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Schlessman Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$6.4M
Grant Range
$2K - $0.3M
Decision Time
13mo

Schlessman Family Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $6.4M (2024)
  • Total Assets: $84.4M
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Final decisions made annually in March; distributions March 31
  • Grant Range: $1,500 - $250,000
  • Median Grant: $8,000
  • Geographic Focus: Seven-county Metro Denver area (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson)
  • Number of Annual Grants: Approximately 112-139 grants per year

Contact Details

Address: P.O. Box 140598, Edgewater, CO 80214

Phone: 720-573-8709

Email: contact@schlessmanfoundation.org

Website: http://www.schlessmanfoundation.org/

Executive Director: Gloria Price

Overview

Founded in 1956 by Gerald L. and Florence M. Schlessman, the Schlessman Family Foundation has been supporting Metro Denver nonprofits for nearly seven decades. With total assets of $84.4 million and annual giving of approximately $6.4 million, the Foundation has contributed over $100 million to more than 1,000 charities since inception. The Foundation's mission focuses on supporting strong nonprofits that provide programs and support to vulnerable Denver Metro area residents, and institutions that contribute to the enrichment and sustainability of the Denver community. Originally established to provide charitable support for children and adults hindered by economic status, physical or mental challenges, or requiring additional educational opportunities, the Foundation aims to enable beneficiaries to become self-sufficient, productive members of their community. Leadership transitioned from founders to their children Lee Schlessman and Susan Duncan (both deceased 2019), and now four generations of family members have served on the Foundation's board. In 2019, the Foundation received the Outstanding Foundation Award at National Philanthropy Day Colorado.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation does not operate separate named grant programs but funds projects across priority areas with grants ranging from $1,500 to $250,000 (median grant $8,000). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through Letters of Intent, with final decisions made at the annual trustee meeting in March and distributions on March 31st.

Priority Areas

The Foundation prioritizes funding for the following areas:

  • Workforce Development: Programs and services that foster initiative and a positive work ethic, supporting workforce development initiatives
  • Education: Programs addressing needs of under-served students and improving literacy among adult learners
  • Elder/Senior Programs: Services providing necessities of life for senior populations
  • Food Service and Delivery Programs: Organizations supporting food security in the Metro Denver area
  • Disability Services: Programs serving people with physical disabilities, behavioral health needs, and/or substance use disorders
  • Homeless Community Programs: Services supporting individuals experiencing homelessness
  • Early Childhood Education: Support for early childhood and family education, childcare workforce training, education for caregivers of children with disabilities, and family, friends, and neighbors (FFN) childcare providers

The Foundation prioritizes capital projects, specific programs, and joint ventures with other funders.

What They Don't Fund

  • Individuals: Grants are not made to individuals or for scholarships for specific individuals
  • Organizations outside Metro Denver: Must serve the seven-county Metro Denver area
  • New Denver organizations: Organizations must have at least a two-year history of operations in the Metro Denver area (though may use a fiscal agent/sponsor)
  • Political or lobbying activities: Not stated explicitly but typical exclusion for family foundations

Governance and Leadership

Current Board and Leadership

President: Lauren Watel

Treasurer: Eric Bennett

Executive Director: Gloria Price (compensation: $145,800)

Trustees:

  • Gary Schlessman (son of Lee Schlessman)
  • Jennifer Bonicelli
  • Multiple Garnett family members (representing the next generation)

Foundation History

Four generations of the Schlessman family have served on the Foundation's board. Gerald and Florence Schlessman's children, the late Lee Schlessman and Susan Duncan, involved younger family members in the Foundation's work, establishing a legacy of multi-generational family engagement in philanthropy.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

IMPORTANT: The Trustees have paused the open Letter of Intent (LOI) and new applicant process to focus support on existing relationships. Currently, only organizations that have received a grant from the Foundation in the most recent 3 years, or have been specifically invited by a Trustee to apply, may submit applications.

For eligible organizations, the application process begins with a Letter of Intent (LOI) submitted via email to contact@schlessmanfoundation.org.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (or use a fiscal sponsor)
  • Must have at least a two-year history of operations in the Metro Denver area
  • Must serve the seven-county Metro Denver area
  • Must have received a grant within the past 3 years OR be invited by a Trustee

Application Note: Applicants should not call the Foundation to ask why a request was denied.

Decision Timeline

  • Review Process: Trustees review proposals throughout the year
  • Final Decisions: Made at the annual meeting in March
  • Distributions: Once annually on March 31st
  • Notification: All applicants notified via email (sent to the address used to submit application)

This means organizations should submit Letters of Intent well in advance of the March annual meeting to allow time for trustee review.

Success Rates

The Foundation does not publicly disclose application success rates. However, recent data shows:

  • 2024: 112 grants awarded
  • 2023: 139 grants awarded
  • Annual giving: Approximately $6.4 million

Given the median grant size of $8,000 and that the Foundation is currently limiting applications to prior grantees and invited organizations, the Foundation appears to be selective and relationship-focused rather than broadly accessible.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy or waiting period for unsuccessful applicants is publicly available. However, given the current pause on new applicants and the focus on existing grantees, unsuccessful applicants would likely need to wait until the Foundation reopens to new applicants or receive a specific invitation from a Trustee.

Application Success Factors

While the Foundation does not publish detailed guidance for applicants, the following factors appear important based on their funding patterns and priorities:

Alignment with Mission: Demonstrate how your organization serves vulnerable Denver Metro area residents and helps them become self-sufficient, productive community members.

Local Track Record: Organizations must have at least two years of operations history in Metro Denver. The Foundation values established, proven nonprofits.

Geographic Focus: Clearly show service to the seven-county Metro Denver area (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson).

Program Specificity: The Foundation appears to favor funding specific programs and capital projects rather than general operating support. Joint ventures with other funders are also prioritized.

Outcomes Orientation: Given the founding mission to help beneficiaries "become self-sufficient, productive members of their community," proposals should demonstrate measurable outcomes related to self-sufficiency and community integration.

Example Funded Organizations: Past grantees include Denver Zoological Foundation, Denver Art Museum, Colorado College, YMCA of the Rockies, Habitat for Humanity, Food Bank of Rockies, Denver Street School, and IFCS (Denver area food bank).

Relationship-Based Approach: The Foundation's current policy limiting applications to recent grantees (past 3 years) or trustee-invited organizations indicates strong emphasis on relationship-building and proven track records.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Access Currently Limited: The Foundation has paused open applications; only organizations funded in the past 3 years or specifically invited by a Trustee may apply. Focus on relationship-building if you're a new organization.

  • Long-Term Commitment Required: With distributions made only once per year (March 31) and a preference for organizations with established Denver presence (2+ years), this Foundation rewards stability and long-term community engagement.

  • Focus on Self-Sufficiency: Frame programs in terms of how they help vulnerable populations become "self-sufficient, productive members of their community" - this language directly reflects the founders' vision.

  • Consider the Full Funding Spectrum: With grants ranging from $1,500 to $250,000 (median $8,000), organizations can request amounts appropriate to project scope. Don't assume only small grants are available.

  • Emphasize Collaboration: The Foundation prioritizes joint ventures with other funders, so partnerships and collaborative approaches may strengthen applications.

  • Four-Generation Family Foundation: Understanding the Foundation's multi-generational family governance may help in relationship-building; trustees include descendants of the founders who are personally invested in the legacy.

  • Patience Required: With annual decision-making and distributions, plan funding timelines accordingly - this is not a quick-turnaround funder.

References

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