Causes to believe in

Consider supporting theseColorado charities, who in turn strengthen our communities

AMERICANS SET A CHARITABLE GIVING RECORD IN 2016, OPENING their wallets to the tune of $389 billion, which represents a 4.2 percent increase over 2015.

Philanthropic watchdogs are predicting that 2017 will be another banner year, thanks in large part to the real or threatened cuts in federal funding. “In these ever-changing and uncertain times, it is imperative that we give in support of those around us so the many things that make our community great can continue to do so,” says Dana Rinderknecht, director of online giving at the Community First Foundation, sponsor of the annual Colorado Gives Day, which is Dec. 5 this year.

Progressive causes, in particular, appear to be reaping the largest gains. But others, such as those that feed the hungry, serve mental health needs or give shelter to the homeless are also seeing measurable increases.

The national office of Planned Parenthood, for example, saw donations increase at 40 times the normal rate in the six weeks following the November Presidential election. The Anti-Defamation League experienced a 50-fold increase in online donations in roughly the same time period while the American Civil Liberties Union received 120,000 contributions that totaled $7.2 million.

Worried that favorite causes will lose funding, philanthropic watchdogs say more and more Americans are upping their contributions to nonprofits whose future is uncertain.

“Changes in government funding may affect certain organizations,” adds Renny Fagan, president and chief executive officer of the Colorado Nonprofit Association. “That’s why it’s important this year for generous Coloradans to support the causes they believe in. Individual donations fuel the work of nonprofits, who in turn strengthen our communities.”

By Joanne Davidson