DENVER — It's still not as well known as Black Friday or Cyber Monday, but Giving Tuesday is raising more money every year for charitable organizations. The first Giving Tuesday was held in 2012, encouraging people to make online donations a part of their holiday giving.
"Our nonprofits struggle every year to raise funds in an efficient way," said Marla Williams, President and CEO of Community First Foundation. She says Giving Tuesday and Colorado Gives Day, on December 4th, both offer an easy way to make online donations.
"You go on looking for a particular nonprofit, then sometimes you give to a couple more, or give a little more," she added.
There are 2,500 Colorado non-profits listed on the Colorado Gives Day website.
If you're looking for a smart phone-based way to donate, an app called Purposity can connect you to needs in your own community. The app identifies families or individuals through nonprofits, then posts specific needs like coats or small household items. Donations tend to average around $30.
"We want people to really feel like they’re connected to the individual receiving the need and so we post specific items for specific people," said Purposity co-founder Jamie Reed.
The app launched in Denver in 2017 and is currently partnering with five Denver nonprofits.