The Denver Children's Foundation (DCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Denver, Colorado, founded in 1987. Originally chartered as an organization under Active 20-30 International, DCF rebranded as an independent foundation in 2022. The organization is a service organization for business leaders between the ages of 20 and 39 from diverse professional backgrounds.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$1.7M
+20.2% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.3M
+12.4% YoY
Grant Count
62
+21.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$21K
-7.6% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The mission of the Denver Children's Foundation is to develop philanthropic leaders who mobilize the community to impact the lives of disadvantaged and at-risk children through annual fundraising events and projects.
The organization is dedicated to:
- Contributing to the betterment and welfare of at-risk and disadvantaged children in the local community
- Developing character and creating better citizens among its members
- Raising community awareness of the need to care for underserved children in Colorado
- Instilling philanthropic values in membership to be carried throughout their lives and professional careers
Primary funding focus areas include human services, education, and philanthropy/voluntarism and grantmaking.
Grantmaking
DCF distributes more than $1.5 million annually to support children's charities. In 2024, the foundation distributed $1,315,500 to various organizations supporting its mission, having granted more than $1.5 million to 70+ charities that year.
Review Cycle
in mid-to-late summer. After applying, a DCF member will contact the charity to begin the review process and later present findings to the full group.
How to Apply
** Charities interested in being considered for grants should submit information via the DCF website prior to the deadline in mid-to-late summer. After applying, a DCF member will contact the charity to begin the review process and later present findings to the full group.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Denver Children's Foundation focuses its grantmaking primarily in Colorado, with emphasis on the local Denver community.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
2024 Financial Data:
- Total Assets: $1,697,609
- Total Revenue: $1,757,578
- Total Expenses: $1,594,415
- Total Giving: $1,315,500
2023 Financial Data:
- Total Assets: $1,410,000
- Total Revenue: $1,380,000
- Total Expenses: $1,400,000
The organization employs 5 people, representing a 20% year-over-year increase of one additional staff member.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $1,697,609 | $1,411,757 | $1,450,643 |
| Revenue | $1,757,578 | $1,380,745 | $1,307,076 |
| Expenses | $1,594,415 | $1,399,548 | $1,435,715 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $24,316 | $2,699 | $2,016 |
| 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
200 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from The Denver Children's Foundation
Charity Grants
The Denver Children's Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
July 31, 2026
Denver Children's Foundation Grants
The Denver Children's Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Legacy Grant Program
The Denver Children's Foundation
Amount
Minimum $10,000 annually
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Denver Post Community Foundation ($500,000), Illuminate Colorado ($30,000), Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center ($25,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| A CHILD'S SONG THORNTON, CO | PROGRAM OPERATION - RESTRICTED | $10,000 |
| A PRECIOUS CHILD BROOMFIELD, CO | PROGRAM OPERATION - RESTRICTED | $10,000 |
| ADAM'S CAMP ENGLEWOOD, CO | PROGRAM OPERATION - RESTRICTED | $15,000 |
| ADOPTION OPTIONS DENVER, CO | PROGRAM OPERATION - RESTRICTED | $15,000 |
| ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN-CASA AURORA, CO | PROGRAM OPERATION - RESTRICTED | $10,000 |
| AZTECA BOXING CLUB GREELEY, CO | PROGRAM OPERATION - RESTRICTED | $10,000 |
| BOOK TRUST DENVER, CO | PROGRAM OPERATION - RESTRICTED | $15,000 |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE PIKES PEAK REGION COLORADO SPRINGS, CO | PROGRAM OPERATION - RESTRICTED | $10,000 |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF WELD COUNTY GREELEY, CO | PROGRAM OPERATION - RESTRICTED | $10,000 |
| BRECKENRIDGE OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER BRECKENRIDGE, CO | PROGRAM OPERATION - RESTRICTED | $25,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Nick Pirnack serves as President of the organization.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADAM COHEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $130,116 |
| BEAU JENKINS | PAST PRESIDENT AS OF 10/24 | 5 | — |
| CODY PHIFER | PRESIDENT-ELECT AS OF 10/24 | 5 | — |
| NICK PIRNACK | PRESIDENT AS OF 10/24 | 5 | — |
| DAVID HAUDENSHIELD | CO-TREASURER | 5 | — |
| GINO SCARPELLI | CO-TREASURER AS OF 10/24 | 5 | — |
| JAMES SAMUELSEN | TREASURER/GRANTS CHAIR | 5 | — |
| DEVON BOLTON | DIRECTOR THROUGH 9/24 | 5 | — |
| ERIC CARLSON | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| ROB FALICK | SECRETARY THRU 9/24/DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| JACK HOYT | DIRECTOR THROUGH 9/24 | 5 | — |
| SEAN HUGHES | DIRECTOR AS OF 10/24 | 5 | — |
| TYLER SNOVER | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| JJ SIMON | GRANTS CHAIR THROUGH 9/24 | 5 | — |
| CHRIS KENNEY | GENERAL COUNSEL AS OF 10/24 | 5 | — |
| VINCENT LUPARELL | GAMES MANAGER AS OF 10/24 | 5 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
In 2024, the Colorado Rockies and PNC Bank announced a Saves for Kids program to benefit the Denver Children's Foundation. The Denver Child Advocacy Center received a grant from DCF to carry out its mission. The foundation held its annual events throughout 2024, including the Denver Polo Classic, Leaders Fore Kids Golf Classic, Denver Barn Party, and Christmas for Kids.
Colorado Rockies and PNC Bank announce Saves for Kids program ...Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Denver Children's Foundation fund?
The mission of the Denver Children's Foundation is to develop philanthropic leaders who mobilize the community to impact the lives of disadvantaged and at-risk children through annual fundraising events and projects. The organization is dedicated to: • Contributing to the betterment and welfare of at-risk and disadvantaged children in the local community • Developing character and creating better citizens among its members • Raising community awareness of the need to care for underserved childr…
How do I apply for a grant from The Denver Children's Foundation?
DCF distributes more than $1.5 million annually to support children's charities. In 2024, the foundation distributed $1,315,500 to various organizations supporting its mission, having granted more than $1.5 million to 70+ charities that year. The foundation hosts nine events annually to raise funds for distribution. At year-end, DCF members perform an extensive grant application and review process to strategically distribute raised funds back into the community. **Application Process:** Chariti…
Where does The Denver Children's Foundation make grants?
The Denver Children's Foundation focuses its grantmaking primarily in Colorado, with emphasis on the local Denver community.
What size grants does The Denver Children's Foundation award?
In 2024, The Denver Children's Foundation awarded 62 grants totaling $1.3M — an average of about $21K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is The Denver Children's Foundation's EIN?
The Denver Children's Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 74-2535078. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Denver Children's Foundation'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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