Virginia W. Hill Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,501,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $100,000
• Geographic Focus: Colorado (primarily Denver metro area) and Wyoming
• EIN: 84-6081879

Contact Details

Phone: 720-947-6725

Mailing Address: c/o Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Denver, Colorado

Note: The foundation does not maintain a public website or email contact. General inquiries can be directed to the phone number above.

Overview

The Virginia W. Hill Foundation was established in 1973 through the estate of Virginia Hill, a notable Denver philanthropist who was known during her lifetime for charitable giving to better the lives of people living in the American West. The foundation is a private foundation managed by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as trustee. With annual giving of approximately $2.5 million, the foundation focuses its grantmaking on the state of Colorado and the Denver metropolitan area, with additional consideration for Wyoming. The foundation has been a steadfast supporter of education programs, healthcare initiatives, and social services for over five decades. Virginia Hill herself was a major donor to significant projects including the restoration of Fort Laramie in the early 1960s, and her foundation continues this legacy of supporting organizations that serve vulnerable populations and strengthen communities across the Mountain States region.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through trustee-directed grantmaking without formal grant programs or application cycles. Grants are awarded based on trustee discretion and strategic priorities established by Wells Fargo Bank as trustee.

Grant Range: $10,000 - $100,000 (typical range: $20,000 - $50,000)

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on organizations working in the following areas:

• Education: Programs and scholarships, particularly those serving underserved populations; higher education institutions including Colorado State University and Colorado School of Public Health
• Healthcare: Hospice care, health services for vulnerable populations, and organizations improving health and wellbeing in Colorado
• Services for Elderly: Programs supporting seniors and aging populations
• Homelessness: Organizations addressing homelessness and housing insecurity, including the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
• Arts and Culture: Access to arts and cultural experiences, including institutions like the Denver Museum of Science and Nature
• Basic Needs and Social Services: Organizations promoting self-sufficiency, providing emergency assistance, and supporting victims of natural disasters
• Developmental Disabilities: Long-term support for organizations like Laradon serving children and adults with developmental disabilities
• Job Training and Placement: Programs helping individuals gain employment skills and economic independence

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly documented, as a private foundation operating through trustee discretion:

• Organizations outside Colorado and Wyoming are generally not considered
• Unsolicited applications are not accepted
• Individual requests and scholarships to individuals are not within scope
• The foundation appears to focus on established nonprofits with proven track records rather than start-up organizations

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is managed by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. serving as trustee. Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services provides comprehensive foundation management including grantmaking support, fiduciary oversight, and administrative services.

Trustee: Peggy Toal is identified as a trustee of the Virginia Hill Foundation, bringing expertise in foundation governance and community philanthropy.

Wells Fargo's role as trustee means the foundation benefits from professional management and oversight, with decisions made based on the donor's intent as expressed in the original trust documents and strategic guidance from trustees familiar with Colorado's nonprofit landscape.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Virginia W. Hill Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications.

Grants are awarded based on trustee discretion and the foundation's strategic priorities. Organizations are selected by trustees who identify potential grantees through their knowledge of the Colorado nonprofit sector, referrals from trusted sources, and ongoing relationships with established community organizations.

For general questions about the foundation, organizations may contact 720-947-6725, though this should not be construed as an invitation to submit proposals.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - the foundation operates on a trustee-directed model without formal application cycles or decision timelines.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. As the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, there is no formal success rate to report.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications.

Application Success Factors

Since the Virginia W. Hill Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, organizations cannot directly apply for funding. However, understanding what the foundation values can help organizations position themselves to be noticed:

Organizations that have received support from the foundation tend to share these characteristics:

• Established track record: The foundation has demonstrated multi-year partnerships with organizations like Laradon (over a decade of support), suggesting they value proven impact and organizational stability
• Geographic alignment: Strong focus on Denver metro area with consideration for broader Colorado and Wyoming
• Direct service provision: Funded organizations like Pathways Hospice, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, and Laradon all provide direct services to vulnerable populations
• Mission alignment with founder's values: Virginia Hill was known for charitable giving to better lives in the American West, with particular interest in education, health, and supporting those in need
• Serving vulnerable populations: Recent grants show consistent support for organizations serving seniors, individuals experiencing homelessness, people with developmental disabilities, and those with limited financial means

Recent grant example that illustrates foundation priorities:

In 2024, Pathways Hospice received a $10,000 grant for general operating support with a portion specifically designated to improve access to quality healthcare for those with limited financial means. CEO Evan Hyatt noted, "This gift allows us to continue supporting patients who need hospice care but might not be able to afford it."

Strategic positioning for organizations hoping to be noticed:

While you cannot apply directly, organizations can increase their visibility and credibility in ways that might bring them to the trustees' attention:

• Build relationships with other organizations that have received Hill Foundation support - trustees may rely on referrals from trusted grantees
• Ensure your organization is well-known in the Denver/Colorado nonprofit community through quality work and strong outcomes
• Maintain excellent standing with other Colorado foundations and funders - trustees likely consult with peers
• Document and publicize impact on populations the foundation cares about (elderly, homeless, people with disabilities, students)
• Be present at Colorado philanthropy events and forums where trustees or Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services representatives might participate

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No public application process: This foundation awards grants through trustee discretion only - you cannot submit an application or proposal
• Geographic focus is essential: The foundation is deeply rooted in Colorado, particularly Denver metro area, with some Wyoming consideration
• Long-term relationships matter: Multi-year partnerships like the decade-long support of Laradon suggest the foundation values sustained engagement over one-time grants
• Typical grant range: Recent publicly documented grants have been in the $10,000-$20,000 range, though grants up to $100,000 are reported as possible
• Service to vulnerable populations: Healthcare access, support for seniors, homelessness services, and developmental disabilities are demonstrated priorities
• Professional management: Wells Fargo Bank's role as trustee means decisions are made within a professional philanthropic framework, not by individual family members
• Visibility in the sector: Since you can't apply directly, being well-known for quality work in Colorado's nonprofit community is your best strategy for potential consideration
• No website or public communications: The foundation maintains a low profile with minimal public-facing infrastructure, relying on trustee knowledge rather than open solicitation

References

• Inside Philanthropy. "Virginia W. Hill Foundation." https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/colorado-grants/virginia-w-hill-foundation (Accessed February 2026)
• Philanthropy Colorado. "The Virginia Hill Foundation." https://www.philanthropycolorado.org/redhen/org/46 (Accessed February 2026)
• Philanthropy Southwest. "The Virginia W. Hill Foundation." https://www.philanthropysouthwest.org/redhen/org/1892 (Accessed February 2026)
• The Grantsmanship Center. "Hill Foundation." https://www.tgci.com/funder/hill-foundation (Accessed February 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. "Hill Foundation." https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/846081879 (Accessed February 2026)
• Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce. "Pathways Hospice Receives $10,000 Grant From the Virginia W. Hill Foundation." April 2024. https://fortcollinschamber.com/pathways-hospice-receives-10000-grant-from-the-virginia-w-hill-foundation/ (Accessed February 2026)
• YourHub/Denver Post. "The Virginia W. Hill Foundation supports Laradon." January 2014. https://yourhub.denverpost.com/blog/2014/01/the-virginia-w-hill-foundation-supports-laradon/21367/ (Accessed February 2026)
• Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services. "Search for Private Foundations." https://www.wellsfargo.com/private-foundations/ (Accessed February 2026)
• LinkedIn. "Peggy Toal - Trustee - Virginia Hill Foundation." https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggytoal/ (Accessed February 2026)