The Denver Foundation
The Denver Foundation is a public charity based in Denver, Colorado, formed in 1925. It supports charitable work through donor-advised funds, community grantmaking, scholarships, and the administration of charitable funds and endowments.
The Denver Foundation at a glance
In short: The Denver Foundation gave $131.7M across 1,184 grants in 2024 (avg $111K), mostly in Colorado. 27% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $131,693,864
- +0.4% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 1,184
- +2.5% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $111,228
- -2.1% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $26,500
- Total assets
- $1,322,643,652
- +8.5% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 27% first-time grantees (316 of 1,176, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Colorado (58% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Denver Foundation
- Review Cycle
- The Community Grants Program’s 2026 Cycle 1 deadline was March 2, 2026, and its Cycle 2 deadline is August 3, 2026. Both deadlines have passed.
- Deadline
- The Community Grants Program’s 2026 Cycle 1 deadline was March 2, 2026, and its Cycle 2 deadline is August 3, 2026.
- Contact
Mailing address: 1009 Grant Street, Denver, CO 80203
Phone: (303) 300-1790
Website: https://denverfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
50 open opportunities from The Denver Foundation
Alexander Brown Memorial Scholarship (UA1) Grant
The Denver Foundation
Amount
US $1,000 - US $6,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Alma M. Poe Scholarship (UA2) Grant
The Denver Foundation
Amount
Approximately US $2,500
Deadline
Deadline not published
Ambassador Scholarship Grant
The Denver Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who The Denver Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was National Philanthropic Trust ($25.0M). Together the top 10 received $47.2M.
Organizations only. It also paid 9 grants to individuals ($2,790,339), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
5,815 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 3,837 grants of 5,815 (66%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Community Grants Program and the foundation’s discretionary grantmaking serve residents of Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. The foundation also describes its broader work as extending across Colorado and beyond. Donor-advised funds may make grants to U.S.-based charities or foreign equivalents.
In 2024, 58% of reported grant dollars went to recipients in Colorado, 19% to Pennsylvania, 6% to California, 4% to an individual recipient, and 2% to Texas.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 1,184 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Denver Foundation open to new grantees?
27%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 316 of 1,176 grantees (27%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $79K; repeat grants $124K. How we count
Medians: $17K first-time, $32K 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 $97.2M (2021) to $131.7M (2024). In 2024 it made 1,184 grants totaling $131.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Philanthropic Trust Jenkintown, PA | Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations N.E.C. | $25,000,000 |
| Plentiful San Francisco, CA | Food Programs | $4,000,000 |
| Denver Public Schools Foundation - DPS Foundation Denver, CO | Fund Raising & Fund Distribution | $3,246,196 |
| Denver Health Foundation Denver, CO | Fund Raising & Fund Distribution | $2,650,879 |
| Regents of the University of California at Berkeley Los Angeles, CA | Universities | $2,176,316 |
| Barton Institute for Community Action Denver, CO | Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations N.E.C. | $2,106,500 |
| Urban Peak Denver, CO | Children & Youth Services | $2,028,660 |
| Colorado Community College System Foundation Denver, CO | Fund Raising & Fund Distribution | $2,010,129 |
| Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Diocese of South-West America Beasley, TX | Christianity | $2,000,000 |
| Northeast American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Muttontown, NY | Christianity | $2,000,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Denver Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1,322,643,652 | $208,259,786 | $161,755,855 | $131,693,864 | 1,184 | $64,032,761 |
| 2023 | $1,218,743,437 | $108,742,732 | $157,373,207 | $131,181,386 | 1,155 | $29,960,583 |
| 2022 | $1,150,464,668 | $137,620,038 | $132,117,361 | $107,120,865 | 1,126 | $29,286,072 |
| 2021 | $1,310,694,972 | $304,010,379 | $120,778,067 | $97,176,716 | 1,108 | $33,675,446 |
| 2020 | $993,536,650 | $189,641,789 | $126,565,139 | $104,925,098 | 1,242 | $13,609,795 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is “to inspire people and mobilize resources to strengthen our community.” Its website identifies racial equity and reducing racial disparities as central to its purpose and values.
