These Are the Top Rated Colorado Charities & Local Nonprofits

Colorado charities and local nonprofits play a vital role in strengthening communities across the state. From providing food and housing to supporting education, health care, and the arts, these organizations meet diverse needs that impact daily life. Health programs improve access to care, education nonprofits expand learning opportunities, environmental groups protect natural resources, and arts and housing organizations enrich community life.

This Colorado charities list of top-rated organizations, trusted giving platforms, and resources can help you make informed decisions if you’re thinking of donating or looking for volunteer opportunities in Longmont. Whether you’re seeking to give, volunteer, or learn, these nonprofits show the best of Colorado’s spirit.

Top Rated Colorado Charities

These 3 nonprofits earn recognition for their credibility, transparency, and measurable impact. Their strong reputations attract donor confidence and inspire volunteers and community members to engage with their missions in driving meaningful change across Colorado.

Compassion & Choices: provides essential support for end-of-life care, ensuring dignity and informed choices for individuals and families.
Greenhouse Scholars: empowers students through education, mentorship, and resources that help shape future leaders.
The Blue Bench: offers vital violence prevention programs and survivor support, building safer and stronger communities.

Colorado Gives Platform

ColoradoGives.org serves as a trusted statewide platform, connecting donors with more than 4,500 nonprofit organizations in Denver and communities across Colorado. The site makes giving simple and secure, offering multiple ways to donate, including credit card, PayPal, IRA charitable distributions, and donor advised funds. This flexibility ensures that anyone can support the causes they care about with ease.

Colorado Gives Day

One of the most impactful initiatives is Colorado Gives Day, a statewide event dedicated to fueling generosity. This annual celebration has raised millions of dollars for nonprofits across Colorado. By bringing donors together in a shared movement, Colorado Gives Day amplifies local giving and helps strengthen nonprofits year after year.

The Colorado Nonprofit Association

The Colorado Nonprofit Association is a statewide leader dedicated to strengthening nonprofits through training, networking, and policy advocacy. By offering educational resources and connecting organizations, the Association empowers nonprofits to improve operations, expand their reach, and amplify their impact in local communities.

Economic Impact

Colorado’s nonprofit sector is a powerful economic driver. With more than 34,000 nonprofits, employing over 262,000 people, the sector contributes an estimated $62 billion annually to the state’s economy. These numbers highlight how nonprofits not only meet community needs but also play a vital role in sustaining Colorado’s growth and prosperity.

State Oversight & Transparency

Tax-Eligible Nonprofits

The Colorado Secretary of State oversees official lists of recognized 501(c)(3) charities to ensure accountability and compliance. A 501(c)(3) is a nonprofit recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt, meaning it must serve charitable purposes and donations are typically tax-deductible.

Donors can use the Colorado 501c3 lookup to confirm state registration and good standing, or the IRS 501(c)(3) search tool to verify federal tax-exempt status. This transparency helps protect both organizations and the community they serve.

Donor Benefits

Nonprofits on the official list are clearly marked as “Eligible for tax write-offs.” This designation provides peace of mind for donors, ensuring contributions are both impactful and financially beneficial. Oversight at the state level builds trust, making it easier for individuals to support organizations with confidence and long-term commitment.

Colorado State Capitol - Colorado 501c Directory - Longmont Ledger

How to Support Local Nonprofits

Donations

Supporting nonprofits is simple through ColoradoGives.org or direct giving. Donors can also participate in state tax-checkoff programs, making contributions during the annual filing process.

Volunteering

From large cities like Denver to smaller towns, volunteer opportunities are abundant. For example, local volunteer opportunities strengthen local human services and community projects.

Community Events

Engaging with nonprofits through fundraisers, workshops, and giving days connects donors to important missions while fostering stronger relationships between organizations and the communities they serve.

FAQs

How do I use the Colorado 501c3 lookup?

Search the Secretary of State’s database to confirm nonprofit eligibility and status.

What is the role of the Colorado Nonprofit Association?

It provides advocacy, training, and resources to strengthen nonprofits.

How does Colorado Gives Day work?

It’s an annual statewide giving event raising millions for nonprofits, bringing together donors, businesses, and communities to support causes and strengthen organizations across Colorado.

How can I find Colorado charities eligible for tax write-offs?

Use state-provided lists of verified charities, available through the Colorado Secretary of State, to ensure donations are legitimate, compliant, and fully tax-deductible.