Five Nonprofits Making a Difference in Colorado: How Digital Presence Can Enhance Their Impact
Celebrating Colorado’s Inspiring Nonprofits
Colorado is home to some incredible nonprofits that are transforming the lives of individuals and communities throughout the state. These organizations are tackling diverse issues, from education and youth mentorship to environmental conservation and support for underserved populations. In this blog, we highlight five nonprofits making a difference in Colorado, explore their missions and key leadership, and showcase how expanding their digital presence can further their impact.
VOC (Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado)
Mission: Founded in 1984, VOC is Colorado's oldest outdoor stewardship nonprofit organization. Their mission is to motivate and enable individuals to become active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources through volunteerism. Every year, VOC engages thousands of people in volunteer projects focused on habitat restoration, trail maintenance, invasive species management, and more across Colorado's diverse landscapes.
Leadership: VOC is guided by Chris Nesset, the Chief Executive Officer, who leads the organization with a deep passion for conservation and volunteer engagement. Kelly Clouse, the Director of Programs, oversees VOC’s extensive field initiatives, ensuring impactful environmental stewardship. Kim Gagnon, the Director of Marketing and Communications, plays a key role in expanding VOC’s reach and fostering community involvement. Additionally, Vanessa Casas, the Field Programs Manager, works closely with volunteers and partners to coordinate conservation efforts across the state. This leadership team, along with a dedicated staff, drives VOC’s mission forward by creating meaningful opportunities for people to protect and restore Colorado’s outdoor spaces.
How They Contribute: VOC organizes a variety of volunteer projects that take place throughout Colorado. These projects allow volunteers to contribute directly to the preservation and enhancement of outdoor spaces. In addition to these hands-on efforts, VOC offers community engagement programs like The Cairn Program, Family Camping Projects, and Healthy Community Projects that foster long-term stewardship and environmental education.
Website Features & Functionality: VOC’s website offers an array of tools for individuals and groups looking to volunteer. It provides information on upcoming projects, volunteer registration, and ways to support the organization. The website serves as a hub for fostering a community of outdoor enthusiasts and environmental stewards, with resources for both volunteers and donors to get involved.
Lincoln Hills Cares
Mission: Lincoln Hills Cares is dedicated to developing the next generation of outdoor leaders by providing youth with access to outdoor education, environmental stewardship, and cultural history exploration. Their programs focus on empowering communities through equitable access to outdoor experiences and workforce advancement, fostering both environmental awareness and leadership skills.
Leadership: Lincoln Hills Cares is led by Dr. Jeanette R. Patterson, who serves as the Executive Director, bringing a wealth of experience in community engagement and youth development. She is supported by Timothy Flynn, the Director of Programs & Education, who oversees the organization’s diverse initiatives. Additionally, Braylen Aldridge, the Youth Program Director, plays a key role in shaping programs that provide young people with meaningful outdoor and leadership experiences. Together, this leadership team drives the organization’s mission forward, ensuring that all programs create lasting impacts on the communities they serve.
How They Contribute: Through their unique blend of outdoor education, cultural history programs, and workforce readiness initiatives, Lincoln Hills Cares helps young people develop leadership skills, foster a love for nature, and engage in environmental stewardship. They provide opportunities for youth to explore the natural world while learning about the importance of sustainability and community involvement.
Website Features & Functionality: Lincoln Hills Cares' website serves as an essential tool for promoting their programs, sharing success stories, and facilitating donations and volunteer opportunities. By providing an easy-to-navigate platform, the website encourages engagement from those looking to support their mission or get involved in their programs.
Ballpark Collective
Mission: Ballpark Collective is a community-focused nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the development and improvement of the Ballpark District in Denver’s historic Five Points Neighborhood. They work to create vibrant public spaces, support local businesses, and enhance the quality of life for residents by promoting safety, cleanliness, and community engagement.
Leadership: The organization is led by a dedicated board of volunteers, including business owners, property owners, and residents of the Ballpark District. Key leaders include Matt Van Sistine, the Board Chair, and Chris Payne, the Vice Chair, who bring experience from business development, construction, and local community involvement. Their leadership guides the district toward growth while preserving its unique cultural heritage.
How They Contribute: Ballpark Collective advocates for investment in public spaces, art, green spaces, and infrastructure in the Ballpark District. They collaborate with local businesses, residents, and public officials to create a safe and inviting community for everyone. The organization also hosts community events that promote local businesses and engage residents in shaping the district’s future.
