Two-week giving campaign includes more than $1.5M in matching funds to boost access to youth sports

DENVER, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — All Colorado kids deserve a chance to play sports – and the Daniels Fund and Project Play Colorado are making it possible. In collaboration with hundreds of youth sports nonprofits across the state, the Daniels Fund and Project Play Colorado will launch the second annual Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 6 p.m. MDT. The two-week giving campaign aims to raise critical funds to break down barriers and expand access to organized sports for Colorado’s youth.

September 4, 2024 marks the launch of Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day, a month long campaign to raise essential funds to help more kids statewide participate in sports. (PRNewsfoto/Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day)

Last year’s inaugural event was a game-changer, raising an incredible $3.7 million for 175 nonprofits dedicated to empowering kids ages 18 and younger to experience the joy and benefits of sports. The 2024 participants used donations in a variety of ways to get more kids in the game, including purchasing equipment and uniforms, growing programming, expanding to new communities and even funding new sports facilities.

A Community United for Youth Sports

From Sept. 3-17, individuals, businesses and community groups are invited to rally behind youth sports nonprofits. Donations will be made through the Colorado Gives platform at www.youthsportsgivingday.org , ensuring simple, flexible and secure giving. Contributions will help ensure every child in Colorado has a chance to play, grow and thrive.

“Giving every Colorado kid the chance to play sports isn’t just about the game. It’s about building grit, confidence and character,” said Hanna Skandera, President and CEO of the Daniels Fund. “Youth Sports Giving Day fuels opportunities for kids to learn teamwork, bounce back from setbacks and grow into strong, resilient leaders on and off the field.”

$1.5M Matching Fund Unlocks Opportunity

This year, thanks to tremendous support from sponsors, the campaign features a matching fund of more than $1.5 million. The first $1 million donated will be matched dollar-for-dollar, effectively doubling the impact of every early gift. Remaining matching funds will be awarded based on the overall totals raised by participating organizations throughout the campaign.

“Too many kids still face barriers to playing sports, especially those from low-income families and communities of color,” said Tom Farrey, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program. “We’re committed to changing that. Our goal is to make Colorado a leader in equitable youth sports access, showing what’s possible when communities come together. Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day is a powerful driver of that change, helping more kids leave the sidelines for play and experience the lifelong benefits of sports.”