Prosperity Denver Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $16.6M (recent record distribution)
• Total Distributed: $65M+ since 2018
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Rolling application process
• Reimbursement Rate: Up to 75% of eligible costs
• Geographic Focus: Denver, Colorado (student residency requirement)
• Partner Organizations: 80+ nonprofits enrolled since 2018

Contact Details

Website: https://www.prosperitydenverfund.org/

Email: info@prosperitydenverfund.org

Phone: (720) 853-5966 (support line: support@prosperitydenver.aidkit.org)

Address: 104 N Broadway, Suite 500, Denver CO 80203

Overview

Prosperity Denver Fund was established in 2018 following a Denver ballot initiative that created a 0.08% sales tax (less than one cent on $10) dedicated to expanding access to postsecondary education for Denver residents. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, the Fund operates a unique reimbursement model, providing up to 75% reimbursement to qualifying nonprofits that offer scholarships and support services to Denver students pursuing college degrees, technical training, apprenticeships, and industry-recognized credentials. Since inception, the Fund has distributed over $65 million to 80+ partner organizations, supporting 63,713 students. Under CEO Rebecca Arno's leadership (appointed 2024), the organization has experienced transformative growth, with Fall 2024 showing 100% growth in scholarships funded, support services programs, and credentials training compared to the previous year. The sales tax funding mechanism sunsets in 2030, when Denver voters will have the opportunity to reauthorize the Fund.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Collegiate Scholarship and Support Services Program

• Reimbursement: Up to 75% of eligible scholarships and support services
• Coverage: Tuition, fees, room and board, books, and supplies
• Target: Students pursuing 2-year or 4-year college degrees at nonprofit, Colorado-based, nationally accredited institutions
• Application Method: Rolling basis after initial eligibility approval

Credentials Reimbursement Program

• Reimbursement: Up to 75% of eligible training and support service costs
• Coverage: Registered apprenticeships, teacher training credentials, and industry-recognized credentials
• Target: Students pursuing career training and professional certifications
• Application Method: Rolling basis after initial eligibility approval

High School Support Services Program (HSSSP)

• Reimbursement: Up to 75% of eligible program costs
• Coverage: Programs supporting postsecondary preparedness and enrollment
• Target: Denver high school students preparing for college, apprenticeships, or certificate programs
• Application Method: Rolling basis after initial eligibility approval

Priority Areas

Student Eligibility Focus:

• Students with Student Aid Index below 2.5x maximum Pell Grant threshold
• Denver high school graduates or students who lived in Denver for 6+ months
• Students 30 years old or younger
• Students demonstrating satisfactory academic progress

Eligible Support Services:

• Transitionary support
• Academic counseling
• Financial literacy assistance
• Community-based programs
• Healthcare/wellness services
• Career development
• Mentoring
• Professional training

What They Don't Fund

• Students over 30 years old
• Students attending for-profit institutions
• Students attending institutions outside Colorado
• Students not meeting Denver residency requirements
• Students with Student Aid Index exceeding 2.5x maximum Pell Grant threshold
• Support services exceeding the scholarship amount (support service reimbursement capped at scholarship amount)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors (7 members, 4 appointed by Mayor, 1 approved by City Council):

Mark Goodman, Board Chair - Former executive at Fortune 1 and 50 companies including Walmart/Sam's Club and McDonald's

Stephen Kurtz, Vice Chair and Treasurer - Chairman and CEO of MuscleSound®, Inc.

Diana Romero Campbell - Denver City Councilwoman, District 4

Polica Houston - Expert in educational turnaround, leadership, and culture transformation

Milagros Barsallo Rubio - Outreach Director, Denver Mayor's Office

Jason Wardrip - Business Manager, Colorado Building and Construction Trades Council

Dr. Judi Díaz Bonacquisti - Vice President for Collaboration, CU System Administration

Executive Leadership:

Rebecca Arno, CEO - Appointed in 2024, Arno stated: "This year has been nothing short of transformative for Prosperity Denver Fund and our community. We're distributing more resources than ever to fund futures for Denver's young people, and we're just getting started. This momentum is a testament to our mission's power, and we're committed to amplifying our impact in the years to come."

Arno has emphasized that "Prosperity Denver Fund is really one of the only organizations like it in the country, and Denver residents should be so proud of having this locally funded organization that helps students as they think about what their futures are going to be."

