Colorado nonprofits feeling the pinch of tough times

DENVER - 9NEWS' partners at USA Today report that the nation's 400 largest charities expect donations to decline an average of 9 percent this year because of the tough economy. Colorado charities and nonprofits are also experiencing major declines in funding.

There are about 20,000 charities in Colorado that are registered with the IRS

The Colorado Nonprofit Association conducted a survey which shows a decrease in funding for charities and nonprofits statewide.

"That survey showed that arts and cultures organizations, as well as youth organizations did have the greatest decrease in donations," Renny Fagan, CEO of Colorado Nonprofit Association, said. "Nonprofits are not going away, and they are used to facing difficult times, and they will continue to do that. They need assistance from the public to do that, but they will always be there to fill the gap where either government or business cannot."

Fagan is asking Coloradans to find a cause they really believe in, and then find a nonprofit that fits that. He says even if you can't afford to donate cash, there is always a need for volunteers.

"Every dollar helps, every hour of service helps, and so all those accumulated efforts together really add up to a great impact on what community organizations do," Fagan said. "Because those organizations are in turn helping others who are in need, if nonprofits who fulfill those needs have to close their doors, then things will be worse. So it really is a time for individual action, for businesses to look at how they can contribute to their community through nonprofit organizations."

One local organization in need of help is Freedom Service Dogs, Inc. in Englewood. The staff rescues shelter dogs and trains them to become companions for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

There is a waiting list to receive a service dog. The training process is very involved, lasting seven to nine months at a cost of $20,000 to $25,000 per dog.

Freedom Service Dogs was founded in 1987. Executive Director Sharan Wilson says she hasn't seen donations decline as much as they have this year.

"Our donations are down 32 percent from what we had last year, so it's been a major impact on us, as it has most nonprofits in the metro area," Wilson said. "We need the funding to get these dogs out. We had planned on graduating 40 client/dog teams this year. We've had the funding for 20."

Wilson says any amount of donations would be appreciated, but adds there is also a need for volunteers to walk the dogs or become a foster family for a dog. For more information about Freedom Service Dogs, Inc. go to: 

www.freedomservicedogs.org  

For information about other Colorado charities and nonprofits and how to donate or volunteer, go to: 

www.coloradononprofits.org
http://www.generouscolorado.org