Your Giving

Trends in Philanthropy

In this section, we will share information on recent trends in philanthropy. Below is an article that The Denver Foundation prepared for Colorado Biz magazine in December 2009.

The Colorado Nonprofit Sector - a resource to invest in

Charity is big business in Colorado. According to the Colorado Nonprofit Association, the nonprofit sector accounts for nearly 6% of the workforce in the state and 5% of the state's gross domestic product - more than mining or agriculture. (http://www.coloradononprofits.org/impact/index.cfm) From 1995 through 2005, this key sector of the economy outpaced the for-profit sector in adding new jobs. Given the size and scope of Colorado's nonprofits, it makes sense to keep an eye on them in the economic recovery.

"Nonprofits typically lag the rest of the economy during a recovery in terms of the donations they receive," says David Miller, president of The Denver Foundation, Colorado's oldest and largest community foundation. "At the same time, charities are experiencing huge increases in demand for services." Organizations serving those most impacted by the economic downturn, such as food pantries and homeless shelters, are especially hard-hit.

Most nonprofits see their greatest percentage of donations during the year-end "giving season," when people are drawn to give - both by the holiday spirit and tax incentives. "While fewer people may have appreciated stock to give than in past years, we're still seeing an upsurge in donations as the year draws to a close," says Miller. "Coloradans have an opportunity to help make these difficult times a little easier for their neighbors by giving to our charities."

And, given the scope of the nonprofit sector, those year-end gifts serve a dual purpose - they help people in need and they help fuel one of the engines for our economic recovery.