The Community Grants Program supports organizations working in economic opportunity, environment and climate, housing, and youth well-being. It prioritizes work to reduce disparities through community and constituent leadership and racial equity, with a focus on historically oppressed people, low-income communities, and communities of color in Metro Denver.
The 2024 filing says the foundation made donor-advised fund grants to charitable endeavors across nearly every type and size of nonprofit organization. Examples of grantee missions illustrate the range of supported work: Denver Public Schools Foundation describes itself as a catalyst for change in Denver Public Schools; Denver Health and Hospitals Foundation says it supports the health and well-being work of the Denver Health and Hospital Authority; Urban Peak describes providing services and support to youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness; and the Colorado Community College System Foundation says it supports the community college system through partnerships, resource development, and advocacy.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the filing reported 1,184 itemized grants totaling $131,693,864. Those grants ranged from $5,100 to $25 million, with a median grant of $26,500. Separately, the filing says the foundation made 3,635 grants from donor-advised funds in 2024; donor-influenced grants represented approximately 82% of grants made.
The largest reported grants included $25 million to National Philanthropic Trust, $4 million to Plentiful, $3,246,196 to Denver Public Schools Foundation, and $2,650,879 to Denver Health Foundation. Other major recipients included Barton Institute for Community Action ($2,106,500), Urban Peak ($2,028,660), Colorado Community College System Foundation ($2,010,129), and University of Colorado Foundation ($1,431,553).
The Community Grants Program awards approximately $4 million annually across two cycles, with awards typically ranging from $20,000 to $50,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, work in the seven-county Metro Denver region, and align their work with the foundation’s values. The organization applying need not be located in Metro Denver. The foundation prefers general operating grants through this program. It excludes, among other things, capital campaigns, debt retirement, grants to individuals, regranting, research, and grants for religious activities.
The Lowe Fund is another opportunity managed by the foundation. It offers grants of $10,000 to $25,000 to eligible Colorado nonprofits, or organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, whose work aligns with its focus on training, education, or research related to developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, and related nervous and muscular disorders. The fund emphasizes work directly assisting people with these disabilities and organizations in rural areas.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Lisa Zuniga Ramirez as chair, Peter J. Kirsch as vice-chair, Mira J. Fine as treasurer, Sean C. Kenney as secretary, and John Loewy as immediate past chair. It also lists Alisha Brown, Michelle Adams, Damon O. Barry, Margaret Deane Franko, and Joseph Garcia as trustees.
The Denver Foundation is led by Javier A. Soto, President since 2023 (on filings since 2020); 9 of 28 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Javier A. Soto
President
President → President & CEO, 2022
President & CEO → President, 2023
On filings since 2020
45 hrs/week
$380K (2020) → $490K (2024)
Ladawn Sullivan
Executive Director of Black Resilience of Co
New on the 2024 filing
45 hrs/week
$153K (2024)
Lisa Zuniga Ramirez
Chair
Treasurer → Treasurer & Chair-Elect, 2023
Treasurer & Chair-Elect → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Brian Van Vleet
Sen. Director & Information Technology
Director of Information Technology → Sen. Director & Information Technology, 2024
On filings since 2021
45 hrs/week
$127K (2021) → $132K (2024)
Sharon Harper
Senior Director of Scholarships
Senior Director of Special Funds & Scholarship → Senior Director of Special Funds, 2023
Senior Director of Special Funds → Senior Director of Scholarships, 2024
On filings since 2021
45 hrs/week
$142K (2021) → $140K (2024)
Benjamin Perry
Sen. Director & Philanthropic Investment
Senior Director of Philanthropic Investments → Senior Director of Philanthropic Investment, 2023
Senior Director of Philanthropic Investment → Sen. Director & Philanthropic Investment, 2024
On filings since 2022
45 hrs/week
$139K (2022) → $131K (2024)
Erika Reyes Martinez
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Julie Reiskin
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark Newhouse
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Alisha Brown
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brenna Simmons-St Onge
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Damon O. Barry
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Karen M. Robinson
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lee E. Reichert
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michelle Adams
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer M. Kilpela
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joseph Garcia
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kelly Jean Brough
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Margaret Deane Franko
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Simone D. Ross
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dace West-Schlue
Chief Impact Officer
On filings since 2020
45 hrs/week
$149K (2020) → $246K (2024)
Courtney Clapp
Interim CFO & Treasury Manager
Controller → Interim CFO, 2023
Interim CFO → Interim CFO & Treasury Manager, 2024
