Pictured above: Dr. Brenda J. Allen. Photo courtesy: Armando Geneyro.
As the former Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Colorado Denver and the Anschutz Medical Campus, Professor Emerita Brenda J. Allen, Ph.D., is a powerful advocate for equity in higher education. Her legacy is deeply intertwined with her commitment to social justice and educational empowerment.
Her scholarly contributions, particularly her groundbreaking book “Difference Matters: Communicating Social Identity”, have made a significant impact on the field of organizational communication and social identity, with an emphasis on higher education.
“It’s about aligning actions with values, not just in social identity categories, but also in areas like climate change and environmental sustainability.”
- Brenda J. Allen
Allen’s journey as a Black woman navigating predominantly white spaces is defined by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to fostering change for all groups facing systemic barriers. Now retired, her work as a consultant, philanthropist, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) continues to focus on creating pathways for others to thrive in environments where they have historically been marginalized.
Allen continues to influence the world through her philanthropy and consulting endeavors. Allen’s work with the foundation transcends monetary donations; it represents a commitment to intentional giving that creates opportunities for those who are often overlooked.
Her planned giving strategy is designed to ensure that her resources are used effectively to support causes she cares deeply about after she is no longer here to guide them. This approach reflects her understanding of the importance of legacy and her desire to leave a lasting impact on the world.
“My goal is to maintain strategic, systemic, and sustainable approaches in everything I do, from grantmaking to investments. It’s about aligning actions with values, not just in social identity categories, but also in areas like climate change and environmental sustainability,” Allen says.
Allen’s planned giving strategy and her work with The Denver Foundation ensure that her legacy will continue to make a difference long after she is gone. Through her purposeful and inclusive philanthropy, Allen is not just leaving a legacy — she is building a future where the values she holds dear will continue to thrive and the act of giving is open to all who wish to participate.
“My involvement in philanthropy has created marvelous moments that align with my educational efforts. For instance, while working with The Denver Foundation, I was impressed by the depth of their community connections and their approach to community-based grantmaking,” Allen reflects.
To ensure ongoing support for issues that are close to her heart, Allen established a testamentary-endowed field of interest fund at The Denver Foundation.
A field of interest fund allows donors to support a specific area of interest forever. Donors can choose a broad or narrow area of interest, such as a certain population, a city or geographic region they care about, or even an area of research.
In Allen’s case, upon her passing, the fund will be named the beneficiary of her retirement accounts, with grants distributed to organizations working in education and economic opportunity. Because it is a field of interest fund, Allen can also make direct qualified charitable distributions from her IRA, up to $105,000 a year, allowing her to contribute meaningfully during her lifetime.
Her approach to philanthropy and planned giving stems from her belief that DEI is essential for meaningful societal progress. For Allen, planned giving is more than a financial strategy — it’s a powerful tool for making philanthropy accessible and inclusive.
“Being on the boards of organizations like The Colorado Trust and DSST allow me to bring my own lenses to their processes. Early experiences with philanthropic services helped me realize that some traditional methods weren’t as inclusive or thoughtful as they could be,” she shares.
If you are interested in opening your own field of interest fund or learning more about your charitable giving options, please contact us today.
To learn more about Brenda J. Allen or read her book “Difference Matters: Communicating Social Identity,” visit differencematters.info.
