Boulder holiday giving guide 2025: How to support local nonprofits and volunteer

This guide will be updated throughout the season. To add your organization, email por@boulderreportinglab.org or complete the survey to be included.

As the holiday season begins, many Boulder County residents are looking for ways to give back, and local nonprofits say the need is especially acute this year.

A two-week lapse in SNAP benefits during the recent federal shutdown strained food banks already reporting higher demand. Now, tightening SNAP eligibility requirements, rising housing and health insurance costs, and federal cuts to social services and arts programs are adding further pressure. County reductions and city cuts — such as the loss of funding for Circle of Care, which supports low-income seniors — have left many organizations in Boulder County’s safety net facing increased need with fewer resources and greater uncertainty.

We asked nonprofits and community groups across Boulder County — through a survey open to all organizations — how residents can support them this season, whether by donating, volunteering, attending events or helping in other ways. What we’ve published here reflects their specific requests and needs, giving you concrete ways to support them. Their responses are organized by cause to help you find the best match for your interests. Organizations can still fill out the survey to be included.

Arts and Culture

Ars Nova Singers

The 40-voice choir Ars Nova Singers is fundraising to support general operations, including providing concert and educational experience for Boulder County residents. Their upcoming holiday concert will perform in Longmont (Dec. 7) and Boulder (Dec. 11 and 13).

Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

BMoCA is aiming to raise $25,000 for Colorado Gives Day, which will support creativity and community through contemporary art. Their Holiday Pop-Up Shop will be open Nov. 25 through Dec. 29. On Dec. 13, the museum will have a Winter Art Market and host a night of music, interactive art, chess and more.

Colorado Chautauqua

Colorado Chautauqua is looking for up to 16 donated Christmas trees between 4-9 feet, as requested from a local tree seller, which will go to decorating for the annual WinterFest (Dec. 12-13). Trees will need to be in place by Dec. 9 and donors will be credited. Donations are also needed for ongoing operations for preserving the historical Chautauqua neighborhood and the Auditorium Tent winterization project. Contact brad.weber@chautauqua.com to learn more about the tent winterization project, and jeane.woods@chautauqua.com to apply for volunteering.

The Dairy Arts Center

The Dairy Arts Center is looking for donations to support educational programming for children and older adults, opportunities for emerging artists and offsetting rental costs for groups that produce theater at the center. You can also support The Dairy by attending their events, many of which are holiday themed.

Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives

DBCI needs volunteers to help operate over two dozens events throughout the year, as well as donations. Email sponsor@downtownboulder.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

You can also show support by attending holiday events, including St Nick on the Bricks (Pearl Street Visitor Center, Dec. 13, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.), the Snowflake Express Train (Dec. 14, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.) and the Downtown Boulder Lights of December Parade (Dec. 13, 6 p.m., starting at Walnut and 15th).

East Side Art Institute (Lafayette)

East Side Art Institute is seeking board members with expertise in arts, farming, fine crafts or education “to help build a home for the arts.”

Groundworks Art Lab

Donations to Groundworks Art Lab will help them expand access to high-demand studio offerings, preserving culturally significant and traditional practices and strengthening outreach programs. Their annual Holiday Market will be open Dec. 13 and 14, with all pieces handmade and proceeds directly benefiting the artists.

Historic Boulder

Historic Boulder seeks donations to support education and restoration programs. Volunteers are needed for the upcoming historic home tour in Newlands and for advocacy efforts.

Lafayette History Museum

Lafayette History Museum seeks volunteers for research, tours and archival work, as well as donations to support programs.

The Mariposa Collective

Based in Boulder, The Mariposa Collective is encouraging folks to attend their upcoming show featuring shadow theater and a variety of dance styles. Donations will support the Collective’s diverse community of performing artists.

Museum of Boulder

The Museum of Boulder is seeking sponsorships for exhibits and programming. You can also support the museum by becoming a member. Various events are available during the holiday season, including the Boulder EATS! Food Traditions of the Front Range Exhibit daily, guided tours with Food Historian John Lehndorff and Sip & Shop Saturdays at the Museum Gift Store. The museum is also collecting donations of non-perishable items in the lobby for the Harvest of Hope food pantry.

Nosilla Dance Project

Boulder’s Nosilla Dance Project needs materials for set building and volunteers to help with advertising and community outreach ahead of its February performance.

Open Studios

Open Studios, which serves professional artists across Boulder County, seeks monetary donations for operating support. Its 2026 goals include expanding service to artists, growing the Mobile Arts Lab, supporting public school teachers and offering 2D art workshops for seniors and underserved groups. Residents can also support local artists directly through purchases and attendance at gallery shows.

