The Anschutz Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $71,158,807 (2023)
Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
Decision Time: Approximately 4 months
Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed; grants range from small amounts to major multi-million dollar gifts
Geographic Focus: Primarily Colorado, with emphasis on Denver metro area
Total Assets: $1.56 billion (approximate)

Contact Details

Address: 555 17th St Ste 2400, Denver, CO 80202

Phone: 303-308-8220

Email: taf-info@tac.denver.com

Website: https://www.theanschutzfoundation.org/

Application Contact: Ted Harms, Executive Director

Overview

The Anschutz Foundation was established in 1984 by Philip F. Anschutz as a private charitable foundation. Since its founding, the foundation has given over $2 billion to nonprofit organizations, primarily concentrated in Colorado. With approximately $1.56 billion in assets, The Anschutz Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in Colorado, currently making more than 500 grants annually. In 2016, the foundation received the Outstanding Foundation award from National Philanthropy Day in Colorado. The foundation's mission centers on "Strengthening Individuals & Communities to improve the quality of lives." Recent major commitments include a $120 million gift to the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (the largest private philanthropic commitment in the foundation's history) and a $50 million gift to the Anschutz Acceleration Initiative focused on advancing medical treatments.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

The Anschutz Foundation focuses funding across five key strategic areas:

Health & Wellness – Expanding access to high-quality health and wellness services for Coloradans, with particular emphasis on medical research and healthcare facilities
Human Services – Meeting basic human needs and responding immediately when problems arise; strengthening communities
Youth Development & Education – Investing in high-quality schools and programs that serve youth and prepare them for success
Quality of Life & Development – Developing Colorado infrastructure and strong cultural institutions
Values & Relationships – Promoting values that strengthen society and relationships

Recent Grant Examples

Notable recent recipients include:

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus ($120 million for medical research and innovation; $50 million for the Anschutz Acceleration Initiative)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver
Denver Health Foundation
American Red Cross
Food Bank of the Rockies

What They Don't Fund

While The Anschutz Foundation does not publish explicit exclusion criteria on their website, standard exclusions for private foundations typically apply. The foundation does not appear to fund organizations outside of Colorado except in rare circumstances, and does not make grants directly to individuals.

Important Note: The Anschutz Foundation is separate from other Anschutz entities including the Anschutz Family Foundation (EIN 74-2132676), The Anschutz Corporation, and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Philip F. Anschutz – Founder and Nonexecutive Chairman
Nancy P. Anschutz – Director
Christian P. Anschutz – President
Elizabeth S. Anschutz – Vice President
Cannon Y. Harvey – Vice President/Director
Craig D. Slater – Secretary/Treasurer/Director
M. Lavoy Robison – Director

Key Staff

Ted E. Harms – Executive Director and Vice President

Since 2010, Ted Harms has served as Executive Director and Vice President of The Anschutz Foundation, where he is responsible for the review and analysis of applications for all foundation grants. He leads one of the largest private foundations in Colorado and guides its philanthropic investments throughout the state in youth development, cultural programs, education, and health care. According to Harms, the foundation has given a total of more than $2 billion to nonprofits since 1984. He has been described as "an accountant by trade but a philanthropic champion at heart" who works toward "ensuring philanthropy is a catalyst for change."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Anschutz Foundation recommends that new applicants send a one to two page letter of inquiry by mail or email at any time of the year, which will be used as part of its screening process. Upon review, a staff member may contact you for further information.

Letter of Inquiry Contact: Mr. Ted Harms, Executive Director

Formal Proposal Deadlines: January 15, March 30, July 15, and September 30

Submission Method: Letters of inquiry should be emailed to taf-info@tac.denver.com or mailed to the foundation address. For general questions, contact staff at the same email or call 303-308-8220.

Decision Timeline

Due to the large volume of grant applications received, the review process takes approximately four months from the proposal deadline date.

Success Rates

The foundation does not publicly disclose success rates or the number of applications received versus grants awarded. Given the foundation makes more than 500 grants annually and has selective criteria, the application process is competitive.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publish specific reapplication restrictions. Organizations are encouraged to reach out to foundation staff to discuss timing for resubmission if an initial application is unsuccessful.

Application Success Factors

Given the limited public guidance from The Anschutz Foundation on what makes applications successful, applicants should consider these factors based on the foundation's track record and priorities:

Strong Colorado Connection: The foundation overwhelmingly prioritizes Colorado-based organizations and programs that directly benefit Colorado residents. Demonstrate deep community roots and impact within the state.
Alignment with Strategic Priority Areas: Clearly articulate how your program fits within one or more of the foundation's five priority areas (Health & Wellness, Human Services, Youth Development & Education, Quality of Life & Development, or Values & Relationships).
Capacity for Impact: The foundation has demonstrated a preference for established institutions with the capacity to achieve significant outcomes, as evidenced by major gifts to institutions like CU Anschutz Medical Campus. However, they also support smaller community-based organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs.
Infrastructure and Sustainability: Projects that contribute to long-term infrastructure development or sustainable community improvements appear to align with the foundation's interests, particularly in the "Quality of Life & Development" priority area.
Clear Letter of Inquiry: Since new applicants are asked to submit a brief 1-2 page letter of inquiry first, this initial contact is critical. Be concise, specific about the need, clear about your proposed solution, and explicit about how your work aligns with foundation priorities.
Relationship Building: While not explicitly stated, working with foundation staff through the initial screening process and responding promptly to any requests for additional information demonstrates professionalism and commitment.
Medical and Health Focus: A significant portion of the foundation's recent major grants have gone to healthcare and medical research institutions, suggesting strong interest in transformative health initiatives.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Start with a letter of inquiry: New applicants should submit a concise 1-2 page letter of inquiry before submitting a full proposal. This screening step is recommended and allows foundation staff to provide guidance.
Colorado focus is essential: The foundation's grantmaking is overwhelmingly concentrated in Colorado. Organizations outside Colorado are unlikely to receive funding except in extraordinary circumstances.
Plan for a long timeline: With quarterly proposal deadlines and a four-month review process, expect 4-6 months from initial submission to decision. Factor this into your funding timeline.
Range of grant sizes: The foundation makes both small grants to local nonprofits and transformational multi-million dollar gifts to major institutions. Don't self-screen based on project size alone.
Work with Ted Harms: As Executive Director, Ted Harms is the key contact for applicants. Building a relationship with him and foundation staff through the inquiry process is important.
Demonstrate measurable impact: With over $2 billion distributed since 1984 and growing assets, the foundation has significant resources and likely expects clear evidence of program effectiveness and community impact.
Be patient and persistent: Making more than 500 grants annually means the foundation reviews a high volume of applications. Follow the process, be responsive to requests, and maintain communication with foundation staff.

References

Date Accessed: December 16, 2025