Colorado Restaurant Foundation
The Colorado Restaurant Foundation (CRF) is a Denver-based public charity established in 1987 as the philanthropic foundation of the Colorado Restaurant Association. It supports education, career development, workforce training, and the well-being of people in the restaurant and hospitality industries.
Colorado Restaurant Foundation at a glance
In short: Colorado Restaurant Foundation gave $372K across 28 grants in 2024 (avg $13K), mostly in Colorado. 86% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $371,971
- +126.1% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 28
- +250.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $13,285
- -35.4% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $10,100
- Total assets
- $1,116,518
- -14.8% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 86% first-time grantees (24 of 28, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Colorado (88% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Colorado Restaurant Foundation
- Contact
Mailing address: 430 East Seventh Ave, Denver, CO 80203
Phone: (303) 830-2972
Website: https://corestaurant.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Colorado Restaurant Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Osage Cafe LLC ($60K). Together the top 10 received $231K.
Grant Size Distribution
302 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 300 grants of 302 (99%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 88% of grant dollars went to recipients in Colorado and 12% to recipients in Michigan. CRF’s Angel Relief Fund and scholarship eligibility information is specifically tied to Colorado residents, students, or institutions.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 28 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Colorado Restaurant Foundation open to new grantees?
86%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 24 of 28 grantees (86%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $14K; repeat grants $7K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $6K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $165K (2023) to $1.2M (2021). In 2024 it made 28 grants totaling $372K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Osage Cafe LLC Denver, CO | Apprenticeship Support | $60,247 |
| Creative Dining Services Zeeland, MI | Apprenticeship Support | $44,352 |
| CRA Mile High Chapter Greenwood Village, CO | Disaster Assistance Program Contribution | $41,635 |
| Manna- the Durango Soup Kitchen Durango, CO | Apprenticeship Support | $20,800 |
| Urban Fields Pizza and Market Longmont, CO | Apprenticeship Support | $13,237 |
| Bodega Denver, CO | Apprenticeship Support | $10,100 |
| Carver Brewing Company Durango, CO | Apprenticeship Support | $10,100 |
| Early Bird Restaurant Westminster, CO | Apprenticeship Support | $10,100 |
| Gourmet for Good Sheridan, CO | Apprenticeship Support | $10,100 |
| Griddle Me This Denver, CO | Apprenticeship Support | $10,100 |
Ready to take the next step with Colorado Restaurant Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
CRF states that its endowment consists of funds designated by its board to be held in perpetuity. Its policy is to appropriate up to 4% of the portfolio value annually for grants.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1,116,518 | $1,680,592 | $1,677,057 | $371,971 | 28 | $155,385 |
| 2023 | $1,310,788 | $873,186 | $1,585,383 | $164,500 | 8 | $22,266 |
| 2022 | $1,623,514 | $1,672,451 | $2,011,845 | $722,931 | 78 | $16,440 |
| 2021 | $2,210,454 | $2,452,590 | $4,270,566 | $1,240,391 | 149 | $108,177 |
| 2020 | $3,791,559 | $5,725,731 | $3,127,808 | $215,001 | 39 | $21,593 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
CRF’s stated mission is to provide access to education, skills, and financial means to pursue a successful career in the food service and hospitality industries. Its programs include:
- ProStart: A high school program offering restaurant and hospitality management, culinary arts, and business economics curricula, as well as academic credit, scholarships, and paid work experience opportunities.
- Apprenticeships: Competency-based training for people pursuing restaurant-industry careers, combining on-the-job training with classroom or self-paced instruction.
- Scholarships: Awards for Colorado ProStart graduates and post-secondary undergraduates pursuing foodservice and hospitality studies. The foundation describes these scholarships as merit-based; its website says applicants must demonstrate industry interest through work experience.
- Assistance: Financial aid for industry employees facing unexpected illness, injury, natural disaster, or mental-health-care needs. The Angel Relief Fund’s hardship grants are for eligible Colorado hospitality workers experiencing an unexpected, non-recurring crisis. Its mental-health grants can cover up to $1,000 in care. Both application pages state that approval of new grants is temporarily paused while funds are replenished.
- Grants to organizations: In 2024, recipients included businesses receiving apprenticeship-support grants and an organization receiving a disaster-assistance contribution. Manna – The Durango Soup Kitchen, which received a grant, describes its mission as providing nourishing meals and supportive services to people in need. Country Club at Castle Pines, another recipient, describes its purpose as operating a private nonprofit social and recreational club.
Grantmaking
In 2024, CRF reported 28 grants totaling $371,971. Grants ranged from $6,000 to $60,247, with a median of $10,100. The largest grants included:
The foundation also offers scholarships to eligible students and direct assistance to eligible hospitality workers. These participant programs are distinct from grants to outside organizations. The 2026–2027 undergraduate scholarship page lists a deadline of January 15, 2026.
