The Colorado State Science Fair, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit organization. Thanks to the support of generous corporations, foundations, government agencies, organizations and individual donors who believe in the importance of science education, CSSF, Inc. has served Colorado and its students for 70 years. You can read last year’s Annual Report for more details.

CSSF, Inc.’s vision is to honor excellence in science, engineering and technology; provide opportunities for students from all regions of the state to create and present their research in environments that nurture interests in science and technology; and promote professional skills, high ethical standards, diversity and continuing intellectual development.

The main event of the CSSF, Inc., the Colorado Science & Engineering Fair, is totally dependent on sponsorships and contributions to cover the annual expenses of the CSEF. From exhibit space rental to grand award prize money to funding the trip to the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair for the top Senior Division winners, it takes a lot to make this a special event for the participants. 

• Hire a full-time CSEF Director who will be able to work more directly with the 13 Regional Fair Directors and interact more with teachers at the school level. This is an effort to better support teachers doing science fair in their classrooms.

• Increase the Grand Awards given at the CSEF to a level more indicative of a state level competition.

• Increase the participation of students at the Regional Science Fair and school level.

Sponsors

Sponsors provide financial support of over $500 to the Colorado Science & Engineering Fair and are encouraged to provide up to 2 members for the Board of Directors. Sponsorship levels are divided into the following levels of financial support:

• Diamond Sponsors: $10,000 or more

• Platinum Sponsors: $5,000 – $9,999

• Gold Sponsors: $2,500 – $4,999

• Silver Sponsors: $1,000 – $2,499

• Bronze Sponsors: $750 – $999

• Copper Sponsors: $500 – $749

Each level of sponsorship has a different degree of promotional benefits. For more information about becoming a sponsor of the CSEF, contact the CSEF Executive Director at director@csef-colo.org or complete a Sponsorship Form.

The CSSF, Inc. Board of Directors is also currently seeking a Title Sponsor.

Contributors

Contributors are businesses and organizations that provide financial support up to $500 as well as non-sponsorship gifts from individuals to the Colorado Science & Engineering Fair. To make a monetary contribution, complete the Contribution Form and mail it (with or without a check) to the CSEF Executive Director. Contributions can also be made through ColoradoGives.org.

Donate via QCD or DAF

For either type of donation above, donors can also give via Qualified Charitable Donations (QCD) per IRS guidelines or thru a Donor Advised Fund. A DAF works like a charitable savings account. When you contribute cash, securities, or other assets to a DAF, you are eligible for an immediate tax deduction. Those funds can then be invested to grow tax-free, and you can recommend grants to any eligible IRS-qualified public charity, such as CSSF. Contact your financial institution and feel free to email our Treasurer for more details.

In-Kind Support

The CSEF appreciates the in-kind support of time given by all of the volunteers, judges and board members. There are also other in-kind donations that can be made – for more information on what in-kind services the CSEF could use, please contact the CSEF Director at director@csef-colo.org. To report in-kind contributions, please submit a completed In-Kind Report Form.