About Us

In October 2011, the Foundation released the results of a months-long Listening Campaign that asked nearly 800 residents of Metro Denver what they envision for the community’s future.   

When we asked what most contributes to a high quality of life for Metro Denver residents, Listening Campaign respondents let us know that they want to make sure their neighbors have access to:

• gainful employment and economic opportunity
• assistance in meeting basic needs such as food, shelter, and health care; and
• high-quality education for their children

During 2011, the Foundation’s Trustees and staff used the results of the Listening Campaign to craft a new strategic plan.  The 2012 – 2021 Strategic Plan refocuses funding from the Foundation’s Community Endowment primarily in the three areas identified in the Listening Campaign, with particular focus on the needs of the Metro area’s most vulnerable residents.

For 2012, the Foundation’s Community Grants Program will continue with its same processes, grant deadlines, and priorities, as will the Technical Assistance Program, the Nonprofit Internship Program, the Strengthening Neighborhoods Program, and the Inclusiveness Project.  Over the course of this year, the Foundation will be working to define within each of the three new focus areas – education, economic opportunity, and basic needs – where we will put our varied resources to work.

Please click for a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the plan.

The Denver Foundation staff recently completed interviews with 171 community members in Community Conversations about how to implement the plan.  Click here for the report or click here to read a blog post summarizing the results.