Rock for the People (Lafayette)

Lafayette’s Rock for the People seeks volunteers and sponsors for events and scholarships for aspiring music industry professionals. Its Music Scene Holiday Party will be held Sunday, Dec. 7.

Street Wise Arts

Public art and education nonprofit Street Wise Arts in Boulder aims to raise $30,000 by the end of the year and needs volunteers for events, arts education, photography, video and fundraising.

Education, Equity & Opportunity

Boulder Library Foundation

The Boulder Library Foundation is raising funds to expand writing assistance programs, purchase devices for patrons with disabilities, support bilingual book giveaways and bring programs to low-income neighborhoods.

Colorado Women’s Education Foundation

The Colorado Women’s Education Foundation aims to raise $75,000 for Colorado Gives Day. Volunteers are always welcome.

Community Foundation Boulder County

Community Foundation Boulder County is looking for donations to their general fund to support grant-making benefiting Boulder County nonprofits, leadership development programs and building partnerships to meet the county’s needs.

CU Boulder BUENO Center

CU Boulder’s BUENO Center needs donations to support first-generation and underserved college students after losing federal grants.

Foundation for Leaders Organizing for Water & Sustainability (FLOWS)

FLOWS is looking for outreach support for affordable housing, immigrants, multi-generational households and other front-line communities for climate resilience initiatives. They are also looking for a donated laptop. A Colorado Gives Day fundraiser is aiming to raise $50,000.

Friends of the Lafayette Library Foundation

Friends of the Lafayette Library Foundation is looking for gentle used books or puzzles to sell in their library store, where 98% of the proceeds will go to Lafayette Library’s literacy programs and services. Their holiday book sale will be Dec. 12-14 during regular library hours. Monetary donations are welcome.

“I Have a Dream” Foundation of Boulder County

The “I Have a Dream” Foundation of Boulder County, which supports children and families in Boulder, Lafayette, Longmont and Lyons as they navigate education and career pathways, especially youth of color, is seeking donations of pre-cooked meals for families. The foundation also hosts a Class Wish List Drive to provide students with needed school supplies. Elevations Credit Union is offering a match of up to $50,000 donated dollars through the Local Change Foundation’s Dreamers Elevated Scholarship Fund.

Imagine! Foundation

The Imagine! Foundation hopes to raise $910,000 to support programs for people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Impact on Education

Impact on Education, which provides Boulder Valley students with equitable opportunities, is seeking monetary donations and volunteers. Community members can also support the organization by helping to spread the word about its work.

Intercambio

Intercambio is looking for volunteer teachers (no experience required) for their language classes and monetary donations. The organization creates programs that bring English learners and community volunteers together to build skills and confidence, with a goal to raise $400,000 by the end of the year and serve 30% more participants in 2026.

Realness Project

The Realness Project needs donations to support expansion of training programs that help incarcerated men and women throughout the state.

Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ Boulder)

The Boulder chapter of Showing Up for Racial Justice needs donations to support its work promoting racial equity in Boulder County through education and efforts to increase representation of BIPOC residents in business, government and culture. You can also support the cause by attending a film showing at Boulder Public Library on Saturday, Nov. 22 and a training session on Sunday, Nov. 30.

Families & Seniors

Autism Society of Boulder County

The Autism Society of Boulder County is looking to raise funds for their free support groups for autistic adults and parents or siblings of autistic children. Volunteer facilitators for these support groups are always welcome.

Boulder County Family Self-Sufficiency Program

Boulder County’s Family Self-Sufficiency program, which helps low-income families gain education and career skills, is seeking holiday gift card donations. Donors provide gift cards for a matched family, allowing parents to choose gifts for their children during the season. Gift cards are due Nov. 26. For details or to participate, email kfrye@bouldercounty.gov. Monetary donations also support participants with rent, utilities and childcare.

Boulder Day Nursery

The Boulder Day Nursery needs diapers (sizes 3-5), unscented wipes, tissues, dish soap, laundry detergent and bleach. Items can be shipped via Amazon wish list or dropped off at 1518 Spruce Street, Boulder. Monetary donations are also accepted.

Circle of Care

Circle of Care seeks $22,500 to fill gaps from city budget cuts. Funds support transportation for low-income seniors to attend cultural and performing arts events in the community. Businesses sponsoring the Boulder Culture Bus will have their branding displayed on the vehicle. Volunteer opportunities are listed on the website.

Growing Up Boulder

Growing Up Boulder, which promotes youth civic engagement, welcomes monetary donations. Local businesses can also sponsor its Boulder Child-Friendly City Map.

