About Us
Our mission is to ensure that Colorado families have a meaningful voice in shaping the policies, programs, and products that impact their daily lives by centering our work in community and lived experiences.
Our Story
We Are A Gary Community Venture
CDIG was founded by Gary Community Ventures, an impermanent philanthropic organization that combines the power of business, policy and philanthropy to create lasting prosperity for Colorado kids and families. Rooted in the belief that the people closest to a challenge are best positioned to address that challenge, Gary established CDIG to strengthen its own ability to co-design with the community and to encourage other Colorado organizations to do the same.
Our Impact in Numbers
Real Voices. Real Insights. Real Change for Colorado Families.
Residents across Colorado
Human-Centered projects supported
Moments of community voice shaping change
What Drives Us
Our Values
Our work is grounded in principles that center community voices and lived experiences.
Community Voice at the Center
We believe those most impacted are the experts of their own lived experience, and their insights should guide decisions.
Trust & Respect
We create spaces where people feel safe, valued, and respected for their contributions. We compensate people for their time and expertise, recognizing that their knowledge has value.
Equity & Inclusion
We meet people where they are, ensuring diverse voices are included, heard, and acted upon.
Collaboration for Change
We build bridges between community members and organizations to co-create solutions that matter.
Community-Informed Research
Our Impact
We connect social, private and public sector organizations with a diverse, representative pool of community members who bring unique perspectives and valuable feedback.
Through surveys, focus groups, and interactive insight sessions, participants share their lived experiences to shape decisions that drive positive change.
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Insights Powered by Real Voices
Our research reports showcase the authentic perspectives and experiences of Colorado community members, driving meaningful change through their voices.
Messages on Unclaimed Tax Credits
Community-informed insights on effective communication strategies
In partnership with New America
Tax Filing Insights
Estimates show that up to 2.6 million families in the U.S. miss out on valuable tax credits each year. To help reduce that number in Colorado, New America partnered with the state to develop targeted messaging designed to increase awareness and offer families a clear call to action. As part of this effort, 50 CDIG members participated in user testing, helping to refine mail communications to better engage families, increase awareness, and facilitate access to the tax credits for which they are eligible.
Turning Tax Refunds into Long-Term Stability
Community-informed insights on financial coaching and savings strategies
In partnership with The Savings Collaborative
Financial Coaching
Nearly three in four Colorado families use their tax refund to cover basic needs like rent, bills, and groceries. With the right supports, this annual moment could become an opportunity for long-term savings and financial security. By combining survey data with lived experiences, the work revealed the need for personalized supports — from financial coaching to planning tools and connections to resources — insights that are now shaping the design of a new product to help families make the most of their refunds.
Centering Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Child Care
Community-informed insights on FFN care support and sustainability
In partnership with Gary Community Ventures
FFN Care Study
Most families in Colorado with young children rely on Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care, yet these caregivers are often overlooked in formal childcare policy and systems. To better understand family realities, CDIG surveyed English and Spanish-speaking households with children under 3. The survey revealed care arrangements, what works well, challenges families face, and supports that would make care more sustainable. Findings from this work directly shaped the design of an FFN child care pilot program aimed at making payments simpler and more reliable for both families and providers. Grounded in lived experiences, the pilot ensures that FFN caregivers — who provide the majority of care in Colorado — are better supported and recognized.
Employment and Disability Benefits
Community-informed insights on employment barriers and benefits navigation
In partnership with Colorado Department of Labor
AI Perceptions
The Colorado Department of Labor initially identified 'lack of knowledge' as the primary barrier to employment for people with disabilities. However, community input revealed a deeper challenge: many feared losing critical benefits if they took a job, especially when schedules, work hours, and time-off needs were inflexible or not accommodating. With only 23% of working-age people with disabilities employed nationally — compared to nearly 66% of people without disabilities — this fear is a real barrier to opportunity. In response, the Department began prototyping a policy-based benefits 'chatbot,' designed to reduce stigma, alleviate fears, and help families confidently plan for both benefits access and meaningful employment.
Who Made It
Meet the Team
The dedicated individuals behind CDIG's mission to elevate community voice.
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Jess Adkins
Director
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Anais Salcido
Engagement Manager
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Gustavo Baylon
Data & IT Manager
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you're a community member ready to share your voice or an organization seeking authentic insights, we have a pathway designed for you.
For Organizations
"It was a great experience - CDIG was thoughtful, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. The conversations with Colorado residents was insightful and the process was smooth and fast."
- Mina, Colorado Digital Services
Connect with diverse community voices to inform your decisions, improve your services, and create meaningful impact.