Charities in Denver, CO

Founded in 1987, the Women's Foundation of Colorado emerged from a simple but powerful idea: that community working together can create greater change than individuals working alone. This Denver, CO-based organization was inspired by the Ms. Foundation and similar women's funds across the country, reflecting a belief that women and girls of every background and identity deserve to prosper. What makes WFCO unique is its identity as a community-funded foundation rather than a private institution—relying entirely on individual, family, business, and funder contributions to advance its mission. Over nearly four decades, WFCO has channeled more than 91,000 gifts from generous donors into meaningful impact, including 30 research reports, dozens of pieces of legislation, and nearly 23.5 million in grants to nonprofit organizations. The foundation's core values of promise, leadership, community, learning, equity, inclusion, stewardship, and accountability guide every decision and partnership. WFCO recognizes that advancing women's economic self-sufficiency requires collaboration across sectors and perspectives, which is why the organization partners with nearly 60 nonprofit organizations serving women and families. The foundation's inclusive definition of womanhood—recognizing any person identifying as a woman, including trans women and intersex women—reflects its commitment to addressing structural inequities rooted in systems of oppression. At its heart, WFCO operates from the conviction that when women thrive, so do children, families, communities, and the entire Colorado economy.

Rooted in Denver, Colorado, the Latino Community Foundation of Colorado (LCFC) represents a unique philanthropic model—led by Latinos and for Latinos. Since its establishment, LCFC has worked hand in hand with diverse communities to advance a vision where Latinos are united and advancing their collective power throughout the state. The foundation's mission centers on creating culturally responsive strategies that honor the dignity and agency of Latino communities while building pathways to influence, equity, and opportunity. LCFC is distinguished by its commitment to family-centered values that care for the health and well-being of everyone embraced as family across generations. The organization deeply respects the gifts present in individuals and communities, supporting them in determining their own destinies rather than imposing external solutions. This community-led approach has driven significant achievements, including the successful championing of House Bill HS22-1356 through a multiethnic coalition of nonprofit leaders. LCFC's leadership team brings profound personal commitment to Latino advancement, including executives who have served as Congressional Fellows, policy experts, and advocates for the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization. The foundation's "One Community, One Legacy" twenty million dollar endowment campaign demonstrates its long-term vision to fuel innovation, invest in community leaders, and nurture a robust nonprofit ecosystem for generations to come. Based in Denver, LCFC continues to cement a healthy and vibrant future where all Latino Coloradans can prosper and thrive.

Founded in 1949, the Latin American Educational Foundation (LAEF) stands as Colorado's oldest Latino scholarship organization, serving the Denver community and beyond with unwavering commitment to educational equity. For over seven decades, LAEF has invested in the promise of Colorado Latino students through a mission centered on providing access to higher education, creating pathways to college success, and advancing the educational, leadership, and economic status of the Latino community. What distinguishes LAEF is its deep roots in the Denver, CO area and its generational impact across the state. The organization was founded by dedicated individuals determined to ensure that future generations of Colorado Latinos would have access to higher education and the opportunity to build better lives. This legacy of service is reflected in the organization's alumni network, whose success stories are felt throughout every corner of Colorado. LAEF's vision extends beyond scholarships to encompass community partnerships and support services that nurture Latino scholars from application through degree completion. Guided by five core values—Community, Equity, Integrity, Ganas, and Leadership—LAEF operates with cultural responsiveness and deep respect for the wealth and wisdom within the Latino community. The organization believes in removing systemic barriers through equitable resource allocation and responsible stewardship. Under the leadership of President and CEO Nick Lopez, a first-generation college graduate himself, LAEF continues its mission of building accessible, equitable educational pathways for Latino students across Colorado, honoring the vision of its founders while innovating for future generations.

Founded in 1994 by software entrepreneur Tim Gill, the Gill Foundation represents a deep commitment to the principle that all people deserve equal treatment regardless of who they are or whom they love. Based in Denver, Colorado, the foundation has spent three decades building a movement for LGBTQ equality across America, while maintaining special dedication to improving opportunities for all Coloradans. The foundation believes that transformative change requires more than government action—it demands passionate philanthropy, bold risk-taking, and collaborative partnerships with other donors and organizations. At its core, the Gill Foundation serves as a catalyst and agenda-setter, working alongside nonprofit partners to remove barriers to economic opportunity and create communities where everyone can thrive and live openly without discrimination. The foundation's team consists of mission-focused individuals committed to advancing equality for LGBTQ Americans while strengthening their home state of Colorado. Through both direct grantmaking and the OutGiving network, the Gill Foundation engages donors as partners in the movement, believing that informed and committed philanthropists are essential to achieving full equality. The foundation's watershed victories over its 30-year history demonstrate the power of strategic philanthropy combined with community partnership, positioning it as a trusted leader in the ongoing pursuit of justice and equal opportunity for all Americans.

The Matthew Shepard Foundation, serving the Denver, Colorado community and beyond, honors the life and legacy of Matthew Shepard by amplifying his story to inspire meaningful change across America. Founded on the principle that every person deserves dignity and equality, the organization has been instrumental in shifting hearts and minds since 1998, extending Matthew's passion for fostering a more just and caring world. At its core, the Foundation empowers individuals from all walks of life to become advocates for change within their own communities. The organization recognizes that hate exists within schools, neighborhoods, and homes, and works to challenge communities to identify and address these issues through education, dialogue, and connection. The Shepard family's personal commitment to this mission brings authentic, lived experience to the Foundation's advocacy work, creating meaningful conversations about diversity and acceptance. Based in Denver, the Matthew Shepard Foundation operates with a deep understanding that real transformation happens when individuals find their voice and communities come together around shared values of respect and inclusion. The organization's commitment to civil rights and human dignity reflects Matthew's own vigor for creating a world where everyone is accepted for who they are. Through local engagement and national outreach, the Foundation continues to build bridges of understanding and challenge the hate that divides communities, honoring Matthew's memory through actionable, compassionate work that creates lasting change.