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
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Denver Scholarship Foundation ($9,797,590), Thedreamus - New Venture Fund ($1,534,245), Colorado Uplift ($1,134,622).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ACCESS OPPORTUNITY BOULDER, CO | TO REIMBURSE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS | $161,782 |
| ACTIVATE WORK DENVER, CO | TO REIMBURSE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS | $23,826 |
| ADVANCEEDU DENVER, CO | TO REIMBURSE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS | $61,701 |
| AFRICAN AMERICAN TRADE ASSOCIATION DENVER, CO | TO REIMBURSE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS | $135,504 |
| ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION COLORADO SPRINGS, CO | TO REIMBURSE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS | $14,999 |
| BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF COLORAD DENVER, CO | TO REIMBURSE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS | $15,000 |
| BREAKTHROUGH AT KENT DENVER ENGLEWOOD, CO | TO REIMBURSE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS | $165,847 |
| BUILDSTRONG ACADEMY OF COLORADO DENVER, CO | TO REIMBURSE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS | $15,598 |
| COLORADO RESTAURANT FOUNDATION DENVER, CO | TO REIMBURSE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS | $12,750 |
| COLORADO UPLIFT DENVER, CO | TO REIMBURSE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS | $1,134,622 |
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Prosperity Denver Fund fund?
**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…
How do I apply for a grant from Prosperity Denver Fund?
**Reimbursement Model:** Prosperity Denver Fund reimburses qualifying nonprofit organizations up to 75% of eligible costs for services provided to Denver students. **Recent Distribution Activity:** • **Fall 2024:** Distributed $15.6 million across 46 organizations, funding 2,825 scholarships and credentials while serving 17,689 students with support services. This represented 100% growth compared to Fall 2023. • **Record Distribution:** Announced $16.6 million in funding to 60 nonprofits, repre…
Where does Prosperity Denver Fund make grants?
Denver, Colorado. All funding requires student residency in Denver.
What size grants does Prosperity Denver Fund award?
In 2024, Prosperity Denver Fund awarded 44 grants totaling $18.6M — an average of about $423K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Prosperity Denver Fund's EIN?
Prosperity Denver Fund's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 84-2091903. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Prosperity Denver Fund's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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