Colorado Gives Day is today! This is Colorado’s local version of Giving Tuesday. Each year on the Tuesday following Giving Tuesday, Coloradoans can donate to local non-profits while maximizing their giving power through a $1 Million Incentive Fund. The incentive fund is split between all participating non-profits, based on the percentage of donations they receive.
I know how hard it can be to find the resources to donate money or even time to non-profits. That’s why I’ve built it into my personal budget and my business structure, because I know giving is so important. Non-profits need money, but they also need other forms of support like time, services, and resources. Below are five local organizations I volunteered with, supported, or donated to this year. These are wonderful, homegrown organizations that need your help as well.
Presenting Denver
Who they are: Presenting Denver serves as Denver’s dance community. Their goal is to create a way to bring dancers and dance lovers together through performances, support, and resources.
How I gave: I volunteer on the Dance Events committee. I also volunteer as a photographer ambassador, where I photograph headshots, promotional material, and events.
How you can give: There are so many ways to support Presenting Denver. You can volunteer on one of their committees, attend an event, become a sponsor, or make a financial donation.
Opera Colorado
Who they are: Opera Colorado is Denver’s biggest opera company. Each season, they produce three operas, two at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and one at a smaller theater. They strive to present new works, and bring up and coming artists to the state.
How I gave: I give to Opera Colorado by donating a portion of my services to the company.
How you can give: They have so many ways for you to support, from Young Artist Sponsorship to one time donations. You can donate to Opera Colorado through Colorado Gives Day here.
Gender Identity Center of Colorado
Who they are: The Gender Identity Center is an important resource for transgender, nonbinary, and questioning Coloradoans as well as their families and friends. They offer therapy, support groups, community, and other essential services. The GIC is one of only a few centers in the country that does this and they have been open for over 40 years.
How I gave: I ran a charity photo shoot at Boulder Pride, to raise money for the organization. I also donated to their fundraising campaign.
How you can give: The GIC is always looking for volunteers to help at events, lead support groups or offer pro-bono therapy to the community.
Vagina Monologues Denver
Who they are: Kate Spencer organizes Denver’s production of Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues, a world renowned play to help stop violence against women and girls.
How I gave: I volunteer to photograph their rehearsals, headshots, and performances.
How you can give: Audition! Vagina Monologues is looking for anyone who identifies as a woman to be a part of the show. No acting experience required. Auditions are being held on December 15th. Don’t want to be on stage? Follow them on Facebook and attend a show in February!
The Center
Who they are: The Center serves as the LGBTQ community center for Colorado. The provide the LGBTQ community with resources, programs, communications, and opportunities.
How I gave: I donated clothing to their transgender clothing swap event.
How you can give: Volunteer at an event, donate, or shop through one of their affiliates.
Happy Giving, Colorado! I’d love to collaborate with you or your organization! Contact me here or message me at [email protected].
I love how your artistry and passion to support the arts is so intertwined. Your photographs are inspiring and I love how you gave concrete ways for us all to give to so many different worthy organizations in our community!
I love all these causes! Beautiful dance photos- they had really cool stage lighting!
Thanks for sharing all of these amazing organizations as well as for spreading the word about CO Gives Day. So great though that you have found ways to donate your own time and resources to these groups. I actually made a donation to the Civic Center Conservancy this year but never really heard about CO Gives Day till this year, and though my time is limited lately with 2 little ones, this inspires me to reach out and donate my services as well when I can. And of course great pictures too, I especially love seeing your dance pictures!
I loved reading about these organizations! Good for you for donating however you can to help make the world a better place!