earned many accolades, most recently being named one of the Denver Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs.
Kelly’s education includes a Bachelor of Arts in English from Miami University, an Elementary Education Licensure from the University of Northern Colorado, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado at Denver.
When she’s not working, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, practicing Spanish, reading and getting outdoors mountain biking, skiing or trail running.
Expert Interviews
Leadership & Philanthropy
Kelly Dunkin | President/CEO
Seasoned professional in all facets of philanthropy, including both giving and grant management. Skilled in community foundations, giving data and trends, elementary education, health initiatives, workplace culture and board governance.
savinay nathan | Community Impact Vice President
Expert in nonprofit leadership, public education leadership, community-based philanthropy and grantmaking strategic planning. savinay has spent the last decade consulting in creativity, innovation and strategic development in the social impact space, and has chaired DEI committees for various organizations.
Communications
Cindy Matthews | Director of Communications and Community Outreach
Media relations expert specializing in nonprofit storytelling, communication strategies and crisis communications.
Community Engagement
Gerry Culver | Development & Community Engagement Manager
Experienced leader in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental Social governance (ESG) for several organizations in Colorado.
Jeremy Stern | Major Gifts Officer
Strategic planning expert with charitable organizations. Specializes in board, committee and volunteer management and development.
Tim Zeckser | Endowment Manager
Extensive experience in philanthropic and nonprofit capacity building, including establishing development departments, creating comprehensive stewardship plans, engaging major donors and crafting compelling appeals to support organizational missions.
Upcoming Events
Dec. 2–6: Colorado Gives Day Trivia Contest sponsored by FirstBank
Dec. 3: Light Up the Sky: Free Drone Shows
2023 Community Impact Report
Data + Reports
2023 Colorado Gives Day Impact Report
Jefferson County Housing Blueprint
2023 Community Impact Report
Feature a Nonprofit
With thousands of nonprofits participating in Colorado Give Day, there are thousands of stories to share. You can quickly search and find a nonprofit to feature in news stories. Visit ColoradoGivesDay.org, then use the Filter feature to narrow your search by cause, location or organization size. If you have a specific request, contact us using the Request an Interview form and we can help you find what you’re looking for.
2023 Community Impact Report
Media Contact
Cindy Matthews, Director of Communications + Community Outreach
Contact Cindy | 720.898.5909
Request an Interview
