Prosperity Denver Fund Expands Impact, Sets Spring Record Amid Federal Funding Cuts with $690,292 in Grants to 21 Local Nonprofits and 147 Students
Prosperity Denver Fund has announced $690,292 in grants, benefiting 21 nonprofits and 147 students in Denver, increasing access to postsecondary education through college, credentials, and apprenticeship programs.
“We just set a new record for our spring funding distribution to support nonprofits and students,” said Rebecca Arno, CEO of Prosperity Denver Fund. “Denver taxpayers can take pride in supporting so many students as they transition into their lives after high school.”
Prosperity Denver Fund is a nonprofit funded by a city sales tax that provides financial reimbursements to eligible Denver nonprofits helping students build their futures through postsecondary education. Since 2018, the fund has supported programs providing services to more than 37,000 students and reimbursed $48 million to nonprofits in Denver. Prosperity Denver Fund distributes funds twice a year, in the spring and fall.
“In the past, our spring distribution has been small, an opportunity for a few organizations to catch up,” explained Arno. “This year we had a remarkable number of new organizations join us.”
This spring’s distribution marks a 1,400% increase compared to the typical average for spring ($49,000). The 770% growth in the number of students served is also a record, from 19 to 147.
Prosperity Denver Fund attributes some of this growth to the following efforts:
Expanding Support for Credentials and Apprenticeship Programs: Thanks to a city ordinance change in 2023, Prosperity Denver Fund not only supports organizations that assist students attending two- and four-year colleges, but those helping students complete credentials and apprenticeships.
Expanding Accessibility to New Denver Nonprofits: This spring, 21 organizations received funding, including 15 new ones. Among these are eight organizations providing college scholarships and support, such as Young Aspiring Americans for Social and Political Activism, Collaborative Healing Initiative within Communities, and the Assistance League of Denver, along with seven organizations focusing on credentials and apprenticeships, including Mi Casa Resource Center and City Year Denver.
With the current national landscape, Prosperity Denver Fund is also helping to fill a gap as local and national nonprofits navigate uncertainty and federal funding cuts.
Mi Casa, one of the local Denver nonprofits receiving spring funding, is dedicated to empowering community members to achieve their educational, professional, and entrepreneurial goals. Mi Casa was founded in 1976 by a group of West Denver parents and began as a job-training program helping women access higher-paying jobs. Today, Mi Casa is in the heart of Denver’s Westwood neighborhood offering programs in Career and Business Pathways, financial wellness, digital literacy, and English as a Second Language (ESL).
“We are incredibly grateful for this support that empowers our team to educate, train, and support more Denver youth on their path to economic success,” said Angeles Ortega, executive director of Mi Casa. “We believe in the potential of Denver’s young people, who will be the future leaders of our city and economy.”
Another recipient of spring funding is City Year, a national nonprofit serving 29 U.S. cities, including Denver. At City Year Denver, AmeriCorps members in the Teacher Pathway pilot program work in schools, helping students feel welcomed and connected to their school community while developing their strengths and overcoming challenges.
“June 30 marked the end of City Year’s fiscal year, and we’re still uncertain about the future of AmeriCorps funding. With the support of Prosperity Denver Fund, we can better forecast our postsecondary pathways work,” said John Albright, executive director of City Year Denver. “Their support enables us to create talent pathways for Denver’s future leaders.”
A City Year Denver AmeriCorps alum, Hannah Moross, gained two years of teaching experience as a teaching fellow in a field struggling to recruit and retain teachers. She finished her service in 2024. During her service, she discovered her passion for teaching.
“This program provided invaluable experience for those seeking a career in education. Without City Year, I wouldn’t have become a teacher,” Moross said. “The impact on students is significant, and the relationships formed are crucial. I was another trusted adult in their lives, contributing to their social-emotional support. City Year’s mission extends beyond teaching, offering great opportunities for career growth.”
Overall, Prosperity Denver Fund has enrolled more than 80 organizations to receive funding since its inception in 2018.
Denver nonprofits that help students in their journeys after high school are encouraged to visit the Prosperity Denver Fund website to reach out in advance of their fall funding cycle.
List of Spring 2025 Supported Organization recipients:
Assistance League of Denver
Buildstrong Academy of Colorado
City Year Denver
Collaborative Healing Initiative within Communities
Colorado Dream Foundation
Colorado Sheet Metal Workers Training Fund
East Angels Friends and Alumni Scholarship Foundation
Emily Griffith Technical College
First Tee Rocky Mountain Colorado
Fortified Academy
Friends of Manual
KIPP
Latinas First Foundation
Local Change Foundation
Mi Casa Resource Center
Save Our Youth
Servicios de la Raza
TechNation
The Denver Foundation
West High School Alumni Association
Young Aspiring Americans for Social and Political Activism
About Prosperity Denver Fund
In 2018, Denver voters passed a ballot initiative known as Prosperity Denver. The ordinance called for a 0.08% sales tax (less than one cent on $10) dedicated to support Denver students as they pursue college and career opportunities after high school. Prosperity Denver Fund, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, manages and distributes this funding, contributing millions each year to eligible organizations. Prosperity Denver Fund is unique in the local landscape and is one of only a few models of its kind in the country. Learn more at prosperitydenverfund.org.
About Mi Casa Resource Center
Founded in 1976 by seven mothers and one father in the Denver Metro area, Mi Casa Resource Center® educates, trains, and supports youth and adults along career and business pathways to grow their income and achieve lasting economic success. Focused on supporting income growth and employment — self-employment, formal employment, and everything in between — Mi Casa Resource Center® provides training and tailored support to help people take the next step on the journey toward economic and education success. Learn more at micasaresourcecenter.org.
About City Year Denver
City Year was founded in 1988 as a national service program to unite young adults for a demanding year of full-time community service. City Year has grown from 50 corps members in Boston to more than 2,000 members serving in 29 US cities, as well as in South Africa and the UK. National service helps young people develop into leaders, problem solvers and more active citizens. AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service deploys more than three million Americans in service through its nationwide core programs and partnerships with nonprofits like City Year. Learn more at cityyear.org/denver.
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