Website Features & Functionality: Ballpark Collective’s website serves as a central resource for community engagement, event promotion, and membership growth. It provides an interactive platform for residents and businesses to connect, share ideas, and get involved in neighborhood improvement efforts.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado
Mission: Since 1918, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado has been dedicated to helping children realize their full potential through mentoring. As part of the nation's largest mentoring network, the organization pairs adult volunteers ("Bigs") with children ("Littles") to create meaningful and lasting relationships that positively impact young people. By fostering these one-to-one mentoring relationships, they work to ignite the power and promise of youth across Colorado.
Leadership: Under the guidance of Elycia Cook, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado continues to empower youth through mentorship. With over 15 years of experience in youth development and nonprofit leadership, Elycia is dedicated to ensuring every child has a strong support system. She is supported by a committed leadership team, including Gina Gardner, VP of Business Development, Polica Houston, VP of Programs, and Michael Stevens, VP of Finance, who work together to expand partnerships, enhance mentorship programs, and ensure financial sustainability.
How They Contribute: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado’s programs focus on creating and nurturing one-to-one mentoring relationships that provide guidance and support to youth ages 9 to young adulthood. By matching children with mentors who provide direction, encouragement, and a listening ear, they help young people overcome challenges and develop the skills needed to succeed in life.
Website Features & Functionality: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado’s website features tools for individuals to learn more about the organization, volunteer as a mentor, or support through donations. It offers comprehensive resources on becoming a "Big," including the benefits and commitments of volunteering, as well as success stories and community impact reports.
Aspen CORE (Community Office for Resource Efficiency)
Mission: CORE (Community Office for Resource Efficiency) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization leading the Roaring Fork Valley towards a carbon-free, net-zero energy future. Through action-oriented climate solutions, CORE addresses the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions while preserving the remarkable place we call home.
Leadership: Aspen CORE is led by John Dougherty, CEO, who drives the organization's mission to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future. He is supported by Tara Stitzlein, Chief of Staff, who ensures smooth operations, and Jamie Vogt, Director of Climate Action Programs, who leads efforts to address climate change in the Roaring Fork Valley. The team also includes key members such as Jami McMannes, Communications & Engagement Manager, and Jake Lapp, Program Manager, all of whom work collaboratively to advance innovative climate solutions and engage the community in sustainability efforts.
How They Contribute: Since its founding in 1994, CORE has made significant contributions to environmental sustainability in the Roaring Fork Valley. The organization has led over 6,000 energy efficiency projects, removing more than 34,000 metric tons of carbon from the atmosphere. CORE has connected local businesses, organizations, and individuals with over $10 million in grants and rebates, making energy conservation more accessible. CORE has also worked to ease the energy burden on affordable housing residents and pioneered innovative projects such as eliminating methane leaching from an abandoned coal mine. Through these efforts, CORE continues to drive meaningful change and promote sustainability in the valley.
Website Features & Functionality: The CORE website serves as an essential resource for individuals, businesses, and organizations looking to reduce their carbon footprint and engage in sustainable practices. The site provides access to grant and rebate resources, offering financial support for energy conservation projects. It also features tools such as energy efficiency calculators that help visitors assess their carbon impact and make informed decisions. Additionally, the website tracks energy-saving projects, providing a platform for users to monitor their progress. Educational materials on sustainable practices and climate action are readily available, and the site also highlights partnership opportunities for those looking to collaborate with CORE in advancing sustainability efforts.
How Crowd for Causes Can Help Nonprofits in Colorado
Crowd for Causes provides digital services that are essential for growing your nonprofit's online presence. Here’s how we can help organizations like VOC, Lincoln Hills Cares, Ballpark Collective, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Aspen CORE:
- Website Design & Management: We build user-friendly, attractive websites tailored to your nonprofit’s needs, whether it’s for attracting volunteers, simplifying donations, or showcasing your programs.
- Social Media & Email Newsletters: We help nonprofits connect with their audience, spread awareness, and build community engagement through strategic social media campaigns and email newsletters.
- Fundraising & Membership Growth: We can design online fundraising campaigns that streamline donations, expand your donor base, and help you raise more for your cause.
- Google Ad Grants: We help nonprofits leverage free Google Ads to increase online visibility and drive more traffic to their websites.
If your nonprofit could benefit from a stronger digital presence, we’d love to help you take your mission to the next level. Contact Crowd for Causes today to find out how we can assist in amplifying your impact and growing your organization’s reach.
