Photo Amanda Tipton From left to right: Luella Chavez D’Angelo, fundholder and former trustee, Katie MacWilliams, Centennial Campaign committee chair, fundholder, and former trustee, and President & CEO Javier Alberto Soto
A GIFT THAT’S MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY TODAY
There are many ways to be part of The Denver Foundation’s Centennial Campaign. Luella Chavez D’Angelo’s path led through a grant from her donor-advised fund to The Fund for Denver.
Chavez D’Angelo grew up in New Mexico, the daughter of two teachers who believed in equalizing access to education, arts, opportunity, and a seat at the table. “From an early age, my parents taught me how important it was to include everyone in the conversation,” said Chavez D’Angelo.
That belief became a throughline in her career, leading her to build the Western Union Foundation from the ground up, funding education, financial access, and skill-building programs to help migrant communities increase wealth opportunities. She also served on more than 20 nonprofit boards across Colorado, including at The Denver Foundation.
“I really love seeing how The Denver Foundation continues its commitment to equity and inclusion. Its intention is to make Denver better for all, now just for a few,” says Chavez D’Angelo.
This alignment of values is what drew Chavez D’Angelo to be part of the Centennial Campaign and support The Fund for Denver—a fund for the community shaped by the community.
The Fund for Denver is The Denver Foundation’s permanent endowment, designed to ensure Colorado always has the resources it needs to thrive. When Chavez D’Angelo made her gift, it became part of a larger pool that grants a portion back to the community each year while the rest remains invested to grow for future generations. In 2025, gifts like Chavez D’Angelo’s helped fuel $6.3 million in grants from The Fund for Denver. Her generosity is already making a difference today and will continue to do so for the next 100 years and beyond.
