Colorado Gives Day falls on December 8 this year. For many nonprofits, the real campaign starts five weeks earlier.
 
Early giving opens November 1. Every gift made between then and December 8 counts toward an organization’s Colorado Gives Day total. That’s more than a month of momentum instead of a single 24-hour sprint, and most nonprofits plan for it.
 
Last year, Coloradoans set a new record. This year, the nonprofits we work with are getting ready to build on it, starting with day one of early giving.
 
Here’s what you need to know.

​What Is Colorado Gives Day?
Colorado Gives Foundation created Colorado Gives Day in 2010 to grow charitable giving among Colorado residents through the ColoradoGives.org platform. The annual event falls on the second Tuesday in December, which is December 8 this year.
 
The giving window is wider than the name suggests. Early giving begins in November, and a $1 million+ Incentive Fund boosts every donation made during that window. Nonprofits can also compete for cash prizes, made possible by the Colorado Gives Foundation and its new presenting sponsor, PNC Bank.
 
That incentive fund is the secret ingredient. It’s shared in proportion to giving: a nonprofit that receives 10% of total Colorado Gives Day donations receives 10% of the fund. Every gift grows an organization’s share.

The Numbers Behind the Movement
2025 set a new record. 102,835 donors contributed $56,533,062, the largest total in the event’s 16-year history. That topped the $54.8 million raised in 2024.
 
A few more figures from the 2025 results stand out:

• $56.5 million raised through 261,513 donations
• Donors supported an average of 2.37 organizations each
• More than 92% of participating nonprofits received a donation, a total of 4,618 nonprofits
• More than $581 million raised for Colorado nonprofits since 2010

​Fifteen years ago, this story looked very different. In 2010, Colorado ranked near the bottom of the country for charitable giving. Platforms like ColoradoGives.org helped turn that around. A June 2026 Common Sense Institute report found that Coloradoans gave $6.1 billion to local causes in 2025 and contribute 110 million volunteer hours each year. That same report ranks Colorado second in the nation for the share of residents who donate.

​Giving Trends Worth Watching
The totals tell one story. The trends underneath tell a more useful one.
 
Giving is growing across the board. In 2025, ColoradoGives.org processed $87 million in donations. Dollars donated rose 27%, the number of donors grew 19%, and the number of nonprofits receiving gifts rose 12%. Coloradoans are giving more, and more of them are giving.
 
Generosity is holding up under pressure. That growth came as rising costs pushed Colorado to the fourth-most-expensive state in the nation. Budgets are tight, and donors keep showing up anyway.
 
Monthly giving is gaining momentum. Beyond one-time gifts, Colorado Gives Foundation matched $250,000 in monthly donations last year to support nonprofits year-round. A recurring gift keeps working long after December.
 
Businesses are joining in. Ninety-nine businesses raised $496,988. Kelly Dunkin, president and CEO of the Colorado Gives Foundation, points out that giving back boosts both brand recognition and employee engagement.
 
Human services lead the way. Most donations go to human services organizations such as food banks, emergency shelters, and mental health care. Education, the arts, animal rescue, and youth programs follow close behind.

Why Colorado Gives Day Sets Nonprofits Up for Success
Year-end giving is crowded. Inboxes fill up. Every organization competes for attention in the same few weeks. Colorado Gives Day cuts through that noise in a few ways.
 
It turns one day into five weeks. Early giving lets nonprofits build a full campaign instead of betting everything on a single Tuesday. Donors who give in November create early momentum, and that momentum tends to draw others in. Organizations also have time to share progress, thank supporters along the way, and make a strong final push on December 8.
 
It gives the season a clear deadline. A shared date across the state creates urgency that a single nonprofit would struggle to build alone. That’s why many of the nonprofits we work with center their year-end campaigns on Colorado Gives Day.
 
It stretches every dollar. The incentive fund and prizes add value to every gift. That gives donors a compelling reason to give through ColoradoGives.org.
 
It removes friction. Donors can give by credit card, bank transfer, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. They can also give through an IRA, a donor-advised fund, a wire transfer, or gifts of stock, and support several organizations in a single checkout.
 
It costs nothing to join. The platform is free for nonprofits, and more organizations now use it for their own events throughout the year.
 
