The Denver Foundation

Recent affirmative action cases have philanthropic organizations rethinking how they can continue to support communities of color. Our President and CEO, Javier Alberto Soto, discussed its potential impact on the sector with Colorado Public Radio. “I can tell you that our north star remains the same. We’re committed to pursuing racial equity work and nothing that has happened in any of these cases makes pursuing racial equity illegal. The question for those organizations like The Denver Foundation that are committed to this work is whether you need to adjust the how,” said Soto. Thanks Chandra Thomas Whitfield for including us in this conversation. Listen to more here: https://lnkd.in/gbmDgjnU

Check out our newest Colorado Leadership Stories podcast guest, Javier Alberto Soto, president & CEO of The Denver Foundation. Learn about Javier’s leadership style, shaped by his upbringing as the son of Cuban immigrants, and how he’s making philanthropy more inclusive. In this episode, Javier shares how cycling through 78 neighborhoods gave him a deeper connection with Coloradans and opens up about the resilience he built through personal challenges.   Colorado Leadership Stories is on all major streaming platforms, or listen here: https://lnkd.in/ep_Uj-w9   #ColoradoLeadershipStoriesPodcast #NewPodcast #SpiritofBoettcher #ColoradoLeaders Javier Alberto Soto The Denver Foundation

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, LatinasGiveDenver! continues to show the power of collective giving. This year they awarded $51,000 in grants to 19 nonprofits across Metro Denver -- its largest grantmaking effort since 2014. This milestone reflects its growth in impact and vision. We’re so grateful for everything this group does to uplift our community. https://lnkd.in/g_v3Vfzn #GivingCircle #CollectiveGiving

We’re excited to introduce the nonprofits recently awarded grants through our Community Grants Program. During this fall cycle, 54 nonprofits received a total of $2.5M in funding. Today, we’re highlighting those focused on creating economic opportunities and improving access to transportation. Learn more about this grants cycle, and see the full list of grant recipients here: https://lnkd.in/gcpAC78t Congratulations Aurora Community Connection family resource center, Aurora Economic Opportunity Coalition, AYA Foundation, Center for Community Wealth Building, Center for Employment Opportunities, Center for Work Education and Employment (CWEE), Colorado African Cultural Center, Commún, DreamSpring, Economic Development Association for Black Communities, GoFarm, El Alba Cooperative, La Piñata del Aprendizaje, Latinx Therapist Project, LAW SCHOOL...Yes We Can!, Breakthrough, Rocky Mountain Employee Ownership Center (RMEOC), and Westminster Community Foundation.   Thank you for your incredible work in our metro Denver communities. 

Growing up in Denver’s Westwood neighborhood, Greg wanted to help address the climate challenges impacting his community. When he heard about Groundwork Denver youth programs, and the local environmental projects he could be a part of, he decided to get involved. Read more about Greg's leadership journey, and how Groundwork Denver is partnering with youth to build healthy, equitable, and sustainable communities. https://lnkd.in/gKEzbqgt Photo courtesy: Armando Geneyro, and to Homies Unidos Denver for sharing your space for the photo shoot.

As we approach election day, it’s important to understand all the ballot measures that will impact our communities. Learn more about the local and regional ballot issues we are supporting, along with additional resources to help you vote. https://lnkd.in/g4KEfGAT

Big thanks to our Advisory Committee for Community Impact (ACCI) for the strategic advice and perspective they've shared with The Denver Foundation these past two years. In our last meeting, we celebrated the contributions of this group, which have helped shape key decisions and will continue to leave a meaningful impact on our work. If you are interested in learning more about our volunteer opportunities, visit https://lnkd.in/gA43SYE9

📢 Let’s Talk Elections, Denver! 🗳️ Join Cleo Parker Robinson Dance for a Town Hall on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (119 Park Ave W, Denver, CO 80205). Doors open at 5:30 PM for music, food, and "Why I Vote Postcard" arts activation with CPRD partner organizations. Come hear from City and County of Denver's Chief Elections Official, Paul López, and an incredible lineup of community leaders, including: Naomi Amaha (The Denver Foundation) Bianka Emerson (Colorado Black Women for Political Action) Jeff Fard (Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center) Rev. Dr. Timothy E. Tyler (Shorter Community AME) Learn about how our elections stay secure, accessible, and accurate. Plus, food will be provided! 🍽️ If you need interpretation services, please contact us in advance. Don’t miss out on this important conversation! 💬 📅 Tuesday, October 22, 2024 ⏰ 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM 📍 Cleo Parker Robinson Dance #DenverElections #TownHall #CommunityLeaders #VotingMatters

Scott is a skilled solar installer and a top trainer at GRID Alternatives Colorado—a career path he never would have imagined. Now, he’s using his expertise to build a more sustainable future for his community. Read more about Scott’s journey and how he’s helping GRID Alternatives advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy. https://lnkd.in/gDCpUEGH

Our Director of Policy, Naomi Amaha, joined a delegation of community leaders on the Heritage Tour organized by the Hancock Foundation.  The delegation traveled through Alabama to visit historical sites, museums, and memorials, exemplifying the history of the Black American experience and the civil rights movement. Sites visited include the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, 16th Street Baptist Church, Freedom Rides Museum, Legacy Museum, and National Memorial for Peace and Justice. The trip also incorporated conversations with the Mayors of Selma and Montgomery, Alabama.   “As someone who has dedicated their career to advancing systems change, this trip reinforced for me why we must understand the history of communities to address the root causes of inequities,” said Naomi Amaha.    If you want to learn more about the goals of the Heritage Tour, please visit https://lnkd.in/g_DFu85f