Nominate Nonprofits You Believe In

Recognize a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Colorado that’s making a difference.

Nominations for the 2027 Award Season are Now OPEN.

Colorado Nonprofits to Know celebrates the organizations driving positive change across our state. Nominate a nonprofit you believe in and help them gain statewide exposure and recognition.

**It’s free to participate** and your nomination helps build a new Colorado tradition of celebrating impact. Thank you!

These nonprofits are changing lives every day. Their stories deserve to be heard.

Every nonprofit has a story of impact. Tell us theirs.

Through their leadership, innovation, and impact, these nonprofits ignite our communities with hope and possibility beyond measure.

They are fueling the heart of Colorado.

Celebrate Colorado’s changemakers by nominating and help shine a spotlight on the organizations making a real difference.

The Colorado Nonprofits to Know nomination process is quick, simple, and only takes a few minutes to complete.

Nominate a Colorado Nonprofit that You Believe In!

It's quick and easy. See below for Eligibility.

2027 Nonprofit Award Nomination

Previous Winner

Companies may only be a Colorado Nonprofits to Know Winner one time. When a company wins they become a member in the growing and one-of-a-kind CNTK Alumni community. If you'd like to check if the company you are nominating has already won, you can look them up here:

CNTK Winner Listing

1. Your Nominee and Nominee's Company Information*

Nonprofit You are Nominating *

Name of Company

Nominee Website/URL *

Website/URL

Nominee is Headquartered in Colorado?

Yes

Not sure

Nominee's Main Colorado Office is located in this City *

Nominee's Main Office is located in this County *

Nominee Headquarter's City *

COUNTY INFORMATION

Not sure which county your nominee is located in? Here's an easy lookup: Lookup County

2. Nominee's Highest Ranking Official (CEO, COO, Executive Director or Board Director)

N Des. * N Des.

Designation

Nominee First Name *

First Name

Nominee MI

Nominee Last Name *

Last Name

Nominee Title *

Title

Nominee Email *

Email Address

Phone Number

Number

Ext.

Additional Contact
An additional contact is optional; however, providing one is recommended to ensure receipt of your nomination.

Add'l Contact

Designation

Additional Contact (AC) First Name

First

AC MI

AC Last Name

Last

AC Title

Title

AC Email

Email Address

3. Your Nominee's Company Strengths*

In 200 words or less (approximately one-quarter page in length), describe the unique strengths that illustrate why your nominee should be one of the Colorado Nonprofits to Know. Please note that this goes beyond a standard mission statement or program summary. For example: Using the strengths below as a guide, you might explain what innovative approach makes the organization a leader in its field; how its programs create measurable community impact; what distinctive strategies or partnerships enable it to achieve meaningful outcomes; or how its leadership, culture, or collaboration model sets it apart from others in the sector. Essentially, what are the reasons this organization stands out as a catalyst for change and a force for good in Colorado? When possible, support your claims with specific examples or results. (If composing your statement in another program, copy and paste it into the text box below.)

Company Strengths *

The following list is provided to help you think about the nonprofit's strengths (feel free to consider others):

Impact & Sustainability
Demonstrated measurable impact on the community or population served
Evidence of strong outcomes and long-term sustainability
Innovative funding, partnership, or earned-revenue models
Effective use of data to demonstrate mission results

Leadership
Visionary and mission-driven leadership
Innovative management or organizational strategy
Inspirational leadership that empowers staff and volunteers
Strong governance and board engagement
Collaborative leadership within the nonprofit and community sectors

Innovation
Creative program design or delivery that addresses unmet needs
Use of technology or data to enhance mission effectiveness
Innovative partnerships or cross-sector collaborations
New models for community engagement or resource development

People & Culture
Strong volunteer or staff engagement and retention
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Innovative human resource or leadership development practices
Supportive and mission-aligned organizational culture

Community Engagement
Deep community partnerships and collaboration
Outstanding service to beneficiaries or stakeholders
Effective advocacy or awareness efforts that advance the mission
Demonstrated responsiveness to community needs

Social Responsibility & Environmental Stewardship
Commitment to ethical, transparent, and accountable operations
Practices that promote sustainability or environmental responsibility
Contribution to social progress and community well-being

4. Nominator's Endorsement and Contact Information*

I believe my nominee qualifies for this award and deserves to be recognized. Please notify the nonprofit representatives that I have nominated them for this award. (To submit a nomination anonymously, check the box at the end of this section.)

Nominator Contact * Nominator Contact

Designation

Nominator Contact Information *

First

NC MI

NC Last Name *

Last

Nominator Title *

Title

Nominator Organization *

Organization

Nominator Email *

Email Address

Nominator Phone *

Phone Number

Number

Ext.

Anonymous Nomination? *

Submit nomination anonymously. Your contact information will be used internally but will NOT be visible to your nominee.

Share my information with my nominee. Your name, title, and organization WILL be shared with your nominee.

5. Read the following, Sign and click "Submit" to complete this form

By entering your signature and clicking the submit button below, you acknowledge that you are electronically signing this nomination form.

Signature *

Clear

Date *

Date

*Required Field.

Lookup

If you are human, leave this field blank.

Nominate Nonprofits You Admire

Nominating a nonprofit for the Colorado Nonprofits to Know (CNTK) awards is a powerful way to recognize and uplift organizations that are strengthening Colorado’s communities. These nonprofits are driving change, inspiring collaboration, and improving lives across the state.