On filings since 2021
20 hrs/week
$141K (2021) → $125K (2024)
Abigail Kesner
Vice President of Communications
On filings since 2022
45 hrs/week
$131K (2022) → $151K (2024)
Margaret Danuser
Chief Financial Officer
New on the 2024 filing
45 hrs/week
$230K (2024)
John Loewy
Immediate Past Chair
Vice Chair → Chair, 2021
Chair → Immediate Past Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Peter J. Kirsch
Vice Chair
Trustee → Vice Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sean C. Kenney
Secretary
Trustee → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mira J. Fine
Treasurer
Trustee → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (26)
- Former: Daniel Lee (2020–2023) — CFO
- Former: Randy Roberts (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Carey Dobbertin (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Christina Raya (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Ismael Guerrero (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Veronica Crespin-Palmer (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Dwinita Mosby Tyler (2022–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Jason Stoddart (2022–2023) — Vice President of Talent & Culture
- Former: Joe Garcia (2023) — Trustee
- Former: Ladawn Sullivan Exec Dir (2023) — Of Black Resilience in Co
- Former: Alyssa Kopf (2020–2022) — Chief Operating Officer
- Former: Ceyl Prinster (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Katie Macwilliams (2020–2022) — Secretary
- Former: Myra Donovan (2020–2022) — Vice Chair
- Former: Seth Belzley (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Kelly Purdy (2020–2021) — Vice President Engaged Philanthropy
- Former: Nita Mosby Tyler (2020–2021) — Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Sarah Harrison (2020–2021) — Special Advisor & Engaged Philanthropy
- Former: Tad Kelly (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Afsoon Kelley (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Chrissy Deal (2020) — Secretary
- Former: Jennifer Corzine (2020) — Deputy Vice President Controller
- Former: Jeremy A. Duhon (2020) — Trustee
- Former: L. William Schmidt (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Patrick Horvath (2020) — Director of Economic Opportunity
- Former: Ruben Medina (2020) — Trustee
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 $490K, to Javier a Soto (President). 9 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Denver Foundation
How much does The Denver Foundation give each year?
The Denver Foundation gave $131.7M across 1,184 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $131.2M across 1,155 grants.
What is The Denver Foundation's typical grant size?
The Denver Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $26,500, and its average grant was $111,228, across 1,184 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Denver Foundation that year got $79K on average.
Where does The Denver Foundation give grants?
The Denver Foundation gives mostly in Colorado: 58% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were Pennsylvania (19%) and California (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were Denver, CO (446 grants), Aurora, CO (65 grants), Boulder, CO (40 grants) and Washington, DC (33 grants).
Does The Denver Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 1% of The Denver Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (6 of 1,184) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Youth Development Programs" (45 grants), "Alliances & Advocacy" (39 grants) and "Christianity" (34 grants).
Who are The Denver Foundation's largest grantees?
The Denver Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include National Philanthropic Trust ($25,000,000), Plentiful ($4,000,000) and Denver Public Schools Foundation - DPS Foundation ($3,246,196), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 9 grants to individuals ($2,790,339), which are not listed by name. Together they received 24% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Denver Foundation?
The Denver Foundation reported $1.3B in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $208.3M.
What does The Denver Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is “to inspire people and mobilize resources to strengthen our community.” Its website identifies racial equity and reducing racial disparities as central to its purpose and values. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Denver Foundation?
The Denver Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check denverfoundation.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The Denver Foundation's EIN?
The Denver Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 84-6048381. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 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 11, 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 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 6, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 11, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Denver Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Denver Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 7, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-denver-foundation-morg_b14c07141d824957ba8ab82f589b3628
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_846048381_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Denver Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-denver-foundation-morg_b14c07141d824957ba8ab82f589b3628},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-07. 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 The Denver 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.
The Denver Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?