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As part of the Feeding America network, we join with more than 200 food banks across the country to advocate for programs that increase opportunity and maintain a bipartisan commitement to protect hungry men, women and children.

141 authorizes a new line on the tax form for 2020 (2019 tax year) called the “Donate to a Colorado Nonprofit Fund,” which allows Colorado taxpayers to donate part or all of their tax refund to any nonprofit registered in Colorado. All the taxpayer would need to do is write or type in the amount of the donation and provide information to identify which nonprofit will receive the donation.

The Donate to a Colorado Nonprofit Fund provides donors with the opportunity to give at a time when they have additional disposable income. It encourages donors to give during tax season in addition to year-end giving.

To be eligible, the nonprofit must be registered with the Colorado Secretary of State for charitable solicitations for at least five years and in good standing.

Why This Bill Matters

Last year, Coloradans received over $1 billion in income tax refunds. They donated almost a quarter of a percent of their refunds ($1.9 million) to the 20 tax checkoffs on the form. If they increase their giving by one percent, nonprofits will receive an additional $10 million to support their essential work of strengthening our communities.

Giving Coloradans the choice of donating their tax refunds to eligible registered nonprofits will encourage them to give more and support a wider range of organizations If 141 becomes law, taxpayers could still choose to donate their tax refunds to any other checkoff fund on the form. Nor does 141 affect the renewal of existing tax checkoffs or establishment of new ones.

In 1977, Colorado became the first state to allow taxpayers to donate to nonprofits and charitable causes via the state tax return. By signing SB 18-141 into law, Colorado would become the first state to allow taxpayers to write-in the nonprofit of their choice when they donate their tax refunds via the state tax return.

How Will it Work?

• Nonprofits will complete their annual charitable solicitations report with the Colorado Secretary of State, so they remain registered for five years and in good standing
• On the Voluntary Contributions Schedule on the Colorado Tax Return, taxpayers will see a line starting in 2020 for the Donate to a Colorado Nonprofit Fund
• Taxpayers can write or type in the amount of their refund donation and provide information to identify which nonprofit will receive the donation
• Taxpayers can make their entire refund donation to this fund or donate various amounts to this fund and other tax checkoffs
• The Department of Revenue (DOR) will direct payment of the donation from the Treasurer to the recipient nonprofit organization.
• Gifts, grants and donations will pay for start-up and ongoing management of the program by DOR.

Who Are The Hungry?

• Children make up about half of the clients served through Food Bank of the Rockies.
• 14% of clients are seniors, age 60+
• 31% are White, 18% are Black/African American, 38% are Hispanic/Latino , 13% identify as some other race
• 23% did not graduate high school or obtain a GED,  45% have a GED or HS Diploma, 25% have education beyond a high school diploma/GED and 7% have a 4-year college degree or higher
• 10% are living in temporary housing
• 10% do not have access to cooking facilities or refrigeration
• 37% of households had a member working for pay in the last four weeks, 63% had a person working for pay in the last 12 months
• 19% are grandparents who have responsibility for grandchildren who live with them
• 21% have a household member who has served or is serving in the US military
• 20% are in poor health
• 93% have incomes less than $30K/year, 48% have incomes of $10K/year or less
• 70% have incomes at or below the poverty level
• 61% choose between medicine and food
• 65% choose between mortgage/rent and food
• 68% choose between transportation and food
• 72% choose between utilities and food

Hunger and Poverty in Colorado

• 18.1% of Colorado children live in poverty and 8%  are living in extreme poverty. (coloradokids.org – 2014)
• 39% of Colorado children live in households with incomes less than 200% of poverty. (coloradokids.org – 2014)
• Poverty in Colorado has increased since 2001. The total poverty rate in Colorado increased from 9.6% in 2001 to 12.9% in 2012. Furthermore, Colorado’s child poverty rate increased from 12.2% in 2001 to 18.1% in 2012.
• 7% of Colorado seniors live below 100% of poverty and 28% live below 200% of poverty.

Additional Resources

• Denver’s Road Home Point in Time Study 2013
• Kids Count Report 2016
• USDA Food Insecurity Report 2011 – 2013  
• QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau
• Feeding America 
• Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity
• The Colorado Children’s Campaign
• Colorado Center on Law and Policy and Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute
• Nutrition.gov 
• Piton Foundation
• U.S. Census
• USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension service 
• USDA Economic Research Service