On equity goals, she stated: "We hope our efforts in 2024 not only continue to make an impact in driving down equity gaps in education, but also position us to reach 100% distribution of annual revenue in 2025."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Eligibility Application

• Organizations must first apply for eligibility through a rolling application process
• Complete the eligibility inquiry form at prosperitydenverfund.org or contact info@prosperitydenverfund.org
• A team member will schedule an introductory meeting to discuss your organization's programs

Step 2: Reimbursement Requests

• Once approved as eligible, organizations submit reimbursement requests annually
• Reimbursement requests must include verification of students' academic progress
• Academic progress verification demonstrates satisfactory progress for the previous academic year

Ongoing Requirements:

• Submit annual reports demonstrating how funding is being used
• Reimbursement must supplement, not supplant, current organizational funding
• Maintain good standing with Colorado Secretary of State
• Continue meeting eligibility criteria

Decision Timeline

• Eligibility applications reviewed on a rolling basis
• No fixed application deadlines
• Specific timeline from application to approval not publicly disclosed
• Organizations encouraged to contact info@prosperitydenverfund.org for timeline questions

Success Rates

• 80+ organizations enrolled as partner organizations since 2018
• 62 organizations actively served as of Fall 2024 (48% increase from 21 organizations in inaugural 2020 year)
• Specific acceptance rate not publicly disclosed
• Organizations can continue receiving reimbursement annually as long as they submit required reports and maintain eligibility

Reapplication Policy

Organizations maintain eligibility annually by:

• Submitting required annual reports
• Following renewal processes
• Demonstrating continued compliance with eligibility requirements
• No specific information about reapplying after rejection available

Application Success Factors

Organizational Requirements:

• Three-year history requirement: Organizations must have existed for at least three years and be in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State
• 501(c)3 status: Must be a qualifying nonprofit organization
• Denver student focus: Must serve students who graduated from Denver high schools or lived in Denver for at least 6 months
• Not affiliated with postsecondary institutions: Organizations affiliated with colleges/universities are not eligible

Student Eligibility Verification: Organizations must demonstrate ability to verify:

• Student Aid Index below required threshold
• Denver residency or high school graduation
• Age requirements (30 or younger)
• Enrollment at nonprofit, Colorado-based, nationally accredited institutions
• Satisfactory academic progress

Demonstrated Impact: Successful partner organizations include Denver Scholarship Foundation, Greenhouse Scholars, Latin American Educational Foundation, Latinas First, Servicios de la Raza, Mi Casa Resource Center, TheDream.US, CrossPurpose, Colorado UpLift, Delta Eta Boulé Foundation, Puksta Foundation, and Prodigy Ventures. These organizations demonstrate:

• Clear scholarship distribution programs
• Established support services for students
• Tracking systems for student progress
• Commitment to serving Denver's financially disadvantaged students

Key Success Factor - Mission Alignment: CEO Rebecca Arno emphasizes the organization's focus on "driving down equity gaps in education." Organizations demonstrating commitment to serving low-income Denver students and addressing educational equity are strongly aligned with the Fund's mission.

Financial Sustainability: The 75% reimbursement model requires organizations to cover 25% of costs through other sources. Successful applicants demonstrate financial capacity to provide services while awaiting reimbursement and ability to contribute the non-reimbursed portion.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Unique reimbursement model: This is not a traditional grant program but a reimbursement mechanism requiring organizations to provide services first, then request reimbursement up to 75%
• Rolling applications reduce time pressure: No fixed deadlines allow organizations to apply when ready, though earlier application may provide more support time
• Denver-specific focus is non-negotiable: Student eligibility requirements are strictly tied to Denver residency or high school graduation
• Long-term partnership opportunity: Organizations can receive annual reimbursement indefinitely as long as they maintain eligibility and submit required reports
• Equity mission alignment critical: Organizations should demonstrate clear commitment to serving financially disadvantaged Denver students and addressing educational equity gaps
• Strong tracking systems essential: Annual verification of academic progress and detailed reporting requirements mean organizations need robust student tracking and data management systems
• Limited time window: The fund currently operates through 2030 when the sales tax sunsets, though reauthorization is possible

References

• Prosperity Denver Fund Official Website: https://www.prosperitydenverfund.org/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Prosperity Denver Fund About Page: https://www.prosperitydenverfund.org/about/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Charity Navigator Profile: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/842091903 (Accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/842091903 (Accessed January 2026)
• "Prosperity Denver Fund Announces Final Selection for CEO Appointment": https://www.prosperitydenverfund.org/prosperity-denver-fund-announces-final-selection-for-ceo-appointment/ (Accessed January 2026)
• "Prosperity Denver Fund Announces Major Impact Program Milestones": https://www.prosperitydenverfund.org/prosperity-denver-fund-announces-major-impact-program-milestones/ (Accessed January 2026)
• "Prosperity Denver Fund Adds Two to Board of Directors": https://www.prosperitydenverfund.org/prosperity-denver-fund-adds-two-to-board-of-directors/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Denver Scholarship Foundation Success Stories: https://denverscholarship.org/prosperity-denver-fund-partners-with-nonprofits-to-boost-student-success-in-college/ (Accessed January 2026)