The strongest campaigns treat December 8 as a finish line, not a starting line. They plan the story, the asks, and the thank-yous well before November 1. It’s the kind of fundraising support we provide for nonprofits across Northern Colorado.
​
Local Nonprofits We’re Cheering For
Meals on Wheels of Greeley and Weld County. Since April 1, 1970, this organization has delivered hot, nutritious meals to neighbors who can’t prepare food for themselves. Today, more than 200 volunteers deliver about 57,000 meals a year to roughly 500 clients. Each delivery includes a friendly visit and a check-in, which helps older adults stay healthy and independent at home. Support Meals on Wheels on ColoradoGives.org.

SAINT Volunteer Transportation. SAINT has served the community since 1983. Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles to provide free, door-to-door rides within Loveland and Fort Collins. The mission is to help older adults and people with disabilities stay independent and connected to their community. A ride to the doctor or the grocery store can make the difference between staying home and losing independence. Support SAINT on ColoradoGives.org.

Both organizations help neighbors stay independent, connected, and safe at home. That kind of work deserves a strong December, and a strong November, too!

How to Make Your Gift Go Further

1. Give early. Gifts made starting November 1 count the same as gifts made on December 8, and early momentum helps your favorite nonprofit build its campaign.
2. Spread the love. You can support several organizations in one checkout.
3. Consider monthly giving. Recurring gifts give nonprofits steady funding they can plan around.
4. Think beyond your credit card. Gifts of stock, IRA distributions, and donor-advised funds are all options. Ask your financial advisor which one fits your situation.
5. Share it. A fundraising page or a quick social post can bring new supporters to a cause you love.

Frequently Asked Questions
When is Colorado Gives Day 2026?
Colorado Gives Day is Tuesday, December 8, 2026. Early giving opens November 1, and every gift from then through December 8 counts toward a nonprofit’s total.

Do early gifts count toward the incentive fund?
Yes. Gifts made during early giving are boosted by the incentive fund, the same as gifts made on December 8.

What is the Colorado Gives Day Incentive Fund?
It’s a pool of more than $1 million, based on recent years, shared among participating nonprofits in proportion to the donations each one receives.

How can I donate?
Visit ColoradoGives.org and search for the organizations you want to support. You can give by credit card, bank transfer, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, IRA, donor-advised fund, wire transfer, or stock.

Can my business participate?
Yes. Businesses can rally their teams, sponsor the event, or raise money for causes their employees care about.
 
Planning a year-end campaign? Big Deal Company helps nonprofits plan, write, and run fundraising efforts that connect with donors. Start the conversation at 970-613-1455 or bigdealcompany.com/contact-us

Every customer, client, or donor interaction tells a story.
 
A person might first discover your organization through a Google search, a social media post, a referral, or a blog article. From there, they may visit your website, read about your services or mission, sign up for emails, compare options, make a purchase, donate, or return later. That path is the customer journey.
 
For small businesses and nonprofits, understanding that journey is not optional. It is one of the clearest ways to create more meaningful experiences, build trust faster, and turn on-time interactions into long-term relationships.
 
At BIG DEAL Company, we believe the strongest marketing does more than generate clicks. It guides real people through real decisions with clarity, empathy, and consistency. When that happens, businesses grow, nonprofits deepen support, and brands become easier to trust.

What Is a Customer Journey?
A customer journey is the full path a person takes with your brand, from first awareness to deeper engagement, conversion, loyalty, and advocacy.
 
For a small business, that might look like this:

• They discover your business online
• They read your blog or explore your services
• They decide to contact you or make a purchase
• They evaluate the experience after the sale
• They return, recommend you, or leave a review

 
For a nonprofit, the path is similar, but the action may be different:

• They hear about your mission
• They read your story and impact
• They subscribe, attend, volunteer, or donate
• They receive updates and see outcomes
• They continue supporting and champion y our cause

 
The journey is not just about the final transaction. It includes every touchpoint that shapes how a person feels about your brand.

Why Customer Journeys Matter So Much
Small businesses and nonprofits do not usually have unlimited time, teams, or ad budgets. That means EVERY interaction matters more.
 
A clear customer journey helps you:
1.    Build trust earlier
People rarely take action the first time they encounter a brand. They need clarity, reassurance, and proof that you understand their needs or values.
2.    Reduce friction
If your website is confusing, your messaging is inconsistent, or your next steps are unclear, people drop off. A mapped journey helps you spot those breakdowns.
3.    Improve conversions
When each stage of the journey has the right message, content, and call to action, more people move forward.
4.    Strengthen loyalty
A great journey does not end after a purchase or donation. The post-conversion experience often determines whether someone returns, gives again, or recommends your brand.
5.    Create stronger advocacy
The best customer and donor experiences turn supporters into storytellers. They become the people who share your name, refer others, and expand your impact.
​
The Core Stages of the Customer Journey
While every organization is different, most customer and donor journeys follow a few key stages.

