Coloradans continue to give despite economy

Nearly 96 percent Coloradans gave to charity last year –with three in four giving because they were asked to by someone they know.

The Colorado Nonprofit Associations says their report shows Coloradans continue to give, despite tough times.

Women and younger people are more likely than others to give and more than half support nonprofits that have provided assistance to them or someone they know.

Nearly everyone – 96 percent – of people in Colorado gives to charity because “it’s the right thing to do,” the group said.

That’s good news for the state’s nonprofits, who have taken a hit from a lack of corporate donations.

“Individuals help nonprofits not only by making a donation, but also by spreading the word about nonprofits to other potential donors,” said Renny Fagan, president and CEO of the Colorado Nonprofit Association.

The report is part of the Colorado Generosity Project, a multi-year strategy to increase donations at the state’s nonprofit groups.

Convenience also ranks high on the list of why people give. Nearly 60 percent said they made a donation by purchasing products or services from a business that donated part of the proceeds to charity. Younger donors make donations through Web sites – 43 percent of those 18 to 44, compared with 15 percent of those 65 and over.

“To keep up with giving trends, nonprofits must meet potential donors where they are,” said Juan Botello, chairman of the association’s board of directors. “For younger donors, this means effective use of online giving and social media. For others, it may mean establishing a method for obtaining recurring donations.”

“To keep up with giving trends, nonprofits must meet potential donors where they are,” said Juan Botello, chairman of the association’s board of directors. “For younger donors, this means effective use of online giving and social media. For others, it may mean establishing a method for obtaining recurring donations.”

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