As spring draws near, the Douglas County Community Foundation is settling into 2025 with renewed energy to advance the Foundation's vision and mission as it continues to uphold its commitment to the Douglas County community. DCCF provides leadership and responsible stewardship of philanthropic resources to strengthen the community and enrich the lives of every resident in Douglas County.
DCCF responsibly manages philanthropic contributions, maintains agile funds, and serves as a conduit in emergencies. DCCF also inspires local giving and provides resources and support to local nonprofit organizations serving the needs within the Douglas County community.
As the executive director, I am responsible for leading and advancing DCCF’s vision, strategic initiatives and priorities, and I serve as the lead fundraiser to build a perpetual endowment for granting and meeting financial and operational goals to sustain the organization. Throughout my varied career, I have specialized in development and strategic planning and have always enjoyed building relationships that result in meaningful and impactful change.
I am honored to be leading DCCF at such an exciting time of positive change and growth, as we continue to build upon recent achievements. Since its relaunch in 2021 – in partnership with Douglas County Government – DCCF has realized significant accomplishments, including implementing a transparent and consistent grant process, establishing legacy fundraising events and a dedicated long-term endowment structure, administering the Philip S. Miller funds on behalf of Douglas County, and instituting a strategic plan that allows for sustainable success.
There are many opportunities for Douglas County residents, nonprofit organizations, businesses and community partners to get involved with DCCF initiatives and support the community, including:
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Nonprofit Grants: DCCF provides regular granting opportunities for nonprofits in Douglas County. Find more information on the “Nonprofit Grants” page on DCCF.org.
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Events: Save the dates for some of DCCF’s biggest fundraising and networking events. Find more information on our “Events” page.
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Donate to different funds on the “Donate” page.
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Establish a legacy by Opening a Giving Account or sign-up to volunteer for a DCCF Committee on the “Individuals & Families” page.
Get connected! Visit DCCF.org for more information and to subscribe to our email list and newsletter, and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
BACKPACK SOCIETY
Backpack Society provides food to kids on weekends, when they are away from school provided meals. Partnering with Douglas County, Littleton and Englewood schools, Backpack Society strives to ensure kids can come to school on Monday mornings ready to learn. Volunteering and food donation information, www.backpacksociety.org.
NOURISH MEALS ON WHEELS
Nourish Meals On Wheels delivers meals and more to older or homebound adults with an army of volunteers. With over 230,000 meals served annually, Nourish MOW volunteers provide older adults with companionship, kindness, and care. Every meal is delivered with a smile, a meaningful connection, and the comfort of knowing someone cares. Together, we make a difference, one visit at a time. As Ortencia shares, "I don't know what I would be doing right now if it wasn't for Nourish. It's not just a meal to feed my body, it feeds my soul. Being remembered makes my life better." nourishmealsonwheels.org
ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN CASA
Advocates for Children CASA improves the lives of children and youth who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other life challenges, by connecting them with volunteer advocates and activating community partnerships. Court Appointed Special Advocates develop meaningful relationships with children and support them through the complexities of a turbulent system. www.adv4children.org
THE CRISIS CENTER
Established in 1985, the Crisis Center exists to end domestic violence through advocacy, education, & prevention. The Crisis Center offers free, confidential services including a 24-hour crisis line (303-688-8484), emergency shelter, therapy, legal advocacy and community-based advocacy for adults and children impacted by domestic violence, as well as community outreach. The Crisis Center serves the 18th and 23rd judicial districts, which include Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln counties. Their emergency shelter and therapy services are open to anyone. www.thecrisiscenter.org
HELP & HOPE CENTER
Help & Hope Center supports Douglas and Elbert County residents in financial distress
to navigate troublesome times with dignity. Last year, the organization helped over 30,000 people with over $3.1 million in emergency assistance.
They include the unhoused and people in danger of losing their homes, seniors on fixed incomes, those who have become full-time caretakers for family members and many others. Services include housing and utility assistance, as well as providing food, clothing and household items from our food pantry and thrift store. Help us by donating or volunteering to have a life-changing impact on our neighbors in need. helpandhopecenter.org
Kirsten Swanson
DCCF Executive Director
Kirsten Swanson takes the helm as the new Executive Director of the Douglas County Community Foundation. Swanson began her career with DCCF in May 2024 as the Director of Development and was previously the Advisor Relations Officer for The Denver Foundation. She has had a long career in the nonprofit sector and helped launch her family’s private foundation serving youth in Alaska. Swanson is a graduate of Columbia University’s M.S. Nonprofit Management program.