Media Newsroom
Colorado Gives Foundation is your resource for sharing impactful stories about giving in Colorado. Whether you’re covering trends in philanthropy or how people can support the causes they care about, we can connect you with experts and provide valuable insights.
Media Contact
Cindy Matthews, Director of Communications + Community Outreach
Contact Cindy | 720-898-5909
Please reach out for B-roll footage or additional resources to support your reporting.
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2025
2024
2023
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, created by Colorado Gives Foundation, is an annual tradition celebrated by all who call this state home (and even those who don’t). It’s our favorite time of year—where all of us can come together to support the causes we care about most and help nonprofits thrive. Since 2010, Coloradans have raised over half a billion dollars. In 2025, the event raised $56.5 million making it one of the largest giving events in the nation. FirstBank is the presenting sponsor for the event that brings people together to donate to their favorite nonprofits and spread joy with their generosity.
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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.
Photos
Photo Disclaimer:
Images provided are for use in coverage and promotion of Colorado Gives Foundation and Colorado Gives Day only.
Videos
View the Jeffco Housing Webinar Series, presented in partnership with Bell Policy Center and Colorado Gives Foundation.
The housing crisis is a hot topic of conversation throughout the state. But what does the problem look like in Jefferson County, and what can be done about it? This webinar lays a basic foundation for understanding current housing challenges in Jeffco and what it means for our teachers, police officers, firefighters and others, exploring common housing myths, and sharing information about current community-based efforts to address the crisis and how you can join efforts to develop and advance solutions.
Watch the ReplayThis session explores some of the tangible systemic impacts of housing challenges across Jeffco’s communities, including effects on childcare, health, education, and the workforce. Local experts share perspectives on these impacts across issues and the need for sustainable solutions.
Watch the ReplayHousing concerns have increasingly become a pressing issue, affecting not just our daily lives but also the broader community and economy. This session aims to shed light on the benefits to our community when we come together with solutions. Hear from community members and policy experts about the positive economic and personal impact of housing on everyone and discover some of the efforts currently underway working to shape the future of Jefferson County.
Watch the ReplayHousing promises to be a major topic for the 2024 legislative session. Policy experts provide insights on some of the major housing-related policy proposals making their way through the state legislature and the solutions they propose for addressing affordable housing in the state. These experts will also explore the potential impacts of these state-level policies on local policy solutions in Jefferson County, and the potential for leveraging both state and local efforts to address the housing crisis.
Watch the ReplayWhat do housing policy solutions mean to our community? What might they look like in practice? This learning session looks at some past, present, and possible future housing policy solutions from a layperson’s perspective, looking at what they set out to do, their impact, and lessons learned, and opportunities and barriers to implementation.
Watch ReplayHow have the policies of the past shaped our communities today? Join us as we discuss upcoming research from the Bell Policy Center on the impact of historical housing policies on Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) and other marginalized communities in Jefferson County, as well as the continuing effects of these policies as experienced today.
Watch the ReplayThis session looks at the multiple efforts in progress to address the housing crisis in Jefferson County, including the Housing Advocacy Steering Committee, the Bring It Home Fund, legislative policy, and local implementation of policies such as Proposition 123. What have we learned? What wins can we build on? What were the missed opportunities? Local leaders reflect on these questions, offer a roadmap forward, and share toolkits and resources for continued work.
Watch the ReplayExpert 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
Jefferson County Child Care Survey Project
Jefferson County Early Childhood Providers Testimonials
Jefferson County Bright Futures Survey Project
Jefferson County Early Childhood Workforce Survey Project
Jefferson County Parents Experience Hardships with Child Care
Food Security Grant Recipients
Food Security Grant Infographic
2023 Colorado Gives Day Impact Report
Jefferson County Housing Blueprint
2023 Community Impact Report
Stackable Credentials Blueprint
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
Subject Matter Experts
We’re here to support your reporting. Our team of subject matter experts is available for interviews, quotes and insights to help inform and inspire your coverage. We believe collaboration with the media plays a vital role in educating the public about the power of giving.
Have a question or need support? Don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here to help.
Kelly Dunkin | President + CEO
Kelly Dunkin is a dynamic leader with extensive experience in philanthropy and community engagement. Kelly has a deep understanding of Colorado’s unique philanthropic landscape, including the motivations behind giving, the impact of charitable donations, and how local organizations can amplify their efforts. With her insights into the evolving trends in charitable giving and her commitment to fostering a culture of generosity, Kelly offers a compelling perspective on how Coloradans are making a difference and inspire others to get involved in meaningful ways. Kelly is well versed in nonprofit fundraising in Colorado and community-driven initiatives to solving local problems. She is recognized as a leader in the challenges associated with affordable housing initiatives and workforce development. She led the launch of the “Bring it Home” fund, seeding it with $15 million to support the creation and preservation of affordable housing units for essential workers like teachers, nurses, and firefighters. Kelly’s experience championing the use of donor advised funds (DAFs) as tools for impact investing and supporting nonprofit endowment helps promote sustainable community development.
savinay nathan | Community Impact Vice President
savinay’s extensive experience in philanthropy and community engagement makes him an exceptional speaker and expert interview subject on matters related to philanthropy and community impact in Jefferson County. His deep understanding of local needs and the strategic role charitable giving plays in strengthening communities makes him a perfect fit for discussions on how philanthropy is shaping Jefferson County’s future. savinay’s insights into the importance of collaboration between donors, nonprofit organizations and community leaders can help foster more effective and sustainable impact. He works to empower people to make a real difference locally and can offer valuable perspectives on how community-driven efforts are transforming Jefferson County.
Request an Interview2023 Community Impact Report
