Moonshot

Fund the Future. Support Alumni. Empower Youth. At Moonshot, we believe lasting change begins with visionary leaders. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us grow a community of BIPOC and historically marginalized leaders equipped with the skills and resources to design collaborative solutions that disrupt systemic inequities impacting youth.

Since 2017, Moonshot has supported more than 115 leaders across education, the arts, policy, and beyond—each reimagining what’s possible for their communities. In honor of our alumni, we invite you to make a gift to sustain the Direct to Fellows Learning Fund (DTFLF).

DTFLF provides alumni with micro-grants to bring their boldest ideas to life—launching youth-serving initiatives, strengthening community-rooted solutions, and expanding their professional growth and impact. Read Alumni DTFLF stories below. 

The need for equity-driven leadership is greater than ever, as Denver’s youth face growing challenges and inequities in education, health, and opportunity. In the past, dozens of donors helped seed this fund, but giving has declined even as demand has grown. Meanwhile, our alumni are stepping up in powerful ways: fighting for immigrant and refugee rights, building youth political power, and reimagining education systems that shape opportunities for young people across our city. With your support, they can continue transforming communities.

Donate $150+ and receive a limited-edition Moonshot sweater! Your gift fuels alumni impact by funding micro-grants through the Direct to Fellows Learning Fund as part of our Colorado Gives Day Campaign. With your help, we’re aiming to raise $15,000 between now and December 9, 2025 (Colorado Gives Day). 

Donating here through our Colorado Gives Campaign, especially if you do a recurring donation, enables us to qualify for incredible match benefits and other fundraising prizes from the Colorado Gives Foundation, potentially doubling your impact. Thank you for helping us sustain the Direct to Fellows Learning Fund (DTFLF) and supporting Moonshot’s alumni network!

ALUMNI IMPACT STORIES

Branta Lockett (Cohort 1) – 5280 Freedom Summer School 2025

Branta and the BLM 5280 team used DTFLF to support venue rental for the 8th annual Freedom Summer School. The program drew overwhelming demand, with 70 registrations in the first 48 hours and average daily attendance of 57 students. Highlights included field trips, a family barbecue, a STEM Carnival where older students showcased projects for younger peers, and distribution of backpacks and books by Black authors. The program also prioritized supporting Black-owned businesses through catering, transportation, and facility partnerships. The DTFLF helped offset unexpected increases in building rental costs, and with additional support from the Colorado Health Foundation, Branta and her team are positioned to sustain and grow this impactful summer tradition.

Annie Guo VanDan (Cohort 6) – CACEN Summer Camps

Annie led the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network (CACEN) in hosting cultural summer camps at the new Social Fabric Hub. With DTFLF support, the program offered three week-long camps that covered the costs of instructors, materials and supplies, food and excursions. The camps served 34 youth ages 5 to 13, fostering cultural pride and identity among AANHPI youth through hands-on learning, and also engaged 10 adults and 9 high school students who joined for intergenerational mentorship. Families reported high satisfaction and strong intent to return, with children expressing excitement and cultural pride. Parents shared that the camps helped their children embrace their heritage with pride. The DTFLF support enabled Annie’s team to pilot these programs and envision year-round cultural camps.