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
2023
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 Foundation connects people, ideas and Colorado nonprofits to make good happen. Colorado Gives Foundation is a Jefferson County grant maker, investing over $10 million annually to Jeffco-serving nonprofits committed to ensuring that all of Jeffco is thriving. We also work statewide to build the capacity of nonprofits and donors via ColoradoGives.org, nonprofit endowments and donor services. Through ColoradoGives.org, we make it easy for people to donate to the causes they care about, enabling meaningful change to help our neighbors thrive. Colorado Gives Foundation is where donors find and discover the community impact that matters most to them, which is good for everyone.
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