Share-A-Gift

Share-A-Gift is accepting gently used or new toys and monetary donations to help families in need provide gifts for children. Volunteers are needed to sort items and help parents shop at the Dec. 20 toy shop. Experienced volunteers can email carol.banks@shareagift.org to inquire about board member roles.

Voices for Children (CASA of Boulder County)

In Gunbarrel, Voices for Children, CASA of Boulder County aims to raise $125,000 this holiday season after losing federal funding. VFC provides services and support to children who have experienced trauma. The organization also maintains an Amazon wishlist for items shipped to 5408 Idylwild Trail, Boulder, 80301, and is seeking local business partners for its annual gift drive.

Food & Hunger

Boulder County Farmers Markets

Donations to Boulder County Farmers Markets will help fuel 50 weeks of Food Access programs as well as local food producers, including ranchers, farmers and beekeepers. You can also show support by shopping from their online store or getting curated produce through the winter subscription box for 8 weeks beginning Jan. 7.

Boulder Food Rescue

Boulder Food Rescue is looking to raise $260,000 alongside other grassroots organizations to support the aftermath of SNAP withholdings. The funds will help local food purchase and support tiendas, existing mutual aid networks and long term resiliency planning. Volunteers can sign up on their website. You can also gift a holiday box, to be distributed at the Boulder County Farmer’s Market.

Community Food Share (Louisville)

Community Food Share is asking for donations, noting that $1 in support provides $6 worth of groceries for local families.

Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA)

Emergency Family Assistance Association says financial donations are most helpful, allowing the organization to purchase what it needs when it needs it. EFAA also accepts donations of unopened nonperishable food and personal care items.

Golden West Senior Food Drive

Local resident Casi Gerber is hosting a Thanksgiving food drive for seniors at the Golden West community. Food donations can be dropped off Friday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., at Boulder Pickleball (3550 Frontier Ave., Unit C). Pledges and donations can be sent via QR code. Extra proceeds support EFAA. Text (818) 621-6259 with questions.

Harvest of Hope Pantry

Harvest of Hope in Boulder is prioritizing monetary donations, which allow the pantry to provide two meals per donated dollar through bulk purchasing and partnerships. If donating food, frozen chickens and turkeys are especially helpful during the holidays. Volunteers are also needed to pick up food from local businesses.

The Alpine Bank Boulder Thanksgiving 5K on Nov. 27 will benefit the pantry.

Meals on Wheels Boulder

Meals on Wheels is seeking volunteer drivers, packers, runners, kitchen helpers, office support and marketing assistance. To volunteer, email volunteers@mowboulder.org. The nonprofit aims to raise $350,000 by year’s end.

A Thanksgiving Dinner will be held at The Eat Well Café at the West Age Well Center on Nov. 26. Each meal is $13.99, with proceeds benefiting Meals on Wheels. Email sara@mowboulder.org.

Nederland Food Pantry

Nederland Food Pantry needs donations of nonperishable food, personal care products and gently used warm clothing. The nonprofit aims to raise $5,000 to expand programs. Volunteers are needed for sorting, community gardening and events. Thanksgiving boxes will be distributed Nov. 22 and Christmas boxes on Dec. 13 with prior registration. Email info@nederlandfoodpantry.org.

Housing, Homelessness & Essentials

All Roads

All Roads, the homeless shelter in North Boulder, is fundraising to close gaps left by city, county and state budget reductions. The shelter also needs volunteers over age 18 to help with meals and other tasks.

Bridge House

Support Bridge House by ordering catering or take-and-bake, purchasing Bridge House brownies or donating ingredients for weeknight community dinners at 5435 Arapahoe Road. Contact stevejacobson@bhrtw.org for in-kind donations. An Amazon wish list is available, and general donations are accepted online.

Bridge House will host its annual Christmas Dinner on Dec. 25 for anyone seeking support or company.

Circle of Love

Circle of Love serves hot meals at the Boulder Bandshell for people experiencing homelessness. High-priority item donations include handwarmers, warm gloves and hats, new men’s underwear and shirts, small toiletries and 12-ounce lidded soup containers. Volunteers are needed to cook and distribute meals on Mondays and Wednesdays at noon. Register using Calendar ID 295565 and Security Code 5666.

The Community Project

The Community Project needs community donations of essential items, with an Amazon wish list available. Most-needed items include warm socks, tents and sleeping bags, hygiene kits, non-perishable food items, protective eyewear, first-aid kits and more.

Flatirons Habit for Humanity

Serving Boulder, Louisville and Lafayette, Flatirons Habitat has a $100,000 year-end match that will support home-building efforts for local families. Volunteer opportunities are available.

Haven Ridge

Haven Ridge, which provides shelter, care management, employment counseling, housing assistance and hot meals, needs donations to help maintain services amid funding cuts.

