DENVER — Every child deserves the chance to play, compete, and grow through sports, and Colorado is doubling down on that promise. The Daniels Fund and Project Play Colorado, in partnership with hundreds of youth sports nonprofits, have announced the return of Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day for 2025. Set to kick off on Tuesday, September 3 at 6 p.m. MDT, this two-week statewide campaign will channel more than $1.5 million in matching funds to break down financial barriers and expand access to organized sports for kids across Colorado.
The inaugural 2024 Youth Sports Giving Day was a resounding success, raising $3.7 million for 175 organizations dedicated to youth sports. Funds went directly to providing equipment, uniforms, expanded programming, and even building new facilities—transforming opportunities for thousands of Colorado children aged 18 and under.
From September 3–17, individuals, companies, and community groups can donate through the Colorado Gives platform at www.youthsportsgivingday.org. Early donations will stretch even further, thanks to a dollar-for-dollar match on the first $1 million contributed. Additional matching funds will be distributed based on fundraising performance among the participating nonprofits.
Hanna Skandera, President and CEO of the Daniels Fund, emphasizes that this campaign is about more than sports: “Giving every Colorado kid the chance to play sports isn’t just about the game. It’s about building grit, confidence and character.”
Facing Barriers Head-On
Despite the well-documented benefits of youth sports—including higher self-esteem, better mental and physical health, and stronger leadership skills—many kids, especially from low-income families and communities of color, remain on the sidelines. According to Project Play Colorado, only 38% of kids in households earning up to 99% of the federal poverty level participate in sports, compared to 72% of their higher-income peers.
Tom Farrey, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program, said, “Too many kids still face barriers to playing sports. Our goal is to make Colorado a leader in equitable youth sports access.”
Special Events and Support Statewide
The campaign will launch at Coors Field during a Colorado Rockies home game, where $5 from every ticket sold will be added to the matching fund. Additionally, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs is offering free admission for families on September 6, fueling community engagement and awareness.
Sponsors supporting this year’s campaign include Alpine Bank, The Anschutz Foundation, Bank of Colorado, Boettcher Foundation, Colorado Rockies, Google, and several others—reflecting a broad coalition invested in youth success.