1.    Awareness
This is the first impression stage. A person becomes aware of your business, nonprofit, service, or mission.
They may be asking:

• Who are you?
• What do you do?
• Why should I care?
• Can I trust you?

 
At this stage, your website, messaging, search presence, social media, and content all matter. This is where blogs are especially powerful!

2.    Considerations
Now the person is interested, but not ready to act yet. They are comparing options, gathering information, and deciding whether your brand feels like the right fit.
 
They may be asking:

• Do you understand my problem?
• Are your services or mission relevant to me?
• What makes you different?
• What happens next?

              
This is where thoughtful content, testimonials, case studies, clear service pages, and well-structured landing pages make a major difference.

3.    Conversion
This is the action stage.
 
For a small business, that may mean making a purchase, booking a consultation, or requesting a quote.
For a nonprofit, it could mean donating, volunteering, signing up, or attending an event.
 
A strong conversion experience is simple, clear, and reassuring. It removes confusion and gives people confidence to take the next step.

4.    Retention
Once someone has acted, the relationship is still being formed.
 
This is where follow-up emails, onboarding, thank-you messages, service quality, donor acknowledgement, and ongoing communication come into play. A smooth, thoughtful retention stage increases repeat action and long-term value.

5.    Advocacy
This is where a customer or donor becomes something even more powerful: a supporter who actively shares your brand.
 
They leave reviews, recommend your business, share your mission with others, and become part of your growth story.
 
Advocacy is rarely created by marketing alone. It is created by experience.

​What Makes a Great Customer or Donor Experience?
A great experience is not flashy for the sake of being flashy. It is intentional, consistent, and human.
 
Here is what it usually includes:
Clarity
People should quickly understand who you are, what you offer, and what to do next.
Consistency
Your website, emails, blog content, social channels, and team interactions should feel like they come from the same brand.
Empathy
Your content and messaging should reflect what your audience is feeling, needing, and trying to solve.
Ease
​The path forward should feel simple. Easy navigation, clean calls to action, clear donation pages, and accessible information all matter.
Responsiveness
When people reach out, they should feel heard. Whether someone is a potential client or a first-time donor, prompt and thoughtful communication builds confidence.
Relevance
Different people are at different stages. The content that works for someone just discovering you is not the same content that works for someone ready to act.
Follow-through
Promises matter. If your brand says it is personal, strategic, compassionate, or reliable, the experience must support that claim.

Why Blogs Matter in the Customer Journey
Blogs are often underestimated, but they play a major role in guiding the customer journey.
 
At BIG DEAL Company, we believe robust content marketing is one of the smartest investments a small business or nonprofit can make because good content keeps working long after it is published.
 
A blog can help at every stage of the journey.

Blogs support awareness
A blog helps your audience find you through search and discover your perspective. It gives your brand more opportunities to answer real questions people are already asking.
Blogs build trust
When you publish helpful, useful content, you show expertise without forcing a sales pitch. You help people before they are ready to buy or donate.
Blogs support consideration
A strong blog answers objections, explains complex topics, highlights your values, and shows that you understand the audience you serve.
Blogs strengthen SEO and AEO
Well-structured blog content makes it easier for search engines and answer engines to understand your expertise, surface your content, and match it to user intent.
Blogs create momentum
A blog gives you content to share in newsletters, social media, nurture campaigns, presentations, and sales or donor conversations.
Blogs move people toward action
The right article at the right moment can be the bridge between passive interest and meaningful engagement.
 
In other words, blogs do not just attract traffic. They guide people forward.

​Why Brand Story Matters in the Customer Journey
Facts inform, but stories connect.
 
A brand story gives meaning to the experience people have with your business or organization. It helps them understand not just what you do, but why it matters.
 
For small businesses, a brand story can communicate:

• Why the company was founded
• Who does it serve best
• What values shape the work
• What transformation customers can expect

 
For nonprofits, a brand story can communicate:

• Why the mission exists
• Who is impacted
• Why support matters now
• How donors become part of real change

 
A strong brand story creates emotional continuity across the journey. It makes your marketing feel less transactional and more relational.
 
