The Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund (DILSF) is a special project fund at The Denver Foundation. DILSF was developed following an executive order signed by Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock in August 2017, pledging support for immigrants and refugees, including an estimated 55,000 unauthorized immigrants who live in Denver. Many of these immigrants work and are connected to family members with varying types of legal status. Legal status is the primary barrier to successful integration into the U.S. for immigrants, yet access to and affordability of legal representation create significant challenges.
Qualified organizations that provide direct legal representation to low-income, unauthorized individuals who are current residents of Denver and are subject to potential deportation apply to receive funds through the DILSF. Resources can also be used to help nonprofits expand the pool of pro bono or low-bono attorneys to provide assistance.
Since 2018, local nonprofit organizations have received a total of more than $1.5M in DILSF funds. These organizations have provided direct legal representation to hundreds of immigrants in detention, provided affirmative relief services, and expanded the capacity of immigration attorneys in the Denver Metro region.
If you are currently a Denver Foundation fundholder and would like to make a contribution from your fund here at The Denver Foundation, please click here.
