Who We Are

Established
1925

Mission
We inspire people and mobilize resources to strengthen our community.

Overview
The Denver Foundation is a community foundation. We inspire people and mobilize resources to improve our community.

Roles
The Denver Foundation has three primary functions. First, we invest funds received from donors and distribute those investment earnings to nonprofit organizations through grants to nonprofits. Second, we manage and administer personalized funds for individuals, families, businesses, and other organizations that have specific charitable objectives. And third, we work with community and philanthropic leaders to address the core challenges that face Metro Denver.

Gifts
The Denver Foundation received more than $64 million in 2009 from hundreds of individual donors who want to improve life here in Denver.  Donors established 64 new funds at the Foundation and contributed to both new and existing funds.  Some of the contributions were gifts to create donor-advised funds - personalized giving tools for individuals, families, and businesses.

Grants
Through donor-advised funds, Community Grants and special programs, The Denver Foundation granted over $38 million to nonprofit organizations in 2009.

Community Grants Focus Areas 
Arts & Culture, Civic & Education, Health, and Human Services.

Special Programs
Strengthening Neighborhoods, Social Venture Partners Denver, The Inclusiveness Project, and The Colorado Nonprofit Loan Fund.

Staff
36

Volunteers
More than 100

Financial Highlights
From fiscal year ending December 31, 2009:
More than $500 million in total assets
1.0% expense/asset ratio - (administrative expenses as a percentage of total assets)
Over $64 million in donor contributions in 2009