Since 2010, residents throughout the Centennial State have been encouraged to support non-profits through Colorado Gives Day. Managed by the Colorado Gives Foundation (formerly Community First Foundation), this effort has raised more than $469 million since its inception, including $54.2 million in 2023 from over 124,000 donors. Last year, more than 4,000 Colorado nonprofit organizations benefited from the funds raised.

In 2023, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts was the grateful beneficiary of $103,956 from 434 donors. These unrestricted funds are used to support our locally produced plays from the Denver Center Theatre Company and Theatre for Young Audiences as well as the organization’s extensive Education programs.

In its most recent season, proceeds from Colorado Gives Day as well as other year-round giving, helped the Denver Center for the Performing Arts offer a variety of programs including but not limited to:

DENVER CENTER THEATRE COMPANY

Eight locally produced mainstage productions by the Denver Center Theatre Company.

• 305 performances
• 12,053 students served
• 107,466 total tickets distributed

THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES

An annual production for ages PreK through third grade that introduces children to the theatre.

• 127 performances
• 20,669 students served/tickets distributed

BOOK STARS

An early childhood literacy program that invites PreK and Kindergarten students to act out a beloved storybook and bring it to life.

• 1,380 workshops
• 27,076 students served

DRAMATIC LEARNING

Innovative, theatre-based activities that complement STEM-based school curriculum.

• 319 workshops
• 15,222 students served

BOBBY G HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARDS

A Tony-style ceremony that recognizes the talents of Colorado’s high school musical theatre students.

• 4,182 students adjudicated
• 1,910 ceremony participants

MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL PLAYWRIGHTING WORKSHOPS & COMPETITION

In-school playwrighting workshops that invite participants to submit plays into a statewide competition culminating in a professional reading of the top three scripts.

• 111 workshops
• 250 scripts submitted
• 2,296 workshop participants

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKING LOT

Free abridged performances of Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream for schools and community groups.

• 97 performances
• 14,733 students served
• 1,463 community members served

While the Colorado Gives Foundation provides a year-round platform for individuals and businesses to support non-profits, it designates one day a year to heighten awareness about the importance of giving. This year, Colorado Gives Day is on December 10. Donations made between now and then will count toward a $1 million Incentive Fund, that unlocks additional support for nonprofit participants proportionate to the amount of donations they receive.

Consider a gift to benefit the Denver Center for the Performing Arts or visit coloradogives.org for a complete list of participating non-profit organizations throughout Colorado.