Transforming ideas into meaningful action to strengthen Colorado’s youth and families.

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WHO WE ARE

Welcome to the
Donnell-Kay Foundation

Founded in 1965 by the Kay family, the Donnell-Kay Foundation (DK Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) private non-profit foundation based in downtown Denver. We are committed to prioritizing low-income and historically marginalized children and families in our work. Our focus is broad and includes efforts to increase the opportunities for children and youth to learn, thrive, and be healthy in their community. Our current work focuses on early childhood policies, healthy food access, and affordable housing, in addition to a variety of exploratory ideas and projects. We invite collaborative conversations and partnerships that drive impactful changes and foster enriched educational environments across Colorado.

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FEATURED

Hot Lunch Speaker Series

Hot Lunch is a monthly speaker series that brings nationally- and locally-recognized education experts together to dig into current hot topics that affect children, youth, and the educational landscape of Colorado. Launched in 2005, Hot Lunch has embraced controversial speakers from both sides of the political spectrum, helped bring innovative programs to Colorado, and shined a light on pertinent, complex issues that have an impact on children and families.

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The foundation was created through a trust by the Kay family.

Private foundation focused on improving education in Colorado

Invested annually in people, projects, and programs.

Our Work

The Latest

Tony Lewis
Affordable Housing Meets Childcare: The Rural Homes Project in Norwood, Ouray, and Ridgway
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Affordable Housing Meets Childcare: The Rural Homes Project in Norwood, Ouray, and Ridgway
Miguel In Suk Lovato
Colorado Must Do a Better Job of Supporting Family, Friend, and Neighbor Early Childhood Caregivers
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Colorado Must Do a Better Job of Supporting Family, Friend, and Neighbor Early Childhood Caregivers
Matt Samelson
Electric School Bus grants
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Electric School Bus grants
Taber Ward
The Brick-and-Mortar Rules: Why some kids get to eat, but some don’t.
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The Brick-and-Mortar Rules: Why some kids get to eat, but some don’t.
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The Foundation

Our Role

For nearly 30 years, we have been working to strengthen education in Colorado.

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Our Work

Our team’s diverse experiences, interests, connections, and expertise drive our initiatives.

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Events

DK Foundation has been convening stakeholders in education for nearly two decades.

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