On Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day, community members and organizations raised $7.2 million to fund youth sports, receiving 4,400 unique donations and partnering with 349 nonprofit organizations.
According to PR Newswire, the $7.2 million figure surpasses last year’s fundraising record by 38%. The money, led by campaigns from Daniels Fund and Project Play Colorado, will expand youth athletes’ access to sports in Colorado.
"For the third year, Coloradans showed up in a big way to get more kids off the sidelines and into the game," said Hanna Skandera Grady, CEO and president of the Daniels Fund. "We're incredibly grateful to the thousands of donors who are helping open doors for young people to build the grit, resilience and confidence that stay with them for life."
To reach $7.2 million, matching incentives were offered on the first $1 million raised from Alpine Bank, the Colorado Rockies, and Colorado Health Foundation, and the America250 Fund contributed $250,000.
Since beginning the fundraising campaign in 2024, Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day has raised $16.1 million to expand youth access to sports in Colorado. The funds allow nonprofits to purchase equipment, reduce fees and expand programming.
In Colorado, an estimated 64.5% of children participate in sports. Across the country, statistics show that boys participate in sports at a rate of 67.5%, girls at a rate of 61.2%. Those numbers fluctuate depending on household income and race — 46.5% of children from low-income families participate in sport and only 55% of children from families of color participate.
"Colorado has made important gains in youth sports participation, but the biggest challenge is making sure those opportunities reach every child," said Tom Farrey, executive director of Aspen Institute's Project Play. "The gaps for lower-income families and youth, girls and kids with disabilities make clear that there is still work to do. We need to keep building a state of play where every young person feels included, supported and able to participate. The success of this campaign certainly helps fuel that goal."
