Donate

December 2024 Dreamletter

In this edition…

The Amazing Power of Afterschool Programs

Happy holidays! We thought we’d start this issue with a splash of good cheer! Here are some highlights from a recent national report demonstrating that afterschool programs, like the “I Have A Dream” programs you support, are far more powerful than many of us realize.

Investing in afterschool programs transforms lives, strengthens families and builds thriving communities. Those themes emerge in this recently released study by the highly-respected Afterschool Alliance. It offers an extensive list of benefits from afterschool programs that ample research reveals. Many of those benefits fall into these categories:

  1. Igniting Learning and Growth
    Afterschool programs close academic gaps and spark curiosity, particularly for children in underserved areas. These programs deliver engaging STEM activities, hands-on projects, and guided homework support that sharpen critical thinking and teamwork skills​.
  2. Empowering Families
    By providing safe, enriching spaces for kids, afterschool programs give parents the freedom to focus on their work and personal growth. They reduce stress, foster children’s independence, and create peace of mind for working families​.
  3. Inspiring Community Connections
    These programs fuel collaboration by offering mentorships and volunteer opportunities that connect neighbors and strengthen local bonds. They transform neighborhoods into hubs of activity, optimism, and shared purpose​​.

Check out the report  to learn more about the amazing power of your investment in IHDF!

Matching Gifts and Broncos Tickets

December is a critical time for us to meet our funding needs for 2024 and set us up for success in 2025. Year-end donations ensure we can continue to create opportunities for every Dreamer. 

Right now, there is a special opportunity to have a year-end gift matched to double the impact through our Colorado Gives Day page. Three generous IHDF supporters will match the first $22,500 donated through Colorado Gives Day on December 10. 

And, as an additional fun incentive, another supporter has made a pair of Broncos tickets for the December 15 game available for a drawing! Anyone who donates through our Colorado Gives Day page today through December 10, 2024 is eligible for the drawing.

We hope you win! 🙂

Tamale Time!

Order Holiday Deliciousness by Sunday...

Our fantastic IHDF Parent Advisory Committee is excited to help you enjoy the holidays with their made-from-scratch tamales.

Place your order for chicken, pork or meatless options by Sunday, December 8 and pick them up on Dec. 12 at our offices.

Proceeds support "I Have A Dream" programming!

Tangible Gifts for Our Program Sites

If you’d like to support our “I Have A Dream” programs while you’re doing some holiday shopping, click here to see a list of practical ideas. Each of our program sites has developed wish lists that can guide you toward fun and tangible ways to contribute in-kind gifts that make a difference.

Click to see the lists of items and find out how to purchase them online or arrange to drop them off.

Don't Forget about Colorado Childcare Tax Credits!

Click to learn more: https://bouldercounty.ihdf.org/contribution-credit/

Afterschool programming is at the heart of our work at “I Have A Dream” Foundation of Boulder County. Since we are a qualified child care facility for the State of Colorado, that means your donation to a qualified program of $250 to $200,000 qualifies for a 50% credit on your State of Colorado taxes. (See this page from the Colorado Department of Revenue for more.)

Keep in mind...

  • Your donation still qualifies as a charitable deduction on your Federal and State income taxes
  • Donation must be made as a single gift, paid in full via check, cash, credit card, direct bill or electronic funds transfer
  • You can take advantage of the tax credits whether you itemize or not
  • Both individuals and corporate donors can benefit from this tax credit program