Inside Colorado Gives Day with Erica Thornley — Nonprofit Growth, Donor Strategy & The Power of Community Giving
Episode 2: Inside Colorado Gives Day with Erica Thornley — A Conversation About Generosity, Donor Strategy & the Power of Purpose
Episode Summary
In this powerful episode of Two Brave Unicorns, Keri and Jill sit down with Erica Thornley, Vice President of Product Development at the Colorado Gives Foundation — and a leader who blends innovation, generosity, and deep community impact. Erica shares the personal story that shaped her commitment to mission-driven work, including how one nonprofit changed the course of her stepfather’s life during his recovery from addiction and homelessness.
The episode dives into the evolution of Colorado Gives Day, one of the largest statewide giving movements in the nation, and how technology is reshaping the way donors connect with causes. Erica breaks down the data behind recurring giving, how match programs multiply impact, and why donor journeys are more important than ever for nonprofit sustainability.
This conversation is full of heart, strategy, and practical insight — offering nonprofit professionals, donors, and community members a deeper understanding of how giving works and why it matters.
Why This Episode Matters
At its core, this episode is about the humans behind generosity — and the systems that can amplify it.
Listeners walk away with lessons they can apply to their own organizations:
how to use digital tools to increase donor engagement.
why recurring giving stabilizes long-term funding.
how storytelling increases visibility and trust.
ways to help donors discover causes aligned with their values.
strategies that transform one-time givers into lifelong supporters.
These are the same principles that guide twobu.co in our work with mission-driven brands and nonprofits. We help organizations apply the strategies that we talk with Erica about, transforming them into:
stronger storytelling.
clearer messaging.
more sustainable fundraising.
donor journeys that actually convert.
campaigns that create real community momentum.
The insights in this episode aren’t just inspiring — they’re actionable.
Guest Bio
Erica Thornley is the Vice President of Product Development at the Colorado Gives Foundation and a driving force behind ColoradoGives.org. She leads statewide generosity through digital innovation, fundraising strategy, and tools that make giving accessible for all Coloradans. With a background in both for-profit innovation and community-centered philanthropy, Erica helps thousands of nonprofits tell their story, engage donors, and build sustainable impact.
Key Takeaways for Listeners & Nonprofit Leaders
A personal story about the nonprofit that helped save Erica’s stepfather’s life.
How Colorado Gives Day grew from a goal to $1M to $8M to nearly $55M raised in a single day.
Why recurring giving is a nonprofit’s most powerful revenue tool.
The technology that makes giving easier and more accessible.
How donors can find causes aligned with their values.
Why nonprofits must prioritize storytelling + donor journeys.
Data-backed insights on match programs and donor retention.
Strategies for converting small donations into major long-term support.
Why showing up for nonprofits matters now more than ever.
Quotes From the Episode
“I realized I could use my skills for good — to make giving easier, more powerful, and more accessible for everyone.”
“That program saved his life. Today he has a second chance. That’s the power of one nonprofit.”
“A $115,000 match turned into nearly $2 million in recurring donations — that’s the impact of giving with intention.”
“Donors just need a simple way to find the cause that speaks to them. When they do, everything changes.”