City Give
Giving Communities are Great Communities
The City of Fort Collins invites charitable giving and philanthropic investment in programs and initiatives that align with its priorities.
The City works every day to deliver exceptional service, but community needs often extend beyond the City budget. Charitable giving helps expand and enhance programs and services to support youth recreation, public art, neighborhood parks, performing arts, natural areas and more.
Community generosity accelerates progress toward a stronger, more vibrant Fort Collins. Every gift is tax-deductible and creates lasting impact for all who live, work and play here.
What is City Give?
City Give is the program through which the City of Fort Collins receives philanthropic revenue. Once appropriated by City Council, all philanthropic revenue flows directly to the department or program designated by the donor. This "in-house" approach allows the City to respond to strategic projects and community needs that fall outside traditional budget priorities but are well suited for private funding.
City Give was shaped through conversations with residents, donors, community partners and local leaders who urged the City to “get its charitable house in order.” We listened and created a transparent structure to coordinate giving across City departments and projects.
Through City Give, donors can support projects that align with their passions while contributing to the long-term vitality of Fort Collins. The program is designed to remain independent and non-partisan, ensuring continuity beyond changes in elected leadership. We operate with the highest standards of stewardship, transparency and accountability.
Community giving isn’t intended to replace City budgets, but rather to expand opportunities, enrich programs and accelerate progress in areas like the arts, environment, social sustainability and recreation.
City Give is not a foundation and does not accept grant proposals or solicitations.
- Be sure to select the designation for your gift in the drop-down menu or list a designation in the space provided.
Checks can also be made payable to City of Fort Collins, 300 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80521, Attention: City Give.
- Note the designation for your gift in the memo line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a donation to the City of Fort Collins tax deductible?
Yes. Per IRS code 26 U.S.C. 170(c)(1), a gift to a local government entity is tax deductible if the gift is for public purpose.
Does my donation end up in the General Fund?
No. Charitable gifts to the City can only be used for the intended purpose and can't be redirected by elected officials or City staff.
Can I make an anonymous gift?
The City will work hard to protect and maintain the confidentiality of a donor's name and privileged information at a donor's request. City staff will not disclose privileged or confidential information to unauthorized parties at any time for any purpose. However, as a public institution, the City may be legally required to share gift details if someone requests them.
Does City Give charge a fee on charitable gifts?
No. Philanthropic gifts are not charged administrative fees. All gifts to the City go fully and directly to the project or program you choose.
Is there a reliable process for giving to the City?
Strong oversight of philanthropic gifts is a priority. The City of Fort Collins has created multiple layers of accountability and transparency for donated funds and the projects receiving those funds. City Give is subject to City policies and regulations, including City accounting and conflict of interest policies.
Is this a way for donors to create pet projects with the City?
No. Charitable giving is not a political vehicle or beyond the scope and transparency of public oversight. Charitable gifts must reflect the City’s priorities and needs and align with City Plan and City strategic objectives.
Is community giving a "work around" to fill gaps in City operating budget?
No. However, community needs are always deeper than any City budget. Charitable gifts are a vehicle to expand and enrich City programs and services.