Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund (DILSF)

Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund (Fondo de Servicios Legales para Inmigrantes de Denver)

Program Type: Special project fund administered by The Denver Foundation

Overview: The Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund (DILSF) is a special project fund at The Denver Foundation, developed following an executive order signed by Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock in August 2017, pledging support for immigrants and refugees, including an estimated 55,000 unauthorized immigrants who live in Denver. Established by the City of Denver and managed by The Denver Foundation.

Geographic Scope: Denver residents

Background: Many immigrants work and are connected to family members with varying types of legal status. Legal status is the primary barrier to successful integration into the U.S. for immigrants, yet access to and affordability of legal representation create significant challenges.

Funding Distribution: Since 2018, local nonprofit organizations have received a total of more than $1.5M in DILSF funds. These organizations have provided direct legal representation to hundreds of immigrants in detention, provided affirmative relief services, and expanded the capacity of immigration attorneys in the Denver Metro region.

Eligible Applicants

Organization Types: Qualified nonprofit organizations that:

Provide direct legal representation to low-income, unauthorized individuals

Serve current Denver residents

Assist individuals subject to potential deportation

Can expand the pool of pro bono or low-bono attorneys

Contact Information

Address: The Denver Foundation, 1009 Grant Street, Denver, Colorado 80203 Phone: 303.300.1790 Email: information@denverfoundation.org

Key Documents

• Denver Immigrant Legal Services 2024 Annual Report available
• 2023 Annual Report available