Exchange4 Creativity

Background Statement

Exchange4 Creativity is a 501(c)(3) organization, established in 2023, led by its founder operations manager and eight willing volunteers, who manage operations, fundraising, supply distribution, and community partnerships. The founder also contributes significant out-of-pocket resources to sustain programming. Dedicated volunteers assist with collection, packaging, and distribution of supplies, as well as event staffing for donation drives and fundraisers. While, the organization is structured to expand capacity as funding allows. Additional staff will enable growth in areas such as program management, grant administration, and community outreach. Despite no paid staff, Exchange4 Creativity has successfully delivered art and sensory supplies to schools and families, demonstrating strong efficiency and dedication.

Unlike many nonprofits that address housing, food, or transportation, we provide preventative support for mental and behavioral health through art and sensory supplies—an often-overlooked but essential need. We work hands-on with teachers and children, ensuring supplies reach those who will use them immediately in classrooms and homes. Art and sensory tools are rarely included in school budgets or safety net programs. We fill this critical gap by making creative resources accessible to low-income, minority, and disabled youth. Teachers frequently pay out of pocket for classroom materials, and creative supplies are often the first cut when budgets are tight.

With growing rates of anxiety, stress, and behavioral challenges among youth, creative outlets are in high demand as supportive interventions. Increasing numbers of teachers and families reach out for assistance, demonstrating both the need and trust in Exchange4 Creativity’s work.

Exchange4 Creativity is unique because it provides a low-cost, high-impact solution to address youth mental health, inclusion, and education gaps through creativity. The demand is rising as schools and families seek alternative supports that traditional funding streams overlook.

Exchange4 Creativity recognizes the importance of working alongside other organizations to maximize impact and prevent duplication of services. We have developed partnerships that allow us to focus on our mission while complementing the work of others. We partnered with Dependable Cleaners to receive clothing donations, which we then redirected to another nonprofit better equipped to distribute them. This ensured resources reached the right populations without overlapping efforts. Through our partnership with the Denver Christmas Show, we raised funding for our nonprofit and distributed art packets to children during the event. These packets offered stress relief and creative engagement, aligning with our mission while complementing other community services present at the event. We have joined forces with other nonprofits to collectively distribute Christmas gifts. By working as a group, we avoided duplicating services and ensured that children and families received a wider range of support during the holidays. Through these collaborations, Exchange4 Creativity demonstrates a strong commitment to efficiency, resource-sharing, and meeting community needs without redundancy.

Our Impact:

• In the last few year, we served individuals across Arapahoe County and beyond to Grand junction Colorado.

• We partnered with Denver Christmas Show, Climb Credit Union, Red Rocks Storage, Donahue Paper Emporium, and local nonprofits to distribute art packets, provide free supplies, and support families during the holidays.

• We are committed to continuing outreach events and expanding access to creative opportunities.

Why Your Gift Matters:

Your support through Colorado Gives helps us:

• Purchase art and sensory supplies like markers, crayons, clay, and putty.

• Provide free creative kits to kids at schools and community events.

• Cover outreach and program costs so families never have to pay.

• Grow our programs to serve even more children in 2026 and beyond.

Donation Impact:

• $25 = Art supply kits for 5 children

• $50 = Supplies for a classroom

• $100 = Materials for a community workshop

• $500 = Sponsor a full outreach event

Join Us in making creativity accessible for all. Every donation, large or small, keeps art alive in the hands of children who need it most.

Donate today at ColoradoGives.org and help Exchange4 Creativity continue to spread joy, healing, and connection through art.

Thank you for believing in the power of creativity and community!