Making college and career opportunities a reality for Denver students.
Our Mission
Prosperity Denver Fund maximizes the investment of Denver taxpayers to support nonprofits that help students with financial need pursue college and career opportunities. Together, we ensure Denver prospers now and for generations to come.
Our Vision
We envision a prosperous Denver with a strong workforce, a thriving economy, and abundant educational and career opportunities for young people.
Our Values Drive Everything We Do
Impact: Turning opportunity into generational change for students and our city
Inclusivity: Every voice, every background, every dream belongs
Possibility: Believing in fresh starts and bold futures
Community: Stronger together, for generations to come
Equity: Creating accessible pathways to education, careers, and prosperity
Student-Centered: Every decision starts with student potential
Innovation: Leading the nation with bold, first-of-its-kind solutions
Local Talent: Prioritizing opportunity for people who call Denver home
Stewardship: Honoring the trust placed in us by students, families, taxpayers, and partners
Funding the Future
Prosperity Denver Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that was created in 2018 after the people of Denver voted to pass a ballot initiative called Denver College Affordability Fund. This initiative introduced a small 0.08% sales tax (less than a penny on $10), which would be distributed through the fund to reimburse money to local nonprofits providing college scholarships to Denver students. In 2023, we advocated to expand the city ordinance so more Denver students would benefit and make sure more funds are distributed. Because of this, we also reimburse nonprofits providing high school support programs, college and technical school scholarships, and career training in apprenticeships and credentials.
In addition to partnering with nonprofits that directly support Denver students, we inform students and families about educational opportunities, and work to build the capacity of the nonprofit college and career ecosystem in Denver.
A Prosperous City, Built on Education
Access to college and other educational opportunities is vital for Denver students. While many Denver students are eager to continue their education after high school, rising costs and limited access to other resources can hold them back.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly half of Denver’s high school students felt that college was within their financial reach. Unfortunately, that number has been dropping. Colorado is known for being one of the most educated states in the country attracting skilled people from other states to work here. Still, many Denver students are missing out on access to the education and skills they need to thrive in the job market. This is what we call the Colorado Paradox.
Prosperity Denver Fund empowers students to overcome barriers and achieve their educational dreams.
That’s why Prosperity Denver is here. We help address the Colorado Paradox by supporting local nonprofits that provide crucial high school support programs, college and technical school scholarships, and career training in apprenticeships and credentials. By expanding the amount these nonprofits invest in students, Prosperity Denver is breaking down financial barriers and making it possible for Denver students to pursue their educational dreams and build successful futures in the city they call home.
