Excitement was in the air at the May 31st GivingFirst Launch Party. Nearly 200 people gathered to celebrate the new online giving tool that was designed to encourage charitable giving in metropolitan Denver. And in its first month live, $117,254 of online donations were directed to 34 nonprofits through the GivingFirst Web site. Combined with a match by Community First Foundation, the figure rose to $167,254 in total dollars for these nonprofits in one month. Now that’s something to celebrate!

What is GivingFirst?

GivingFirst is a web-based tool that facilitates philanthropic giving in the Denver area. In what the Foundation calls “ePhilanthropy,” GivingFirst helps donors learn about the management, finances and programs of numerous nonprofits. This information is organized on the GivingFirst.org Web site, which provides donors with in-depth information on participating nonprofits—and gives nonprofits an easy way to receive donations and connect with supporters.

Financial Benefits for Nonprofits

As an added benefit for participating nonprofits, Community First Foundation is covering the costs of credit card transaction fees. That way, one hundred percent of donations directed through GivingFirst goes directly to the designated nonprofit.

What’s more, the Foundation is boosting contributions by matching 50 cents for every dollar donated through GivingFirst.org. Participating organizations may receive a match up to $5,000 each, until a combined total of $100,000 is achieved for all 180 participants.

Creating a Buzz

To help create a buzz and draw donors to GivingFirst, a year-long media campaign kicked off in June. The campaign features local celebrities Janet Elway, Penny Parker and Chef Frank Bonanno, Helen Thorpe, and Reggie Rivers.

We are excited that 60 nonprofits joined GivingFirst in time for the launch, and look forward to adding 120 more by fall.