That matters because people do not just choose products or causes. They choose meaning, trust, alignment, and confidence.
 
When your story is clear, the journey becomes stronger because every touchpoint reinforces the same message.

Customer Journeys for Small Businesses
Small businesses often grow through reputation, referrals, and repeat business. That means the journey matters at every step.
 
A great customer journey helps small businesses:

• Stand out in crowded markets
• Turn website visitors into qualified leads
• Increase repeat purchases
• Improve customer satisfaction
• Generate more reviews and referrals
• Build a brand people remember

Without a strong journey, marketing can feel disjointed. You may attract attention, but lose people before they take action.

Donor Journeys for Nonprofits
For nonprofits, the donor journey is about more than fundraising. It is about stewardship, trust, and shared purpose.
 
A donor is more likely to stay engaged when they feel:

• Welcomed
• Informed
• Appreciated
• Connected to impact
• Confident in your mission
• Clear on how their support makes a difference

A thoughtful donor journey helps nonprofits move from one-time giving to an ongoing relationship with the community. It transforms outreach from a series of isolated asks into a meaningful relationship.

​At BIG DEAL Company, we help businesses and nonprofits create journeys that are not only strategic but genuinely useful and engaging.
 
That means we help shape the full experience, including:
Brand messaging and positioning
We help clarify who you are, what makes you different, and how to communicate that with confidence.
Content strategy
We build robust content marketing plans that support every stage of the customer or donor journey, not just the top of the funnel.
Blog development
We create blog content that helps audiences discover your brand, understand your value, and move closer to action.
Storytelling
We help organizations develop brand stories that resonate, build trust, and bring consistency across channels.
Website and journey strategy
We look at how people move through your digital presence and identify ways to reduce friction and strengthen engagement.
Ongoing marketing support
We help do the driving, so you can stay focused on running your business or advancing your mission.
 
For many organizations, the challenge is not knowing that customer experience matters. The challenge is having the time and internal capacity to shape it well.
 
That is where BIG DEAL comes in.

Let BIG DEAL Do the Driving
You already have enough to manage.
 
You are running a business, serving clients, leading a team, building a mission, or raising critical support. Marketing should help move that work forward, not become another burden competing for your attention.
 
BIG DEAL Company helps small businesses and nonprofits create customer and donor journeys that feel clear, connected, and intentional. From content strategy and blogging to storytelling and experience design, we help you build the kind of brand journey that earns trust and inspires action.
 
So while you focus on the work only you can do, we help shape the experience that brings people closer to your brand.
 
Customer journeys are not just marketing diagrams. They are lived experiences.
 
They shape how people discover you, how they evaluate you, how they engage with you, and whether they come back. For small businesses and nonprofits, that journey can be the difference between being noticed and being remembered.
 
When the journey is guided by clarity, strong content, a brand story, and a commitment to experience, it becomes one of the most powerful growth tools a brand can have.
 
And when that journey is built with intention,  your audience does not just move through a funnel.
 
They move toward trust.
 
FAQs
What is a customer journey?
A customer journey is the full series of interactions a person has with a brand, from first awareness to conversion, retention, and advocacy.

Why is the customer journey important for small businesses?
It helps small businesses create better experiences, reduce friction, improve conversions, increase repeat business, and generate stronger referrals.

How is a donor journey different from a customer journey?
A donor journey follows many of the same stages, but it focuses on mission-driven engagement, trust, stewardship, and long-term support instead of only a purchase.

How do blogs help guide the customer journey?
Blogs help attract new audiences, answer questions, build trust, support SEO and AEO, and move people from awareness to consideration and action.

What makes a great customer or donor experience?
A great experience is clear, relevant, consistent, easy to navigate, emotionally resonant, and supported by strong follow-through.

Why is brand story important in the customer journey?
A brand story gives people a reason to connect. It creates meaning, builds trust, and helps every touchpoint feel aligned and memorable.

How can Big Deal Company help improve the customer journey?
Big Deal Company helps businesses and nonprofits shape messaging, content strategy, blogs, storytelling, and digital experiences so audiences move from discovery to loyalty more naturally.

What is the connection between customer journeys and content marketing?
​Content marketing supports each stage of the journey by giving audiences the right information at the right time, helping them feel informed, confident, and ready to act.