Here’s a sobering thought: Despite Colorado ranking among the top states for volunteerism nationwide, nonprofit organizations across the state are still struggling to find enough helping hands.
The pandemic years left many organizations scrambling, and while things are looking up, there’s still a massive need for passionate folks willing to donate their time and talents.
Ready to buck the trend? We’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the best non-profit organizations in Colorado where you can make a real difference.
Whether you’re searching for non-profit jobs in Colorado or just looking to volunteer a few hours each month, these organizations would love to have you on board.
Top Non-Profit Organizations in Colorado
Related: 11 Best Non-Profit Organizations in California: Making an Impact
Denver Urban Gardens
Website: https://dug.org/
Best for: The green thumb with community spirit
Since 1985, Denver Urban Gardens has transformed empty lots across the city into thriving community gardens.
With more than 180 gardens throughout metro Denver, this powerhouse nonprofit organization in Denver doesn’t just grow vegetables—it cultivates community.
Their gardens serve as outdoor classrooms, neighborhood gathering spaces, and fresh food sources for communities that might otherwise be food deserts.
How to help: Get your hands dirty! Volunteer at seasonal garden builds, help with youth education programs, or take on a leadership role by becoming a garden leader at a site near you.
The Matthews House
Best for: The nurturing mentor
Website: https://www.thematthewshouse.org/
Based in Fort Collins, The Matthews House empowers young adults and families who are facing poverty and challenging life circumstances.
Their approach is holistic—addressing education, housing, employment, and mental health needs through individualized support.
Their transition programs have become models studied by nonprofit organizations across Colorado Springs and beyond.
How to help: Volunteer as a youth mentor, assist with life skills workshops, or help organize donation drives.
The Matthews House also regularly posts nonprofit jobs in Colorado for those looking for more permanent involvement.
Rocky Mountain Wild
Best for: The wilderness defender
Website: https://rockymountainwild.org/
For over 20 years, Rocky Mountain Wild has been fighting to protect the biodiversity of the Greater Southern Rockies.
Through a combination of scientific research, legal advocacy, and education, they’ve helped preserve more than 2 million acres of habitat for endangered species like the Canada lynx and Gunnison Sage-grouse.
A Colorado nonprofit search would be incomplete without mentioning this environmental champion.
How to help: Join citizen science projects tracking wildlife, assist with habitat restoration, or help with administrative tasks at their Denver office.
Project Angel Heart
Best for: The culinary caregiver
Website: https://www.projectangelheart.org/
What started in 1991 with a single meal delivered to a man with AIDS has grown into a massive operation providing medically tailored meals to thousands of Coloradans facing life-threatening illnesses.
Project Angel Heart’s meals aren’t just food—they’re medicine, designed to address specific health conditions and improve outcomes.
How to help: Volunteer in their kitchen prepping and packaging meals, sign up for delivery routes, or assist with special events.
They also regularly have nonprofit jobs in Colorado Springs and Denver for professional positions.
The Gathering Place
Best for: The compassionate advocate
Website: https://www.gatheringplace.org/
As Denver’s only daytime drop-in center for women, children, and transgender individuals experiencing poverty or homelessness, The Gathering Place provides a safe haven for those who need it most.
Their comprehensive services include meals, job readiness training, housing assistance, and more—all offered with dignity and respect.
How to help: Serve meals, sort donations, teach classes, or provide childcare.
The Gathering Place maintains a detailed list of volunteer needs on their website, making it easy to find your perfect fit.
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
Best for: The housing rights champion
Website: https://www.coloradocoalition.org/
For over 35 years, the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless has been working to create lasting solutions to homelessness.
Their integrated approach combines housing, healthcare, and supportive services—a model that has helped thousands of individuals and families escape the cycle of homelessness for good.
Any guide for Colorado nonprofit organizations would be remiss not to mention this vital institution.
How to help: Opportunities range from serving meals to providing administrative support to helping with housing move-ins.
They also offer numerous nonprofit jobs in Colorado for those with backgrounds in social work, healthcare, or housing.
Food Bank of the Rockies
Best for: The hunger fighter
Website: https://www.foodbankrockies.org/
With a massive operation spanning 30 counties in Colorado and the entire state of Wyoming, Food Bank of the Rockies distributes more than 100 million pounds of food annually.
Their network includes hundreds of pantries, soup kitchens, and direct distribution sites, ensuring that no Coloradan has to go to bed hungry.
How to help: Sort and pack food at their warehouse, distribute meals through their mobile pantry program, or help with administrative tasks.
Volunteers with specialized skills like accounting or IT can also provide professional services.
Colorado Springs Food Rescue
Best for: The food waste warrior
Website: https://foodtopowerco.org/what-we-do-1
Taking a different approach to hunger, Colorado Springs Food Rescue intercepts perfectly good food that would otherwise be thrown away and redistributes it to those in need.
Their innovative model not only addresses food insecurity but also tackles the environmental impact of food waste—a true win-win.
They’re one of the most innovative nonprofit organizations in Colorado Springs.
How to help: Volunteer as a food runner to pick up and deliver rescued food, help at their grocery program, or assist with community education initiatives about food systems.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary
Best for: The exotic animal advocate
Website: https://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org/
Located in Keenesburg (with a second location in Springfield), The Wild Animal Sanctuary provides a permanent home to more than 500 rescued lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and other carnivores.
With over 10,000 acres, it’s the largest wild animal sanctuary in the world, giving formerly abused animals the space and care they need to heal.
How to help: General volunteers assist with everything from construction to special events, while those with specialized skills can help with veterinary care, educational programs, or administrative work.
Colorado Health Network
Best for: The public health supporter
Website: https://coloradohealthnetwork.org/
Formerly known as the Colorado AIDS Project, the Colorado Health Network has expanded its mission to provide comprehensive health services to those living with HIV/AIDS and other health conditions.
With locations across the state, they’re removing barriers to healthcare for those who need it most.
How to help: Volunteer opportunities include peer support, food bank assistance, special events, and administrative help.
They also regularly post non-profit jobs in Colorado for healthcare professionals.
Understanding Colorado Non-profit Filing Requirements
Before you dive into volunteering or working with a non-profit, it might be helpful to understand how these organizations operate.
Colorado non-profit filing requirements include annual reports to the Secretary of State, financial disclosures, and maintaining tax-exempt status.
Most organizations have staff dedicated to handling these requirements, ensuring that your volunteer hours go directly toward the mission you care about.
Whether you’re passionate about wildlife conservation, fighting homelessness, or supporting vulnerable youth, Colorado’s non-profit sector has a place for you.
Each organization on this list is not just addressing immediate needs—they’re working toward systemic change to create a more equitable, compassionate Colorado for all of us.
Ready to make a difference? Reach out to one of these incredible organizations today and take the first step toward becoming part of the solution.
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