Anschutz Family Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Anschutz Family Foundation supports Human services, community development, self-sufficiency efforts in Colorado.
FUNDING AREAS: Human services, community development, self-sufficiency, economically disadvantaged, children and youth, seniors, the disabled
IP TAKE: With annual giving exceeding $2.7 million, this is a huge funder to know in the state, especially in rural areas that often get overlooked by foundations not exclusively focused on Colorado.
PROFILE: Established in 1982, the Anschutz Family Foundation is the foundation of Fred and Marian Pfister Anschutz who had many years of success in the gas, oil, real estate, and ranching industries. Frank Anschutz pursued oil exploration in Kansas, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. He and his wife, Marian, moved their business to Denver in the 1960s. Their daughter, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers, served as the AFF’s first president and executive director, and numerous other family members have served as trustees and staff. AFF aims to support “rural and urban Colorado nonprofit organizations that assist people to help themselves while nurturing and preserving their self-respect.” It funds local efforts to benefit the economically disadvantaged, children and youth, seniors, and the disabled.
The Anschutz Family Foundation gives to a broad range of organizations that address human and community needs. The foundation has shifted from giving a few large grants to many smaller grants over the years. It has been increasingly interested in building the capacity of Colorado’s nonprofit sector in recent years as well. Rural Philanthropy Days is a AFF initiative that involves a three-day conference that occurs twice per year and rotates among eight rural regions in Colorado. By program area, the most grants lately have been going towards food, shelter, and homelessness efforts.
Grants range between about $2,500 and $10,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving on the past grants page of the funder’s website. Grantmaking focuses on rural Colorado communities and Colorado nonprofits that provide services statewide. In a recent year, approximately 41 percent of grants went to rural needs, 33 percent to the Denver metro area, and nine percent to statewide efforts. Past local grantees include the Colorado Prevention Center, Longmont Meals on Wheels, the Senior Hug, and Adaptive Adventures.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. AFF has spring and fall grant cycles that typically begin accepting new applications around November and May. Initial letters of inquiry are not required but strongly recommended for first-time applicants. AFF uses the Colorado Common Grant Application, which can be downloaded on its website. Direct general questions to the staff at info@anschutzfamily.org or 303-293-2338.
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