The Schlessman Family Foundation was founded in 1956 by Gerald L. and Florence M. Schlessman. It was established to provide charitable support in granting opportunities for children and adults hindered by economic status, physical or mental challenges, or requiring additional educational opportunities with the intent to enable them to become self-sufficient, productive members of their community. Since its inception, the Foundation has contributed over $100 million to more than 1000 charities.

Upon the death of their parents, Lee E. Schlessman and Susan Schlessman Duncan assumed the leadership of the Foundation and continued until their deaths in 2019.

The current trustees are:

OFFICERS:
Lauren Watel, President
Gary L. Schlessman, Vice President
Eric Bennett, Treasurer
Jennifer Schlessman Bonicelli, Secretary

OTHER TRUSTEES:
Margaret Schlessman Emmerich
Michael D. Fredericks
Aaron Garnett
Benjamin Garnett


Colin Garnett
Sandra Garnett
Dolores J. Schlessman


VISION: The Schlessman Family Foundation envisions a Denver Metro area where all residents are educated, healthy and have the opportunity to be self-sufficient, productive members of their community.


MISSION: The Foundation’s mission is to support strong nonprofits that provide programs and support to vulnerable Denver Metro area residents, and institutions that contribute to the enrichment and sustainability of the Denver community.

Guidelines


The Schlessman Family Foundation grants funding primarily in the following areas:

  • Programs and services that support workforce development, especially those that foster initiative and a positive work ethic
  • Education programs that work to address the needs of under-served students or improve literacy among adult learners
  • Elder/Senior programs that assist in providing the necessities of life or to assist them to live independently in a safe environment by providing basic human needs
  • Food service and delivery programs
  • Programs that serve people with disabilities, including those with physical, behavioral, and/or substance use disorders
  • Programs that serve the homeless community

Restrictions and Exceptions:

  • The Schlessman Family Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations in the seven-county Metro Denver area -- Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson counties.
  • Grants are NOT made to individuals or to fund scholarships for specific individuals.
  • Applications from organizations that are new to Denver are not accepted. Organizations must have at least a two-year history of operations in the Metro Denver area.
  • The Foundation considers organizations that use a fiscal agent or sponsor as long as the applicant has a 2 year operations history in Denver.
  • Support for fundraising events, conferences or workshops will not be granted.
  • Performing arts organizations should only apply at trustee invitation.
  • Research grants will not be supported.
  • Direct support is not granted to:
    • Public, independent, private or charter schools.
    • Churches or religious organizations. However, we do fund faith-based organizations that are providing services and programs that help disadvantaged populations.
  • Based on the Foundation’s history, and trustee involvement, the Trustees have identified legacy organizations which are given special consideration. These organizations have been notified of their status and should apply as returning grantees.




Lee E. Schlessman YMCA








Tropical Discovery at the Denver Zoo





Application Process


Applications for returning grantees will open for the 2022-2023 grant cycle on August 1st.


Returning Grantees

If your organization has received a grant in the past 3 years, please follow the link below to apply. Please note, completed applications will only be considered if submitted before the due date of November 1st.


New Applicants

At this time, the Trustees have decided to pause the open LOI and new applicant process in order to focus support on their existing relationships. All organizations applying need to have received a grant from the Foundation in the most recent 3 years, or be specifically invited by a Trustee to apply.


Proposal Review and Notification Process

  • The Trustees review proposals throughout the year, but final reviews and determinations are made at the annual meeting in March.
  • Distributions are made once a year on March 31st. All applicants will be notified whether or not their request was approved via the email address used to submit their application. We will mail checks for requests that were approved.
  • Please do not call the Foundation to ask why a request was denied.
  • PLEASE NOTE: the Trustees do not critique proposals for public comment. The denial of a proposal may be a lack of funds from the Foundation, the applying organization did not clearly fit within the Foundations guidelines, or the organization is located outside of the funding area.
  • The Foundation does not publish an annual report, but a copy of the most recent tax return is available in the Foundation office for public review.

Contact


Schlessman Foundation
c/o PM Family Office
8181 E Tufts Ave. Ste 600
Denver, CO 80237



Gloria Price, Foundation Administrator
Phone: (720) 722-0540
Email: contact@schlessmanfoundation.org