HomeAhead

HomeAhead accepts donations of small, lightweight furniture (especially loveseats) and essential household items such as can openers, utensils, cutting boards, silverware, sheets and blankets. Volunteers are needed during donation hours; email homeaheadboulder@gmail.com.

You can also hire HomeAhead for furniture removal, which supports the organization and keeps reusable items out of landfills.

TGTHR

TGTHR, which supports young people ages 12-24 experiencing homelessness, is seeking donated meals, treats, holiday gifts, gloves, hats, handwarmers and hygiene items. Contributions support its incentive fund.

Veterans Community Project (Longmont)

Veterans Community Project needs funds for housing support, case management and services. Volunteers are needed for meal prep, home refresh projects and more. The organization also welcomes essential household items and grocery gift cards for King Soopers, Safeway and Walmart.

Mental Health

Recovery Café Longmont

Recovery Café in Longmont is looking to raise $25,000 to unlock matching funds. Donations will support their 2026 operating budget, which maintains a community space for folks recovering from substance abuse and mental health challenges to find belonging, hope and support.

Rise Against Suicide

Donations to Rise Against Suicide will support free therapy for youth ages 19 and under who are at risk of suicide. Their annual Holiday Star program will run from Thanksgiving to New Years, with over 100 local businesses hosting fundraising trees or starry walls. The full list of participating businesses is available on their website. You can also help by spreading the word about Rise Against Suicide’s services.

Sustainability, Outdoors and Animal Welfare

Boulder Mountainbike Alliance

The Boulder Mountainbike Alliance aims to raise $40,000 by the end of the season to support trail building, maintenance and advocacy at Boulder Valley Ranch, Marshall Mesa, Brainard Lake and other areas.

Boulder Open Space Conservancy

The Boulder Open Space Conservancy needs additional funds to match a $1 million grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife for improvements to Mt. Sanitas trails.

Coalition 4 Cyclists

Coalition 4 Cyclists is accepting financial donations and auction items for its annual charity auction.

Community Cycles

Community Cycles needs monetary donations, bicycle-related items and volunteers — including bike mechanics and educators. Memberships are appreciated.

Global Greengrants Fund (Boulder office)

Global Greengrants Fund is seeking 100 new local donors and hopes to raise $7,500 this season. Supporters can also sign up for the organization’s newsletter for uplifting stories from its global grantmaking.

Go Electric Colorado

Boulder-based Go Electric Colorado is seeking volunteers to help raise awareness about home electrification services or to serve as electrification coaches. Residents can follow Go Electric Colorado on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates. Donations are also welcome.

Good Life Refuge

Good Life Refuge, which provides a haven for abused and neglected farm animals, needs funding for feed, hay, straw and veterinary care through the winter. Volunteers are always needed for maintenance and animal care.

The Kiva Center

In Lefthand Canyon, The Kiva Center offers immersive outdoor experiences for youth, including summer, family and professional development programs. They’re looking for donations to support staff, and would appreciate folks spreading the word about their mission and offerings.

People & Pollinators Action Network (Niwot)

People & Pollinators Action Network is prioritizing monetary donations. Supporters can also contribute by purchasing a pollinator license plate. The organization encourages households to plant pollinator-friendly, native and pesticide-free plants whenever possible.

Pet Sustainability Coalition

The Pet Sustainability Coalition is fundraising to support tools and educational programs that help pet companies and consumers make more sustainable choices, including its sustainability toolkit and biannual industry event.

PLAY Boulder Foundation

PLAY Boulder Foundation is looking for donations to support programs and general operations, including recreation scholarships for youth, the Tree Trust and Community Forestry Corps programs and campaigns to enhance facilities and parks. The Foundation is also always looking for volunteers to help with tree planting and giveaway events, email mike@playboulder.org for more information.

Project AnimalAid

Project AnimalAid is seeking donations to assist animal welfare nonprofits by placing donated veterinary equipment and supplies, and to support an upcoming move to a larger warehouse. The organization will share more about its impact at its Dec. 3 Evening of Gratitude event.

Resource Central

Resource Central, a Boulder-based conservation nonprofit, is seeking donations to help families prepare for the next drought, reduce utility bills, foster a culture of reuse, and take climate action through its local conservation programs.

SOIL Boulder

SOIL Boulder needs assistance growing their loan pool, which helps them provide 0% loans for local farmers and food producers embracing regenerative practices.

Trash the Runway

Boulder’s Trash the Runway is nearing its $55,000 fundraising goal to support its youth design program, which challenges middle and high school students to create fashion from found, non-recyclable or non-compostable materials.