The scope and scale of the work we do together is difficult to quantify and even more challenging to summarize in a way that does it justice. Our fundholders, partners, and staff collaborate to strengthen the fabric of our communities in ways that go well beyond the obvious. One of the primary benefits of working with The Denver Foundation is the flexibility, creativity, and connectivity we provide for each of our partners to meet their unique goals.
We asked our team to share some of their highlights from the past year to shine a light on the impact of our work and how we support our donors, fundholders, and the Denver community. Here are some ways our team felt inspired, energized, and grateful for our work together.
NAOMI AMAHA
Director of Policy and Government Affairs
I was proud to be part of the mayoral forum we hosted in partnership with CBS Colorado and the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs. This election was so important, and it was great to see The Denver Foundation co-leading the conversation and helping inform voters in advance of the runoff election.
I’m happy we elevated nonprofit voices and heard answers from the candidates about issues important to them, like climate, economic opportunity, education, and housing, and it was inspiring to hear college students ask their own questions
ANNE KERWIN
Grants Administrative Associate
I volunteered with several colleagues at Re:Vision, a Community Grants Program grantee, and saw the organization’s amazing work firsthand as we weeded tomatoes, squash, onions, tomatillos, and flowers. Re:Vision has an on-site farm and helps many in the Westwood and Southeast Denver areas grow their own gardens. Re:Vision’s other projects include its on-site Cultura food shop (delicious chocolate and more!), resident promotoras, Zumba and yoga classes, and food dispensed through its No Cost Grocery Program.
Re:Vision is truly a neighborhood-based organization, meaningfully addressing community food issues, and it was wonderful to support their work in a different way.
ZACH CLAPPER
Senior Engaged Philanthropy Officer
One of the most fulfilling parts of this work is how I get to support an organization as it grows, evolves, and expands its mission and impact through the agency fund program. The White Rose Foundation is an organization of professional women that addresses disparities in the Black community. It has been a recipient of our Black Resilience in Colorado (BRIC) grants in the past and an agency fundholder with us for more than a decade.
Today, we facilitate both its community grantmaking efforts and the long-term sustainability of its mission. Working with the White Rose Foundation in numerous ways is one of the many examples of how our collaborative approach can best meet the needs of agency fundholders, and I feel grateful to support that.
CLAIRE TOBIN
Major Gifts Officer
I am honored to support multigenerational giving and was thrilled to meet fundholders Jim and Janice Campbell at their downtown condo earlier this year. Jim and Janice recently celebrated their 25th anniversary of being dedicated philanthropists, and to celebrate this tremendous milestone, their children named a bench in their honor at Confluence Park, near their condo. The bench reads, “In gratitude to Janice and Jim Campbell: For all the good they have done in our community.”
All four Campbell children, Linda, Tracey, Cathy, and Mitch, are active philanthropists with individualized philanthropic priority areas. Having the opportunity to be a resource for the Campbell family at The Denver Foundation and witness firsthand their dedication to community and service is something I treasure. They truly embody what it means to experience the joy of giving.
JACK CZARNIECKI
Senior Scholarships Officer
Our scholarship team was able to launch the Community Scholarship Fund this year. This means we now have our very own discretionary scholarship fund that can grow and meet the evolving needs of Colorado students of color for generations to come.
In June, we were able to host many of the first recipients at a reception. Being able to shake hands with some of the brightest students in our state was a humbling experience and a moving culmination after years of planning.
Our staff, partners, and fundholders share their time, talent, and treasures in many ways. If you would like their assistance as you explore ways to give back during this holiday season, contact your relationship manager today. Get the most from your giving, call 303.300.1790.