Promoting the quality of life in Aurora through your generous contributions
By donating to the Spirit of Aurora you can support city of Aurora programs that enhance the quality of life in Aurora. There are several city department programs to choose from such as Library & Cultural Services, Parks, Recreation & Open Space, Housing and Community Services, Police, Fire, Judicial, Water and more. You can also make a general donation that will help us provide grants to local community nonprofits. Some examples of local nonprofits we have helped are: Gateway Domestic Violence Services, Hoop Scoop, 7/20 Memorial Foundation and the Aurora Korean War Memorial Fund. Spirit of Aurora is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Aurora citizens in 1989. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for Aurora. For over 25 years we have continued to provide assistance for a variety of city and local community programs that benefit various groups and organizations in support of our wonderful city. Our volunteer board of directors work closely with the city of Aurora which provides in‐kind support so that 100 percent of donations go directly to programs. All donations are tax deductible.
Ways to Give
Spirit of Aurora accepts donations and grants on behalf of city of Aurora programs and general donations that help us provide grants that support local community nonprofits. Other Aurora community nonprofits can also apply for Spirit of Aurora funds from the unrestricted assets, by submitting a grant application to the Spirit of Aurora board for approval. The dollar amount of the funds that are released from Spirit to other community programs are based on the board’s discretion. To request a grant application, please use the email address below.
Please make checks payable to Spirit of Aurora and specify the project or program in the memo area. Mail your tax-deductible contribution to:
Spirit of Aurora
15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Fifth Floor
Aurora, CO 80012
You can donate directly by using PayPal through the links below. For more information, e-mail [email protected].
By donating to the Spirit of Aurora you can support…
Give Real Change Campaign
The Give Real Change campaign aims to curb panhandling in Aurora and supports those in need in a meaningful way that fosters long-term change toward self-sufficiency. Proceeds will support a variety of city and local community programs selected by the Spirit of Aurora board. Learn more about this campaign at GiveRealChange.org.
Victims Assistance Fund
The mission of the Victim Services Unit of the Aurora Police Department is to provide timely, effective crisis intervention, support, information, and resources to victims of crime within the City of Aurora. Victim advocates are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to calls for service along with patrol officers on crimes that fall under the Colorado Victim Rights Act to provide support and resources. Victims of crime and their families often experience financial hardships in the aftermath of their victimization. The Victim Services Unit hopes to lessen this burden by providing gift cards for things like food, clothing, and/or hygiene items to victims—for example, a domestic violence and their children who are forced to flee from their home. We also provide assistance to victims with transportation needs in the form of gift cards for gas, ride-share companies, and/or bus passes. Any funds received would be used for these purposes, and in accordance with the Victim Rights Act in Colorado.
Korean War Memorial
The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, with the invasion of South Korea by Chinese and Russian troops allied with the North Korean Army. The initial invasion pushed Republic of Korea forces and their US allies to the Southern end of the Peninsula, where the US troops had to decide as to whether they would leave the country or fight the North Korean Allies.
Following that invasion, 21 United Nations allied Countries, led by the United States supported the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and 16 of those countries provided fighting units and engaged in combat activities. Of the United Nations forces, a total of 628,833 died in combat and 1,064,453 were wounded during the war.
A total of 2.5 Million civilians died as well. The Korean War concluded with an Armistice on July 23, 1953 and was the last true ground war that United Forces fought.
The Memorial in Governors Park is meant to provide a place of quiet contemplation and remembrance for families and friend of those that served in that action; for those who were lost; and for those that remain Missing in Action.
The city of Aurora conducts outreach to neighbors living on the streets or in their vehicles via Street Outreach, the Aurora Cold Weather Outreach Team (ACOT), and the Aurora Mobile Response Team (AMRT). Proceeds will go toward items such as socks, hygiene kits, nonperishable food, and coats. There is also an Amazon Wishlist in which you can purchase items that will help stock the outreach teams.
Street Outreach is contracted with nonprofits in Aurora that specialize in working with people experiencing homelessness. They go to camps seven days a week to provide resources and make referrals.
The Aurora Cold Weather Outreach Team (ACOT) is a collaborative of social workers, mental health clinicians, APD officers, and AFD paramedics. When the weather is life-threateningly cold, this team is activated. They outreach to camps and offer transportation to shelter, wound care, and resources such as coats, hand warmers, and food.
The Aurora Mobile Response Team (AMRT) pairs a mental health clinician with a paramedic or EMT to provide trauma-informed crisis intervention and de-escalation services on the scene to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis related to mental health, depression, homelessness, poverty, and/or substance use issues.
Mobile Food Market with SECORCares
Grocery shopping may not always be the most enjoyable chore we do, but to those living in a food insecure home, a trip to the grocery store is the greatest of gifts. SECORCares, in partnership with the Aurora Police Department’s (APD) Community Relations Section, hosts a wide-range of mobile food events throughout Aurora to benefit seniors, community members experiencing homelessness, school children, victims of crime, and immigrants and refugees.
