Rocky Mountain District Kiwanis Foundation

A nonprofit organization

$53,780 raised by 70 donors

100% complete

$0 Goal

For more than 30 years the RMDK Foundation has devoted its energy to passionately advocating for the needs of children in its District. Recognizing the incredible service Kiwanis Clubs perform, the Foundation provides grants to protect the health, safety, and welfare of children in our communities

Testimonials

Beth Alessio, Executive Director of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado commented, "The Rocky Mountain District Kiwanis Foundation is much more than a generous financial gift of support. The members' commitment to children in need extends beyond funding with significant involvement through advocacy and volunteerism."

Morgan, a child from Colorado Springs who received an Alert Service Dog to help manage her type 1 diabetes said, "I don't know how I would handle my diabetes without her. Technology isn't always reliable but I know Pepper will always be there for me."

Ashley Lauwereins of the Fort Collins Eyeopeners Kiwanis said, "the Rocky Mountain District Kiwanis Foundation makes a difference for children in communities that span Colorado. The foundation helped support a Fort Collins Eyeopeners Kiwanis project, providing free copies of the Swimsuit Lesson Book to elementary students ages five and six. This book teaches children about safe touching, a topic that is often difficult to discuss but is very important to teach young kids.

Giving Activity

Mission

To financially assist the Rocky Mountain District Kiwanis clubs in their efforts to protect the health, safety, and welfare of children in our communities.

Background Statement

The Rocky Mountain District Kiwanis Foundation was formed in the fall of 1983, as the fundraising and donating arm of the Rocky Mountain District Kiwanis, comprised of Kiwanis clubs primarily in Colorado, with some clubs in Wyoming and western Nebraska.

From 1983 to 1994 the Foundation raised and donated $5 to $10 thousand per year, with donations going to various children-oriented charities and member club projects and high school key clubs.

In 1994 the Foundation founded and staffed the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute (KPTI) at Children's Hospital in Denver. The Foundation raised $75 to $125 thousand per year during 1994 to 1997 to support the KPTI administration.

In 1997 the Foundation turned administration of KPTI over to Children's Hospital. Then during 1997 through 2011 the Foundation continued to support KPTI with annual donations of $40 to $70 thousand per year to Children's Hospital designated to KPTI. Total Foundation support for KPTI during this period was close to $1 million.

While starting and funding KPTI during 1994-2011, the Foundation also donated thousands of dollars per year to children-oriented projects by member Kiwanis clubs and others and supported high school key clubs and college Circle K clubs.

After 2011, the Foundation switched its Designated Signature Project from KPTI to the Ronald McDonald Houses in Denver and Colorado Springs and Rose Hill Hospitality House in Grand Junction, which temporarily house families while their children are being treated for serious illnesses. The Foundation has been donating $30 thousand per year to these charities as well as providing grants of $20 to $25 thousand per year to member Kiwanis clubs for children-focused projects and $5 to $6 thousand per year to support Key and Circle K clubs and scholarships.

In addition to raising money for charitable donations, the Foundation has also raised money for funds to provide income for charities in future years, beginning with the Ted R. Johnson fund in 1985, the Rod Ellerbusch fund in 1995, and the District Signature Project fund in 1995. These funds together have grown to $331 thousand in size and they generate about $15 to $20 thousand in income per year available for charitable uses.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Rocky Mountain District Kiwanis Foundation

other names

RMDKF

Year Established

1983

Tax id (EIN)

84-0942243

Category

Youth Development

Organization Size

Small Organization

Address

8398 Devinney COurt Arvada
Arvada, CO 80005

Headquarters

8398 Devinney Court Arvada
Arvada, CO 80005

Service areas

Denver, CO, US

Fort Collins, CO, US

Grand Junction, CO, US

Glenwood Springs, CO, US, 81601

Alamosa, CO, US, 81101

Phone

719-367-9929

Other

303-949-6735

Social Media