Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day raises over $5 million

DENVER — Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day set a new record this year, raising more than $5.2 million to expand access to athletics for children across the state.

The second annual campaign, organized by the Daniels Fund and Project Play Colorado, brought in $5,231,147 through 3,610 donations. The effort supported 244 nonprofit organizations dedicated to youth sports.

For two weeks in September, individuals, businesses and community groups contributed to local nonprofits. Donations were boosted by matching support from major partners including Alpine Bank, The Anschutz Foundation, Bank of Colorado, Boettcher Foundation, El Pomar Foundation, Gary Community Ventures, Colorado Rockies, Rose Community Foundation, Strohm Link Family Foundation, Telluray Foundation, UCHealth, The Weld Trust, Wold Foundation and Mike and Nancy Zoellner.

“Youth Sports Giving Day again sparked a groundswell of generosity across Colorado to lower barriers that are keeping too many kids on the sidelines,” said Hanna Skandera, president and chief executive officer of the Daniels Fund. “As a result, more young people in our state will gain the life skills, including resilience, grit and determination, that come from playing sports.”

Research has long shown that sports improve academics, self-esteem, mental and physical health, and leadership skills. Active youth are also more likely to earn higher incomes later in life. But financial barriers continue to prevent many children, particularly those in low-income communities, from participating. Studies show children often drop out of sports by age 11, with girls and vulnerable populations most affected.

“The support we’ve received during Youth Sports Giving Day means we will be able to open the door to competition, growth and transformation for so many more kids this coming year who have earned a spot but need financial assistance,” said Vickie Puchi, executive director of Chance Sports.

Launched in 2024, Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day is a collaboration between the Daniels Fund, Project Play Colorado and hundreds of nonprofits. The Daniels Fund has pledged to give one million young people the opportunity to compete in sports by 2030 as part of its “Big Bets” philanthropic strategy.