Prosperity Denver Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Denver, Colorado that operates a unique reimbursement model for postsecondary education funding. Established in 2018 following a Denver ballot initiative, the organization reimburses qualifying nonprofits for costs associated with helping Denver students pursue college degrees, technical training, apprenticeships, and industry-recognized credentials. The fund is supported by a dedicated 0.08% city sales tax (approximately one penny per $10 spent in Denver).
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$46.8M
+12.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$18.6M
+131.6% YoY
Grant Count
44
+83.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$423K
+26.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Prosperity Denver Fund maximizes the investment of Denver taxpayers to support nonprofits that help students with financial need pursue college and career opportunities. Together, we ensure Denver prospers now and for generations to come.
Core Values: Impact, Inclusivity, Possibility, Community, Equity, Student-Centered approach, Innovation, Local Talent, and Stewardship.
Program Areas:
College & Technical School Scholarships: Reimbursement for nonprofit organizations providing scholarships to Denver students pursuing degrees at 2-year and 4-year technical colleges, community colleges, and universities.
Career Training (Apprenticeships & Credentials): Reimbursement of up to 75% for eligible training and support service costs for learners pursuing registered apprenticeships, teacher training credentials, and industry-recognized credentials.
High School Support Programs: Reimbursement for qualified organizations offering high school support programs aimed at increasing educational opportunities and enrollment after high school among Denver students with financial need.
Grantmaking
How to Apply
** Rolling application process with reimbursement activated when students successfully achieve their educational goals.
Ready to take the next step with Prosperity Denver Fund?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Denver, Colorado. All funding requires student residency in Denver.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Fiscal Year 2024 (ending September 2024):
- Revenue: $17,654,071
- Expenses: $19,990,655
- Net Income: -$2,336,584
- Total Assets: $46,805,654
- Total Liabilities: $15,800,000
Historical Impact (Since 2018 Inception):
- Total Funds Distributed: $65+ million (approximately $47.6 million through inception as of latest report)
- Students Supported: 63,713 total
- Scholarships and Credentials Funded: 37,634
- Students Served with Support Services: 37,662
Tax Status: Tax-exempt since May 2020; 501(c)(3) organization
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $46,805,654 | $41,482,209 | $29,340,017 |
| Revenue | $17,654,071 | $18,332,713 | $14,622,453 |
| Expenses | $19,990,655 | $8,860,341 | $5,783,751 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $2,094,413 | $1,293,288 | $125,251 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
108 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Rebecca Arno - Chief Executive Officer (appointed 2024)
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| REBECCA ARNO | CEO | 40 | $43,781 |
| POLICA HOUSTON | BOARD MEMBER | 2 | — |
| JASON H WARDRIP | BOARD MEMBER | 2 | — |
| DIANA ROMERO CAMPBELL | BOARD MEMBER | 2 | — |
| MILAGROS BARSALLO RUBIO | BOARD MEMBER | 2 | — |
| MARK GOODMAN | BOARD MEMBER | 2 | — |
| STEPHEN KURTZ | VICE CHAIR & TREASURER | 5 | — |
| THERESA PENA | BOARD CHAIR | 5 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
**Fall 2024 Milestones:**
Announced 100% growth in scholarships funded, support services programs, and credentials training compared to Fall 2023
Expanded partnership network to 62 organizations, a 48% increase since 2020
Credentials and apprenticeships achievement increased 86% year-over-year, with 509 students earning credentials
College degree scholarship recipients grew 8% to 2,691 students
**2024 Record Distribution:**
Distributed record-breaking $16.6 million to 60 nonprofits
Prosperity Denver Fund reports $18.6 million distributed in 2024 and outlinesSupported 3,200 students pursuing postsecondary education through college, credentials, and apprenticeship programs
Reached 19,000 high school students building plans for post-graduation futures
**Organizational Growth:**
Under CEO Rebecca Arno's leadership (appointed 2024), the organization has experienced transformative growth
2023 ordinance expansion broadened fund scope to include credential and apprenticeship opportunities
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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