Through SECOR’s free mobile food market, guests are able to shop and put food on their tables, without concern for payment. Community members are provide with fresh produce, meats, dairy, fresh breads, canned and dry goods, and even desserts. On average, community members are provided with enough food to last 10-14 days. Learn more about SECORCares’ work in the community: www.SecorCares.com
100% of all donations received by Spirit of Aurora to benefit SECOR’s Mobile Food Market are used to purchase food.
AWC provides bill payment assistance to families and individuals struggling financially due to a personal crisis or emergency. This income-qualified program is open to Aurora Water customers and provides up to $125 per award.
Help our furry friends find safe, loving forever homes. Your donations support veterinary needs, medical treatment, food and shelter for homeless animals; investigation and prosecution of cruelty violations; and prevention/educational programs. All contributions directly benefit the animals.
The Partnership works together with the community to contribute to a high quality of life for Asian Pacific Americans. Donations go to business assistance, cultural awareness programs and educational services to improve communication while promoting diverse cultural interests.
The ACAA serves active 50+ adults with programs and services. Your generous donation helps fund classes in fitness, health, dance, computers, arts, crafts and other hobbies, as well as day trips, hikes, social activities and events. These programs engage the mind, enhance creativity and encourage an active lifestyle.
The historic Aurora Fox Arts Center is the home of a professional Equity Theatre Company that hosts the area’s top performing artists and outstanding theatrical shows. Donations support programming and capital improvements. Corporate sponsorships are available at all levels.
Give the gifts of reading and learning to a child through the summer reading program. This popular program reaches an average of 6,000 children each summer, and is funded solely through gifts and donations, which are used to purchase supplies, books and prizes for participants.
The program publicly recognizes students in Aurora schools who strongly contribute to their school and community. They might be a stellar student athlete, a terrific citizen, a high academic achiever or a dedicated volunteer. But most importantly, they go above and beyond in whatever they do best. Your donation continues to award these efforts and invests in the future of Aurora.
Aurora Teen Court is an educational diversion program. First-time juvenile offenders admit guilt and then their peers, who act as prosecutor, defense attorney and jurors, determine the appropriate sanctions for the offender. Successful completion of the sentence by the defendant provides for a clear court record. Giving to Teen Court educates youth on the judicial process and taking responsibility for their actions.
COMPASS provides after-school academic and enrichment programs to young people attending Aurora Public Schools. It is a partnership between Aurora Public Schools, the city of Aurora and several community organizations. Individuals, businesses and community organization partners can contribute funding toward these programs, and help children to succeed and grow into productive citizens and successful adults.
HOAP works to make safe and affordable housing a reality for low-to moderate-income families through pre-purchase, foreclosure prevention, rental and reverse mortgage counseling. This HUD-approved counseling agency provides financial assistance to first-time homebuyers. A donation to HOAP is an investment in the American dream -- homeownership.
Celebrating its 37th year in 2023, this yearly commemoration brings together community members from all walks of life to celebrate and remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Planning is currently underway and additional information will be available soon.
The Aurora Police Department works to unite individual citizens and private organizations along with the police to reduce crime and improve the community. Funding helps establish Neighborhood Watch groups that become active in community efforts. The funds are used to purchase and post signs in neighborhoods, purchase and distribute publications, and support National Night Out events each August.
The Aurora K9 Unit uses Spirit of Aurora Funds to supplement the financial support of the Police Department. The donated monies are used to purchase specialized equipment to outfit the K9 team so they can effectively and safely assist in resolving dangerous situations. The funds can also be used in purchasing safety and comfort items for the dogs, maintaining safe kenneling areas, ensuring the vehicles used to transport them are safe and reliable, and supporting the high level of training necessary to provide exceptional service to the community.
This program promotes water safety and increases basic knowledge of swimming skills for youth via scholarships.
Programs help build positive life-enhancing skills, attitudes and behaviors in our youth. These qualities are developmental assets, and we build these assets in youth through COMPASS, Aurora Youth Commission, America’s Promise and Summer Youth Activities. Donations go to fund these many life-changing programs.
SOA General Donation
If you wish to make a general donation to Spirit of Aurora (SOA), please use this donation button. Please note that the SOA board will allocate your donation to other programs or local community nonprofits based on need.
Board of Directors
Heather Dearman, Board Chair
Janet Marlow, Vice Chair
Novella Real Estate
Bob Jamieson, Treasurer
Financial Services, Mutual of Omaha
David Patterson
Chief Executive Officer, Falck Rocky Mountain
Mike Ciletti
Partner Wiz Bang Solutions
Council Member Ruben Medina
Ex Officio
William Gondrez
Special Thanks
The Board of Directors is grateful to each of the foundations, corporations, agencies and individuals whose donations enhanced the quality of life in Aurora.
Spirit of Aurora Financial Statement and IRS 990 Filing