Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund

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. Read our latest press release for more updates on the Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund. 

Contribute to the Fund 

 

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. 

Grants Process

There are now two funding opportunities under the Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund.

Limited Legal Fellowship

This is a two-year funding opportunity to provide funding for nonprofits to add one additional qualified, community-focused immigration attorney fellow and dedicated paralegal for 1 year with eligibility to renew for a second year. Funding for this fellowship can also include funds to assist with representation-related fees.

More information about this opportunity and how to apply can be found here. 

Grant applications for this opportunity will be due Monday, April 12.

 

Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund General Opportunity

The second funding opportunity will be open in August with grant applications due by Monday, October 3.

Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply through The Denver Foundation’s online grant application portal, TDF Grant Manager. Detailed information about how to register and apply can be found here.

Grants will be available to nonprofits to:

  • Offer direct legal representation to immigrants in detention and/or subject to removal proceedings.
  • Provide affirmative relief to individuals seeking help with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and various visa programs.
  • Support capacity building or other innovative projects to help organizations increase the pool of pro bono or low bono immigration attorneys available to represent immigrants.

Eligibility

  • 501c3 nonprofits or fiscally sponsored organizations are eligible to apply.
  • Funds can only be used to serve:
    • Residents of the City and County of Denver (a “resident” is an individual living in the State of Colorado who can verify his or her presence in the City and County of Denver for at least 60 days).
    • Have a household income that does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Denver Immigrant Legal Services 2020 Annual Report

The Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund (DILSF) was created in 2018 to help vulnerable immigrants access fair legal representation and due process. Established by the City of Denver and managed by The Denver Foundation, the fund provides grants to nonprofit organizations that offer direct legal representation to low-income Denver residents who face potential deportation. Nonprofits can use the fund to expand their access to pro bono or low bono attorneys

 

Download the Annual Report