Steamboat Springs — Tuesday marks the second annual 24-hour Yampa Valley Gives Day, a regional day of charitable giving that coincides with the state’s Colorado Gives Day.

Residents are asked to consider making donations to dozens of vetted and verified nonprofits in Routt and Moffat counties, with the idea that more than $1.2 million in incentive funds statewide will boost their giving to higher amounts.

Incentive funding of $20,000 is specifically earmarked for the Yampa Valley, while the remaining $1 million in incentive funds will be proportionately dispersed to participating nonprofits across the state that receive donations.

“I think we’ve seen some increased enthusiasm from last year,” said Rebecca Bessey, vice-chair of the Yampa Valley Gives board and chair of the board’s marketing committee. “Last year, people were still sort of understanding what Yampa Valley Gives is all about.”

Yampa Valley Gives was created by the 2013-14 Leadership Steamboat class, in partnership with the Yampa Valley Community Foundation, and is now operated as a nine-member board.

Last year, donations to 40 registered nonprofits totaled nearly $371,000 during 24 hours of giving, and exceeded $400,000 after incentive funds were added in.

With 52 nonprofits and eight fundraising organizations that can accept funds through a partnering nonprofit this year, Bessey said the board is hopeful donations could surpass $500,000.

“I think we have an incredibly generous community,” Bessey said.

A list of the participating organizations is available through yampavalleygives.org, where residents can learn more about the giving day and its connection to Colorado Gives Day, a program of the Community First Foundation.

Bessey said many donors last year gave to multiple organizations, so she encourages people to visit the site and look through the list.

Many organizations also have donation links through their own websites.

The day of giving will culminate with an evening celebration beginning at 5:30 p.m. today at Sake2U, which is a last-minute venue change, Bessey said.

The event will feature live music, games and prizes awarded to the participating nonprofits.

For more information, visit the Yampa Valley Gives website or email info@yvgives.org.

To reach Teresa Ristow, call 970-871-4206, email tristow@SteamboatToday.com or follow her on Twitter @TeresaRistow