The foundation says schools receiving grant funding must report how funds were spent; monitoring may also include staff site visits. Businesses receiving funding provide receipts and other materials to substantiate use for the stated purpose.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists these officers and directors, with roles as recorded:
- Aileen Reilly — Chairman (as of 10/24)
- Marc Steron — Chairman (through 10/24)
- Melissa Brooks — Vice-Chair Elect/VP-Fundraising (through 10/24)/Vice
- Emily Biederman — Controller (through 10/24)/VP Fundraising
- Amy Rapisarda — VP-Education (as of 10/24)
- Mallory Cullen — VP at Large (through 10/24)/VP-Health & Wellness
- April Lambatos — VP-at Large (as of 10/24)
- Luis Ramirez — Treasurer (through 10/24)/Controller
- Ashley Hoffman — VP-Health & Wellness (through 10/24)/Secretary
- Josh Niernberg — VP-Education (through 10/24)/Treasurer
Colorado Restaurant Foundation is led by Sonia Riggs, Executive Director on every filing since 2020; 6 of 43 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Sonia Riggs
Executive Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$15K (2020) → $19K (2024)
Laura Shunk
President
On filings since 2021
39 hrs/week
$97K (2021) → $128K (2024)
Marc Steron
Chairman
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Aileen Reilly
Chairman
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Denise Mickelsen
Director of Communications
Communication Director → Director of Communications, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
$22K (2023) → $36K (2024)
Stacey Griest
Programs Director
New on the 2024 filing
39 hrs/week
$104K (2024)
Audra Dunleavy
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Weil
Vice Chairman & Director
Vp-Fundraising Committee → Vice Chairman, 2022
Vice Chairman → Vice Chairman & Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Justin Adrian
Director
Director → Vp-Health & Wellness Committee, 2021
Vp-Health & Wellness Committee → Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nikki Kolakowski
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard Schneider
Secretary & Director
Vice Chairman → Vp-Education & Secretary, 2023
Vp-Education & Secretary → Secretary & Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Eric Olson
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Julie Stone
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Burke
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Truett Bailey
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth Nicholson
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Greg Warner
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kirk Bachmann
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Matthew Coates
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mawa McQueen
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ron Hall
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Shelly Cox
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Thuan La
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Wayne Hilston
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Abby Sands
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Aniedra Nichols
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Annelise McAuliffe Soares
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Christina Runyan
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jessy Lashier
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lundi Ramos
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Paul Anders
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tajahi Cooke
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Theo Otte
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Devany McNeill
Vp-Strategic Partnership
Vp-Strategic Partnerships → Vice President - Strategic Partnerships, 2023
Vice President - Strategic Partnerships → Vp-Strategic Partnership, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$8K (2020) → $38K (2024)
Michael Reed
Controller
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
$30K (2023) → $21K (2024)
Mallory Cullen
Vice President at Large, Vp-Health & Wellness
Secretary → Vice President at Large, 2023
Vice President at Large → Vice President at Large, Vp-Health & Wellness, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Melissa Brooks
Vice Chair Elect, Vp-Fundraising & Vice
Vp-Health & Wellness Committee → Vp-Fund. Com. & Vice Chair Elect, 2023
Vp-Fund. Com. & Vice Chair Elect → Vice Chair Elect, Vp-Fundraising & Vice, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ashley Hoffman
Vp-Health, Wellness & Secretary
Vp-Fundraising Committee → Vp-Health & Wellness Committee, 2023
Vp-Health & Wellness Committee → Vp-Health, Wellness & Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Emily Biederman
Controller & Vice President Fundraising
Treasurer → Treasurer & Controller, 2023
Treasurer & Controller → Controller & Vice President Fundraising, 2024
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Josh Niernberg
Vp- Education & Treasurer
Vice President at Large → Vp-Education Committee, 2023
Vp-Education Committee → Vp- Education & Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Luis Ramirez
Treasurer & Controller
Director → Director & Treasurer, 2023
Director & Treasurer → Treasurer & Controller, 2024
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amy Rapisarda
Vp-Education
Director → Vp-Education, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
April Lambatos
Vp-At Large
Director → Vp-At Large, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (30)
- Former: David Goetz (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Jenifer Freeman (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Karen Kristopeit-Parker (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Lauren Roberts (2020–2023) — Controller
- Former: Daniel Ramirez (2022–2023) — Chairman
- Former: Lundy (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Kelsey Berglund (2023) — Events & Sponsorship Director
- Former: Amie Mayhew (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Anthony Ochoa (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Christine Chassen (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: David Coder (2020–2022) — Vp-Education Committee
- Former: Greg Howard (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Jorge De La Torre (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Lauren O'Brien (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Lauren Rapp (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Maureen Pearman (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Sherise Velasquez-Chew (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Steve Kanatzar (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Troy Guard (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Beth Gruitch (2021–2022) — Chairman
- Former: Rich Schneider (2022) — Vp-Education Committee
- Former: Lauren Feder Rosenberg (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Scott Engelman (2020–2021) — Chairman
- Former: Andrea Knight (2020) — Director
- Former: Diana Underhill (2020) — Director
- Former: Jennifer Jessup (2020) — Director
- Former: Justin Williams (2020) — Director
- Former: Kc Gallagher (2020) — Chairman
- Former: Mary Mino (2020) — President
- Former: Robert Grant (2020) — Vp-Education Committee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $128K, to Laura Shunk (President). 6 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Colorado Restaurant Foundation
How much does Colorado Restaurant Foundation give each year?
