Kayla Arnesen, 720.898.5919
karnesen@CommunityFirstFoundation.org

Colorado Gives Day 2017 raises $36.6 million in 24 hours

(Note: figures in red have been updated to reflect data after final reconciliation of donations)

ARVADA, Colo. (December 6, 2017) – Colorado Gives Day remains the state’s largest day of giving. Generous donors gave $36.6 million to 2,308 nonprofits in just 24 hours on December 5, 2017. This is an increase over the $33.85 million donated on Colorado Gives Day 2016.

The 24-hour statewide movement celebrates and increases philanthropy in Colorado through online giving. Presented by Community First Foundation and FirstBank, Colorado Gives Day is powered by ColoradoGives.org, a year-round, online giving website featuring more than 2,300 nonprofits. Colorado Gives Day is one of the most successful events of its kind in the nation. Since its inception in 2010, the event has raised more than $181 million for Colorado nonprofits.

Boys & Girls Club of Larimer County received the first gift at 12:05 a.m. The last gift to 350 Colorado came in at 11:59 p.m. 350 Colorado promotes creative solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build local resilience.

In total, 153,955 donations were made. Amounts range from $10 to $1 million. The largest gift was given to the Schlessman Family YMCA.

“We are grateful for the generous donors who opened their hearts to give and for the nonprofits that inspired them,” said Marla J. Williams, president and CEO of Community First Foundation. “Together, they are the success story of Colorado Gives Day.”

“Every December, we grow more astounded by the generosity and support Coloradans provide to deserving nonprofits on Colorado Gives Day,” said Jim Reuter, CEO of FirstBank. “This year was no different. We’ve watched in awe as this annual statewide movement has grown from raising $8 million in its first year to over $36.6 million in its eighth. We’re incredibly honored to be the corporate partner for one of the most impactful 24-hour giving initiatives this nation has ever seen.”

A portion of the $36.6 million raised came through KidsforColoradoGives.org, a new website designed specifically for young givers. “We’re inspired to witness the next generation of Coloradans giving up their allowances and holiday presents to make their neighborhoods better places to live, work and play,” said Williams.

FirstBank Sponsorship Boosts Donations

FirstBank once again donated $600,000 to this year’s program, which includes $100,000 in cash prizes for nonprofits. Community First Foundation matched FirstBank’s $500,000 to create a $1 Million Incentive Fund. The incentive fund proportionally increases the value of every dollar donated. For example, if a nonprofit organization received 10 percent of the total dollars raised on Colorado Gives Day, that same nonprofit receives 10 percent of the $1 Million Incentive Fund.

Generous Media Sponsors

Colorado Gives Day would not be a success without the help of our media sponsors who generously donated space and airtime to promote Colorado Gives Day.  They include:

• The Networks of 9NEWS
• iHeartMedia
• Entravision/Univision
• Rocky Mountain Public Media
• Colorado Public Television (CPT12, PBS)
• Comcast
• Mile High Outdoor Advertising
• 5280 Magazine
• Outdoor Promotions of Colorado
• Colorado Parent

About FirstBank

FirstBank operates more than 120 locations in Colorado, Arizona and California. FirstBank is the largest locally owned banking organization in Colorado, serving more than 750,000 customers. Since 2000, FirstBank has contributed more than $55 million and thousands of volunteer hours to charitable organizations. FirstBank is unique in that a majority of its stock is owned by management and employees. For more information, visit efirstbank.com.

About Community First Foundation

Since 1975, Community First Foundation has been helping generous donors and innovative nonprofits come together to improve the quality of life and create positive change in Jefferson County, the Denver metropolitan area and beyond. We serve as a connector, partner, collaborator and resource to fuel the power of community for the greater good. For more information, visit CommunityFirstFoundation.org.