Economy Doesn't Dampen Colorado's Giving Spirit According to Statewide Giving and Voluntee...( Need for Increased Giving Prevails: C...),Health

Need for Increased Giving Prevails: Colorado Trails the Nation in Giving as Demand for Nonprofit Services Peaks

DENVER, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- More than half of Coloradans report that they will give the same amount or give more to charitable causes during the economic downturn, according to "Generous Colorado: Why Donors Give," the first statewide philanthropy study in Colorado, which reflects data from surveys conducted October 2008. With demand for services increasing, the need for increased giving is more pertinent than ever before.

Insight from the study, released on Dec. 4 by the Colorado Nonprofit Association, will enable the nonprofit sector to improve fundraising strategies and respond to economic pressures by better understanding what motivates donors. The report is based on 1,200 phone interviews conducted by the independent research firm Corona Research and sponsored by a grant from EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.

For donors, a new Web site called GenerousColorado.org makes learning about nonprofits and giving donations easier.

The report, Web site, and a series of TV ads are all part of the Generous Colorado Campaign, the Colorado Nonprofit Association's initiative to increase Colorado philanthropy in 2008 and beyond. Coloradans believe in giving, with 96 percent of survey respondents agreeing that charitable organizations improve the quality of life in their communities and 87 percent agreeing that the need for nonprofit programs and services is increasing. The Generous Colorado Campaign aims to translate these

pro-philanthropy attitudes into action by encouraging the people of Colorado to give more, especially this holiday season.

"Nonprofits often shine brightest during the darkest hours," said Sharon Knight, interim president and CEO, Colorado Nonprofit Association. "By understanding what motivates donors, and
'/>"/>