ROOTED is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Denver, Colorado, focused on improving educational outcomes within the Denver Public Schools (DPS) system. The organization operates as a strategic partnership hub that brings together stakeholders to advance high-quality education while maintaining accountability for results. ROOTED was established in 2017 and received tax-exempt status in April 2018.
Key facts about Rooted
- EIN
- 82-3215105
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,998,055
- Grants made (2024)
- 27
- Average grant
- $74,002
- Median grant
- $26,000
- Total assets
- $698,230
- Primary geography
- Colorado (83% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated June 2026.
Who Rooted funds
By grant dollars, the top recipient states for Rooted's 27 itemized 2024 grants were Colorado (83%), New York (6%) and District of Columbia (5%). The most frequent recipient cities were Denver, CO (21 grants) and New York, NY (3 grants). None of its 27 grants with a stated purpose were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Community Driven Cha" (8 grants), "School Quality & Equ" (6 grants) and "Communications" (5 grants).
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$698K
-53.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.0M
-32.4% YoY
Grant Count
27
-37.2% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$74K
+7.6% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
ROOTED's primary mission is to dramatically increase the number of DPS students attending schools that partner authentically with communities to deliver high-quality education for all.
The organization operates through two core strategies:
Strategic Partnership: ROOTED coalesces partners in support of a vision and strategies to improve academic outcomes, holding all stakeholders accountable for achieving those outcomes. The organization emphasizes urgency, long-term commitment, and stability, with a focus on both high-quality schools and equity. ROOTED believes the best way to expand access to quality education is to support school autonomy and autonomous leaders while empowering and partnering with communities most impacted by educational inequity.
Advocacy: ROOTED works to ensure a policy environment that supports the success of quality schools, where school leaders and communities have the autonomy to make decisions in the best interests of students.
The organization specifically partners with schools and organizations serving:
- English language learners
- Students with disabilities
- Students from diverse economic backgrounds
- Students of color
ROOTED provides support through sharing information and resources, facilitating connections and collaboration, and providing funding and strategy support.
Grantmaking
ROOTED distributes grants to support its mission. Based on the most recent IRS Form 990 filing (fiscal year ending June 2024):
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
ROOTED's primary focus is Denver Public Schools in Colorado, with secondary grantmaking activity in New York and Oregon.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 27 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Fiscal Year Ending June 2024:
- Total Revenue: $4,269,410
- Total Expenses: $4,986,941
- Total Assets: $698,230
- Total Liabilities: $202,000
The organization maintains a Three-Star rating from independent charity evaluators, with an 85% score based on accountability and finance metrics.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $698,230 | $1,496,052 | $4,954,535 |
| Revenue | $4,269,410 | $2,050,074 | $5,451,366 |
| Expenses | $4,986,941 | $5,697,961 | $5,438,070 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $4,585 | $10,291 | $4,366 |
| 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
186 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest recipients include Lyra ($690,000), Luminary Learning Network ($250,000), Rocky Mountain Prep ($191,500).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| LYRA DENVER, CO | SCHOOL QUALITY & EQU | $690,000 |
| LUMINARY LEARNING NETWORK DENVER, CO | SCHOOL EXPANSION | $250,000 |
| ROCKY MOUNTAIN PREP DENVER, CO | SCHOOL QUALITY & EQU | $191,500 |
| FAITHBRIDGE DENVER, CO | COMMUNITY DRIVEN CHA | $100,000 |
| TRANSFORM EDUCATION NOW (VIA 50CAN) WASHINGTON, DC | COMMUNITY DRIVEN CHA | $100,000 |
| SCHOOL BOARD PARTNERS BEND, OR | SCHOOL QUALITY & EQU | $88,750 |
| COLORADO LEAGUE OF CHARTER SCHOOLS DENVER, CO | COMMUNICATIONS | $80,000 |
| EDNIUM DENVER, CO | COMMUNITY DRIVEN CHA | $50,000 |
| OUR TURN NEW YORK, NY | COMMUNITY DRIVEN CHA | $50,000 |
| ROSE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION DENVER, CO | COMMUNITY DRIVEN CHA | $50,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
ROOTED operates with a lean team. As of the most recent filings, the organization has 8 employees.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| PATRICK DONOVAN | MANAGING PAR | 40 | $265,888 |
| VICTORIA SCOTT-HAYNES | PARTNER OF R | 40 | $159,000 |
| LATIA HENDERSON | PARTNER OF C | 40 | $140,079 |
| AMBAR SUERO | PARTNER OF A | 40 | $144,431 |
| BRENDA J ALLEN | CHAIR | 1 | — |
| ETHAN GRAY | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| DWIGHT JONES | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| LUIS DE LA FUENTE | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ANGIE PACCIONE | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| THOMAS A GOUGEON | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| SEAN VANBERSCHOT | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Rooted fund?
ROOTED's primary mission is to dramatically increase the number of DPS students attending schools that partner authentically with communities to deliver high-quality education for all. The organization operates through two core strategies: **Strategic Partnership:** ROOTED coalesces partners in support of a vision and strategies to improve academic outcomes, holding all stakeholders accountable for achieving those outcomes. The organization emphasizes urgency, long-term commitment, and stabilit…
How do I apply for a grant from Rooted?
ROOTED distributes grants to support its mission. Based on the most recent IRS Form 990 filing (fiscal year ending June 2024): • **Total giving:** $2,053,165 • **Typical award range:** $8,000–$690,000 The organization's grant-making focuses on Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking, and Human Services, primarily in Colorado, New York, and Oregon.
Where does Rooted make grants?
ROOTED's primary focus is Denver Public Schools in Colorado, with secondary grantmaking activity in New York and Oregon.
What size grants does Rooted award?
In 2024, Rooted awarded 27 grants totaling $2.0M — an average of about $74K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Rooted's EIN?
Rooted's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 82-3215105. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Rooted'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.