Investing in Colorado's nonprofit sector.

• Position: PHILANTHROPY - Brief article

Charity is big business in Colorado. According to the Colorado Nonprofit Association, the nonprofit sector accounts for nearly 6 percent of the work force in the state and 5 percent of the state's gross domestic product - more than mining or agriculture.

From 1995 through 2005, this key sector of the economy outpaced the for-profit sector in adding new jobs. Given the size and scope of Colorado's nonprofits, it makes sense to keep an eye on them in the economic recovery.

"Nonprofits typically lag the rest of the economy during a recovery in terms of the donations they receive," says David Miller, president of The Denver Foundation, Colorado's oldest and largest community foundation. "At the same time, charities are experiencing huge increases in demand for services."

Organizations serving those most impacted by the economic downturn, such as food pantries and homeless shelters, are especially hard-hit.

Most nonprofits see their...