Archives: Timeline

Inspired by the legacy of giving within Denver communities, and the success of the Cleveland Foundation, a group of like-minded Denverites created The Denver Foundation. The Resolution and Declaration of…

Our original Distribution Committee, now called Board of Trustees, included entrepreneur John Kernan “J.K.” Mullen, educator Emily Griffith, plumbing supplier Martin O’Fallon, industrialist J.F. Welborn, insurance executive F.W. Standart, and…

Authored by State Senator Francis J. Knauss, the legislature passed a bill that allowed Colorado’s community foundations to accept charitable gifts—enabling The Denver Foundation to exist. At the forefront of…

We received our first gift in 1927 from Distribution Committee member John Kernan “J.K.” Mullen. Irish-born Mullen founded the Colorado Mining and Elevator Company and was also known for his…

We received our first permanent endowment in November 1929, from Alice Coleman in the amount of $3,402. The Alice Sherwin Coleman Fund was set up to benefit three agencies: the…

The Great Depression magnified needs, and that meant an uptick in charitable organizations and social welfare programs nationally, including the federal government’s “New Deal” programs. When Denverites couldn’t sign up…

Until the welcome arrival of an effective tuberculosis (TB) cure in the late 1940s, we granted funds for the care and housing of those who settled in Denver to recover…

In 1931, we began funding the Santa Shop, a holiday toy shop supported by individuals and philanthropic organizations to bring joy to those struggling financially during the holiday season. Parents…

Our earliest grant toward an educational cause went to Denver-area teachers to feed students who lacked “proper nourishment.” The grant provided lunches at school and additional meals at community centers.…

The first 10 years’ gifts to the foundation totaled more than $74,474. From those gifts, we granted funds to more than 11,000 people. Grants helped with housing for older adults,…