Adhering to the maxim "a rising tide lifts all boats," Checkoff Colorado is a unique, collaborative statewide public awareness campaign designed to raise awareness about check-off giving, targeting CPAs, financial planners, tax preparers, and taxpayers themselves.

Colorado was the first state in the country to allow a taxpayer to "check-off" a voluntary contribution to a state program. In 1977, the Colorado Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund became the first state income tax check-off fund in the United States. Currently, there are 220 check-off programs in 41 states and the District of Columbia.

In 2002, U.S. taxpayers contributed over $32.8 million to a diverse range of programs. All state check-off contributions are voluntary donations from a taxpayer's refund, not a redirection of his or her liability. Nationwide, the most common funds support wildlife preservation, political campaigns, child abuse and neglect prevention, and U.S. Olympic committees.

If every Colorado taxpayer donated even $5 or $10, it could make a profound difference for a diverse range of organizations helping abused and neglected children, victims of domestic violence, endangered wildlife, pet overpopulation, the Western Colorado veteran's cemetery, U.S. Olympic athletes, family assistance programs, Special Olympics athletes, watershed protection, and homeless prevention programs.

Funds can be directed to any or all of the organizations. Its simple. Just remember to Checkoff Colorado when you file your 2003 Colorado State Income Tax.