Coffman Forms “Task Force on Charitable Giving” To Increase Donations in Colorado

Colorado’s Online System Makes State Government’s Regulations Accessible to the Public

Denver, July 26, 2007 – Secretary of State Mike Coffman today announced the formation of the “Task Force on Charitable Giving” to advise him on legal and regulatory reforms for the nonprofit sector.

“I am looking to this task force to give me concrete recommendations on how to increase charitable giving in Colorado,” said Coffman.

The task force will examine ways to improve and promote the Secretary’s website as an important tool that can educate the public about charitable nonprofits, increase donor confidence, and ultimately increase giving in the state. The task force will also examine the regulatory and legal framework for the nonprofit sector to recommend if any changes should be made.

Thayer Tutt Jr., president and chief operating officer for the El Pomar Foundation in Colorado Springs, is chair of the task force. “It is a privilege to serve Secretary Coffman in this capacity,” Tutt said. “I look forward to working collaboratively toward the important goal of increasing charitable giving in the State of Colorado.”

The task force, which brings together representatives from state government, the law enforcement community and the nonprofit sector, will meet throughout the summer and early fall, and will submit formal recommendations to Coffman by November 2007.

Charley Shimanski, president and chief executive officer of the Colorado Nonprofit Association, highlighted the need for such a task force. “Coloradans earn seven percent more than the average American, but our annual giving to charity is eight percent below the national average,” Shimanski said.

Under the Colorado Charitable Solicitations Act, charitable nonprofit organizations that solicit donations in Colorado are required to register with the Secretary of State’s office, provide identifying information about their organization and file annual financial reports. The public can visit the Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.state.co.us, to verify if a charity has registered with the state and view its financial disclosure reports before deciding whether to donate.

Representative from the following government agencies and nonprofit organizations comprise the “Task Force on Charitable Giving”:

• Association of Fundraising Professionals
• Berenbaum, Weinshienk, & Eason, P.C.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, Inc.
• Boulder County District Attorney's office
• Catholic Charities of Pueblo
• Colorado Association of Funders
• Colorado Attorney General's office
• Colorado Children's Campaign
• Colorado Nonprofit Association
• Colorado Nonprofit Development Center
• Colorado Secretary of State's office
• Community Resource Center
• Denver Options
• El Pomar Foundation
• Independent Higher Education of Colorado
• Kundinger, Corder & Engle, P.C.
• Mile High United Way
• Ravenna Golf
• Regis University
• The Children's Hospital Foundation
• The Colorado Health Foundation
• The Daniels Fund
• Valley-Wide Health Systems
• Volunteers of America