Why Nominate

Recognition of Impact:
Shine a light on nonprofits demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and measurable results in advancing their missions.

Community Strength:
Celebrate organizations that are vital to Colorado’s social fabric, those creating opportunity, fostering equity, and responding to real community needs.

Collaboration & Connection:
Encourage cross-sector collaboration and recognize nonprofits that work hand-in-hand with businesses, government, and other organizations to make lasting change.

It’s a Heartfelt High Five:
Your nomination tells a nonprofit, “We see you. We value what you do.” It’s a way to honor their hard work and celebrate their impact on Colorado’s future. Everyone loves a high five—give them one!

Have Questions?

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for selection as one of the Colorado Nonprofits to Know, the organization must meet the following for its fiscal year ending 2025:

Be a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in, or with a major presence in, the state of Colorado.
- A major presence means the organization conducts significant operations, delivers core programs, or maintains key staff or facilities in Colorado.
Have been operating for at least 3 years (past the startup phase).
Demonstrate an intentional path of growth, impact, or scalability (rather than simply sustaining current operations).
Have evidence of effective leadership, strong governance, and measurable mission outcomes.
Have an annual operating budget of $500,000 or more.
Employ a minimum of 5 full-time equivalent (FTE) W-2 employees or demonstrate equivalent organizational capacity through a strong volunteer base and leadership team.
Demonstrate measurable community impact supported by data, testimonials, or outcomes.
Exhibit financial sustainability, with diversified funding sources. (e.g., grants, donations, earned income, partnerships).

Nomination Form

Thank you for nominating awesome Colorado companies that are fueling our economic fire! Please nominate as many companies as you know that deserve community recognition. It's a free program for them and a great way for you to let them know you think they are outstanding!

2024 Award Nomination

Previous Winner

Companies may only be a Colorado Companies to Watch Winner one time. When a company wins they become a member in the growing and one-of-a-kind CCTW Alumni community. If you'd like to check if the company you are nominating has already won, you can look them up here:

CCTW Winner Listing

Finalist

Yes

1. Your Nominee and Nominee's Company Information*

Company You are Nominating *

Name of Company

Nominee Website/URL *

Company Website/URL

Nominee Headquarter's City *

Nominee Headquarters is located in this County *

COUNTY INFORMATION

Not sure which county your nominee is located in? Here's an easy lookup: Lookup County

2. Nominee's Highest Ranking Official (Owner, CEO, President, or Principal)

N Des. * N Des.

Designation

Nominee First Name *

First Name

MI of Nominee

Nominee Last Name *

Last Name

Nominee Title *

Title

Nominee Email Address *

Email Address

Phone Number

Number

Ext.

Additional Contact
An additional contact is optional; however, providing one is recommended to ensure receipt of your nomination.

Add'l Contact

Designation

Additional Contact First Name

First

ANC MI

ANC Name

Last

Additional Nominee Title

Title

Additional Nominee Email

Email Address

3. Your Nominee's Company Strengths*

In 200 words or less (approximately one-quarter page in length), describe the special strengths that illustrate why your nominee should be one of the Colorado Companies to Watch. Please note that this goes beyond the company's standard description. For Example: Using the strengths below as a guide, you might explain what innovation makes the company a leader in its market; how does the company's products or services push it ahead of the competition; what unusual approach to managing and leading the company gives its leader an edge in running the business...essentially, what are the reasons for the company's high performance? When possible, justify your claims with specific examples. (If composing your statement in a word processor, copy and paste it into the text box below.)

Company Strengths *

The following list is provided to help you think about the company's strengths (feel free to consider others):

Revenue/Finances:
Demonstrated fast or high revenue growth
Evidence of potential revenue growth
Evidence of sustainable growth
Financial strength

Leadership:
Entrepreneurial leadership
Management innovation
Visionary
Inspirational
Influential

Innovation:
Development of technology
Product innovation
Use of technology to enhance a traditional industry

Human Resources:
Demonstrated fast or high growth in hiring
Evidence of potential for hiring
Innovative employee relations
Workforce advantages
Practices that promote diversity

Competition:
Sustainable competitive advantage
Entering new markets
Competitive environment
Customer service orientation
Mergers/acquisitions
Change in industry regulations
Creative marketing
Industry trends
Excellence in exporting

Philanthropy/Awareness:
Social/community responsibility
Environmentally conscious practices

4. Nominator's Endorsement and Contact Information*

I believe my nominee qualifies for this award and deserves to be recognized. Please notify the company representatives that I have nominated them for this award. (To submit a nomination anonymously, check the box at the end of this section.)

Nominator Contact * Nominator Contact

Designation

Nominator Contact Information *

First

NC MI

NC Last Name *

Last

Nominator Title *

Title

Nominator Organization *

Organization

Nominator Email *

Email Address

Nominator Phone *

Phone Number

Number

Ext.

Anonymous Nomination? *

Submit nomination anonymously. Your contact information will be used internally but will NOT be visible to your nominee.

Share my information with my nominee. Your name, title, and organization WILL be shared with your nominee.

5. Read the following, Sign and click "Submit" to complete this form

By entering your signature and clicking the submit button below, you acknowledge that you are electronically signing this nomination form.

Signature *

Clear

Date *

Date

*Required Field.

If you are human, leave this field blank.