Prosperity Denver Fund Powers Education Opportunities for Thousands of Denver Students with Record-Breaking $16.6M Investment
Sixty nonprofits receive funding to expand career and higher education support for
Denver students
Prosperity Denver Fund has announced its largest funding distribution ever, which includes $16.6 million in funding to 60 nonprofits that support Denver students as they prepare for and pursue college and career opportunities. In total, this funding represents 3,200 students working toward postsecondary education through college, credentials, and apprenticeship programs, and 19,000 high school students building plans for their futures after graduation.
“This funding reflects Denver’s commitment to helping students thrive,” said Rebecca Arno, CEO of Prosperity Denver. “Together with our partner organizations, we’re ensuring more young people can build bright, successful futures.”
Prosperity Denver is funded by a small city sales tax that provides financial reimbursements to eligible Denver nonprofits that help students build their futures through postsecondary education. A 2023 ordinance change expanded Prosperity Denver’s reach to include support for programs that offer credential and apprenticeship opportunities to Denver students. Since 2018, the fund has supported programs that provide services to more than 63,000 students and has reimbursed nearly $65 million to nonprofits in Denver.
Funding is activated when students are successful in achieving their goals. The number of students who achieved certificates and apprenticeships this year increased by 86% over last fall’s distribution cycle with 509 students earning credentials. The number of students who received scholarships to pursue a college degree grew by 8% to 2,691.
A recent Keating Research poll shows that 89% of Denver residents value programs that empower students to reach their education and career goals after high school, and 73% believe investing in students with fewer financial resources helps build a stronger Denver for everyone.
“We are so fortunate to have such a forward thinking and generous community,” shared Arno. “These investments will help our entire community as students pursue meaningful and valuable careers.”
Among the recipients for the fall 2025 distribution cycle are 24 organizations that provide support for programs helping high school students make plans for their journeys after graduation, such as Minds Matter Colorado. Nineteen organizations offer students the opportunity to complete certification programs, earn credentials and complete apprenticeships, including CrossPurpose, and 33 provide collegiate or technical school scholarships.
“CrossPurpose gave me the opportunity to obtain my CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) for free, and I am very grateful to them for that. This is an organization that really cares about the community and is committed to empowering people to rise to a higher level,” shared Vince, a graduate of CrossPurpose.
“At Minds Matter Colorado, we know that potential is universal, but opportunity is not,” says Brad Allen Reubendale, executive director of Minds Matter. “Educational equity requires the intentional investment and collaboration that our students deserve. Support from Prosperity Denver strengthens MMCO’s ability to deliver the deep mentoring and academic programming that prepares these amazing students not just to get into college, but to thrive once they’re there and beyond.”
Overall, Prosperity Denver has supported more than 80 organizations since its inception in 2018.
Partner Organizations Receiving Funds During Fall 2025:
Access Opportunity
ActivateWork
AdvanceEDU
African American Trade Association
Architectural Education Foundation
Breakthrough at Kent
BuildStrong Academy of Colorado
Colorado Dream Foundation
Colorado INSPIRE
Colorado Restaurant Association Education Foundation
Colorado UpLift
Colorado Women’s Education Foundation
Colorado Youth for a Change
Construction Workforce Foundation of Colorado
CrossPurpose
Denver Alumni Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship Foundation
Denver Health Foundation
Denver Kids Inc.
Denver Plumbers Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee
Denver Scholarship Foundation
Denver School of Science and Technology Inc.
Denver School of Science and Technology Public Schools Foundation
Emily Griffith Technical College
Evans Scholars Foundation
First Tee Rocky Mountain Colorado
Fortified Academy
Forward Steps
Front Range Community College Foundation
Girls Inc. of Metro Denver
Greenhouse Scholars
Gang Reduction Initiative of Denver Colorado Alternatives
Harry L. and Eva J. Puksta Foundation
HighView
Hope Ignites
Horizons at Colorado Academy
Kramerica Gives
Latin American Educational Foundation
Latinas First Foundation
Local Change Foundation
Mi Casa Resource Center
Mile High 360
Mile High Youth Corps
Minds Matter Colorado
North Side High School Alumni Scholarship Foundation
Platteforum
Prodigy Ventures
Public Education and Business Coalition
Rise 5280
Sachs Foundation
Save Our Youth
SCD Enrichment Program
TechNation
The Challenge Foundation
The Denver Foundation
The Master’s Apprentice
The Park People
TheDream.US
West High School Alumni Association
YESS Institute
Youth Empowerment Agency
About Prosperity Denver Fund
Prosperity Denver Fund is a nonprofit funded by a Denver city sales tax that provides financial reimbursements to nonprofits helping students build their futures starting in high school through postsecondary education in college, credentials and apprenticeship programs. Since 2018, the fund has supported programs providing services to more than 63,000 students and reimbursed $65 million to nonprofits in Denver. Prosperity Denver Fund distributes funds twice a year, in the spring and fall. Prosperity Denver Fund is unique in the local landscape and is one of only a few models of its kind in the country. Learn more at prosperitydenverfund.org.
About CrossPurpose
CrossPurpose was founded as a nonprofit in 2012 to help Denver neighbors move from poverty to prosperity. By providing free career planning, skills training & certifications, and relational support, they equip their graduates to enter the workforce in stable careers with opportunities for advancement. CrossPurpose ensures that graduates can not just find careers, but access opportunities to build generational wealth through education, home ownership, investing, and more. Learn more at crosspurpose.org.
About Minds Matter Colorado
Minds Matter Colorado connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world. Learn more at mindsmatterco.org.
Media Contacts
Adriana Lopez, Director of Communications
alopez@prosperitydenverfund.org
Michelle Mendoza, Media Consultant
michelle@gomezhowardgroup.com
