Louis Calder Foundation
The Louis Calder Foundation's official site identifies the Denver-based foundation, states its mission to invest in high-quality learning opportunities for children in under-resourced communities, and lists investment themes, team, and financial statements. Contact details ([email protected], phone, and Denver address) are published on the site.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
An education-focused nonprofit (literacy/Science of Reading, charter school growth, or two-generation family learning) with demonstrated impact, capacity to scale, and readiness for grants in the $100k–$500k range.
Good Fit
- • Work focused on literacy, Science of Reading, charter school growth, or two-generation family learning.
- • Evidence of measurable student or family outcomes and ability to scale or replicate programs.
- • Budget and ask size consistent with the foundation's common grants (many awards in the $100K–$250K range and larger multi-hundred-thousand awards).
- • Willingness to engage in partnership or fiscal-sponsor arrangements when applicable.
Geography
The foundation's latest year of grants reached organizations in 18 states and the majority of 2023 dollars went outside Colorado, indicating a multi-state/national footprint rather than a purely local focus.
Recipient Variety
Observed giving shows 35 distinct recipients in 2023 and between 35–43 recipients in prior years, with a mix of repeat and new grantees—evidence of a broad, independent recipient set rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of new entrants (11 new recipients in 2023), three years of history with both returning and new grantees, and published application guidance and contact information together indicate unfamiliar applicants have a realistic path into the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
