‘Tis the season for giving, and we urge Coloradans to give wisely and generously to their favorite charities.
We’re starting from behind.
Colorado recently ranked 42nd on a nationwide index of the most generous states. Surely, we can do better. Arkansas was No. 1. Wyoming was No. 13. Still, that should not – and does not – diminish the many unselfish contributions made by individual Coloradans totaling $2.5 billion, based on 2004 tax returns.
To put that in perspective, Charley Shimanski, head of the Colorado Nonprofit Association, said Coloradans earn 7 percent more in salaries than the average American but we give 8 percent less to charity. The average American gives about $4,000, he said. Coloradans give about $3,600. Charities depend on individuals for 71 percent of their donations.
In the latest Catalogue for Philanthropy, only Arizona was less generous among the states west of the Mississippi. The publication compares charitable contributions with household income.
Colorado’s modest ranking comes in the face of growing demand for food, shelter and other services provided by non- profit groups. Colorado Catholic Charities runs nine emergency centers and has seen an increase in demand for food and other services. Spokesman Randy Weinert attributes the need to the state’s lackluster economy and ongoing homelessness.
The roundup of workers at the Swift & Co. meatpacking plant in Greeley last week is sure to raise the demand for assistance in that area. The raid left many families without income and prompted Catholic Charities to divert money from another program to emergency assistance centers in Greeley and Fort Collins.
Denver Foundation President David Miller attributes Colorado’s modest level of giving to our unusually large population of newcomers. New residents often need time to identify organizations they want to support – and local charities need time to find them.
On the bright side, the state’s most affluent residents have become more willing donors. Coloradans earning $200,000 or more ranked 26th for generosity when compared with their counterparts elsewhere – up from 43rd when the group began calculating its annual index a decade ago. It’s an impressive increase. In addition, Colorado corporations increased their giving this year from $21 million to $26 million, another valuable commitment.
We need to keep in mind that our donations to charitable organizations benefit our community as a whole, not just the hungry and homeless, although that alone is plenty. Giving benefits a wide array of worthy projects, from youth soccer leagues to mountain rescue groups, which are staffed by volunteers who offer their time and other resources.
We urge Coloradans who are able to do so to help those in need during this holiday season.