Colorado Restaurant Foundation gave $372K across 28 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $165K across 8 grants.
What is Colorado Restaurant Foundation's typical grant size?
Colorado Restaurant Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $10,100, and its average grant was $13,285, across 28 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Colorado Restaurant Foundation that year got $14K on average.
Where does Colorado Restaurant Foundation give grants?
Colorado Restaurant Foundation gives mostly in Colorado: 88% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was Michigan (12%). The most frequent recipient cities were Denver, CO (9 grants), Durango, CO (2 grants), Longmont, CO (2 grants) and Fruita, CO (2 grants).
Does Colorado Restaurant Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 28 grants with a stated purpose on Colorado Restaurant Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Apprenticeship Support" (27 grants).
Who are Colorado Restaurant Foundation's largest grantees?
Colorado Restaurant Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Osage Cafe LLC ($60,247), Creative Dining Services ($44,352) and CRA Mile High Chapter ($41,635), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 39% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Colorado Restaurant Foundation?
Colorado Restaurant Foundation reported $1.1M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $1.7M.
What does Colorado Restaurant Foundation fund?
CRF’s stated mission is to provide access to education, skills, and financial means to pursue a successful career in the food service and hospitality industries. Its programs include: See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Colorado Restaurant Foundation?
Colorado Restaurant Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check corestaurant.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Colorado Restaurant Foundation's EIN?
Colorado Restaurant Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 74-2488379. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 14, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Colorado Restaurant Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common
BAR NI Community Service Fund
Boston, MA
Assets
$1.9M
Grants
1
Total Given
$66K
Durango Area Tourism Office Inc
Durango, CO
To leverage limited resources into equitable, creative, strategic, and comprehensive annual marketing programs sufficient to generate growing consumer interest in the durango/la Plata county area and accomplish tourism marketing goals. Generate demand in visitation and overnight stays in la Plata county through strategic sales and marketing programs promoting our area for the benefit of visitors and local stakeholders.
Assets
—
Grants
2
Total Given
$60K
The Colorado Trust
Denver, CO
The Colorado Trust funds health equity and the health and well-being of Coloradans, with current priorities in food, housing, and mental and behavioral health; its grantmaking is statewide in Colorado. Grant amounts vary widely: its 2024 grants ranged from $702 to $28.8 million, and it offers event sponsorships of up to $5,000. It does not accept unsolicited funding requests, but posts application details when competitive opportunities are available.
Assets
$548.0M
Grants
2
Total Given
$28.8M
The Community Firm
Denver, CO
The Community Firm dba community economic defense project (CEDP) is a not-for profit organization established to provide social services, public benefits, and policy change. Our mission is to keep coloradans housed.
Assets
$15.6M
Grants
3
Total Given
$80K
The Erteszek Foundation
Bayfield, CO
The Erteszek Foundation supports nonprofits focused on strengthening communities through arts, education, and mindful practices, with 2024 grants of $3,000–$50,000 and a median of $15,000. Its giving went to organizations in Colorado, California, and New York, primarily Colorado; it does not accept unsolicited requests and gives only to preselected organizations.
Assets
$2.6M
Grants
10
Total Given
$168K
Portercare Adventist Health System
Greenwood Village, CO
Portercare Adventist Health System supports health care access and quality, substance use and mental health services, and food security, with 2024 grants mainly benefiting Colorado organizations and some in Nebraska. Its 14 grants ranged from $6,000 to $47,850, with a median of $16,000. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.8B
Grants
14
Total Given
$271K
More similar funders
More Funders in Colorado
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Colorado Restaurant Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/colorado-restaurant-foundation-morg_00ff534aad08451ab4ca3eca51e48470
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_742488379_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Colorado Restaurant Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/colorado-restaurant-foundation-morg_00ff534aad08451ab4ca3eca51e48470},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-12. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Colorado Restaurant Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Colorado Restaurant Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?