History

In 1986, 12 Colorado nonprofits joined together to change the way workplace giving operated. Originally called The Alternative Fund, our organization gave a home to nonprofits that did not fit the mold of existing workplace giving federations.  Soon after, our founders chose the name "Community Shares of Colorado" and began offering more choice to employees for their charitable giving.  These included nonprofits providing health and human services, animal welfare, advocacy, public access radio, along with arts groups and emerging nonprofits.

Community Shares' first workplace giving campaign raised $3,500 dollars.  In the 2006-2007 Annual Charitable Giving Campaign, we raised over $1,560,000 from over 160 workplaces for 170 Colorado nonprofits!  Community Shares has raised over $1 million each of the past five years and over $12.94 million for Colorado nonprofits since inception.  See year by year Campaign Totals

In 2006 we celebrated our 20th Anniversary and we are now the second largest giving campaign in Colorado.  Community Share's contributions to the nonprofit community have been recognized both state-wide and nationally with 6 awards for outstanding nonprofit service.  These include the National Philanthropy Day Colorado's "Outstanding Service Organization" for 1999 and the National Alliance for Choice in Giving's "Momentum Award" in 2003 and "Innovation and Excellence Award" in 2007.