Our Beginning

In 1986, 12 Colorado nonprofits joined together to change the face of workplace giving.  Originally called The Alternative Fund, our organization gave a home to nonprofit organizations that did not fit the mold of existing workplace giving federations.  Our members included grassroots nonprofits and new issue areas such as social justice, respect for all individuals, environmental conservation, and community-owned arts.  Soon after, our founders chose the name "Community Shares of Colorado" and began actively working to expand charitable choice in workplace giving campaigns.  

Community Shares' first workplace giving campaign raised $3,500 dollars.