Denver Scholarship Foundation

A nonprofit organization

$69,935 raised by 181 donors

47% complete

$150,000 Goal

Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) is a nonprofit helping to make college possible and building the educational and economic future of Denver by collaborating with Denver Public Schools (DPS) high school students, families, and partners statewide to increase access and completion of post-high school learning, while also expanding generational exposure to career and entrepreneurial opportunities. 

Your support of DSF helps make college possible for thousands of Denver students. Meet DSF donor and Alum Carlos Cantor, who started his educational journey at John F. Kennedy High School and then graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder. His story highlights how the DSF support he received during his educational journey has inspired him to give back to DSF, creating a ripple effect of impact that continues to benefit the Denver community and thousands of students.   

Watch Carlos’ journey and how he continues to invest in DSF’s future below.  


Whether Denver students are pursuing post-high school learning at CU Boulder like Carlos, or at any of DSF’s 30 college partners across the state, DSF Scholars rely on the support of community members like you for the scholarships and wrap-around services DSF provides.  

Every dollar you donate to DSF before December 31 will be doubled up to $75,000 thanks to a generous match from the Herbert and Judy Paige Family Foundation. 

The best time to support students and DSF Scholars is now. A gift to DSF is an investment in the successful future of thousands of Denver Public Schools (DPS) students and their families. Make a difference by giving today! 

Giving Activity

Mission

Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) inspires and empowers Denver Public Schools' students to achieve their post-secondary goals by providing the tools, knowledge and financial resources essential for success.

Background Statement

Philanthropists Tim and Bernadette Marquez wanted to increase the level of college attainment in Denver. They were joined by former Mayor John Hickenlooper and former Superintendent Michael Bennet to help make access to higher education possible for all DPS students today and for generations to come.

DSF was founded based on wide recognition that DPS students face multiple barriers to completing a post-secondary degree. Philanthropists Tim and Bernadette Marquez pledged $50 million in the form of a challenge grant. As a Lincoln High School graduate, Tim felt called to make a long-lasting impact on DPS students for generations to come. This challenge catalyzed the process of putting into place a comprehensive program to support DPS students in completing high school and obtaining a higher education degree.

DSF began with a pilot program serving three Denver high schools, and by the end of 2007 the program had expanded throughout the district. Today, DSF operates 15 DSF Future Centers within DPS high schools and supports DSF Scholars at Auraria Campus with on-site Campus Advisors.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Denver Scholarship Foundation

other names

DSF

Year Established

2006

Tax id (EIN)

20-5143175

Category

Education, Youth Development

Organization Size

Large Organization

Address

789 Sherman Street, Suite 610
Denver, CO 80203

Service areas

Denver County, CO, US

Phone

303-951-4140

Other

303-951-4155

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