Lighthouse Writers Workshop

A nonprofit organization

At Lighthouse, we believe everyone has a story to tell and the right to tell it.

Creative writing, from life-changing epics to beauty-in-the-ordinary vignettes, helps us feel seen and understood, and allows us to see and understand others in turn. Think of a story you read where the writer was able to perfectly capture a feeling you couldn’t quite identify yourself. Or where you felt understood, or inspired, like never before. Writing can give someone this experience–a sense of connection and wisdom that only literature can provide. Your donation to Lighthouse supports this work, allowing writing to be a tool for strength and joy in challenging times. 

This Colorado Gives Day, you can share the power of the literary arts locally, regionally, and nationally. We celebrate Colorado Gives Day on December 9, but you can make your donation at any time. 

A donation to Lighthouse this holiday season allows us to continue offering tools and community for all writers, so that the literary arts can provide strength and even joy in challenging times. Show your support for the literary arts and empower the creativity of those who have an important story to tell by giving through CO Gives!

Mission

The mission of Lighthouse Writers Workshop is to provide the highest caliber of artistic education, support, and community for writers and readers in the Rocky Mountain Region and beyond. We strive to ensure that literature maintains its proper prominence in the culture, and that individuals achieve their fullest potential as artists and human beings.

Background Statement

Lighthouse Writers Workshop, founded in 1997 by two dedicated writers, emerged with a vision to provide a guiding light for individuals who shared a passion for writing. This initiative was sparked by a desire to foster a sense of community among writers, offering a space for collaboration, learning, and connection. The name "Lighthouse" was chosen to symbolize the safety, hope, and sense of homecoming it would bring to writers worldwide.

For over two decades, our organization has embarked on a journey of evolution and expansion, leaving an indelible mark across multiple locations in Denver. We've enriched our offerings, diversified our writers' community, and fostered the growth of countless literary talents. To date, we have proudly hosted 18 literary festivals, conducted numerous writing workshops, and mentored an array of instructors. Many of our writers have gone on to achieve remarkable success in the literary world.

Over twenty years ago, we embarked on a mission to nurture the writers of tomorrow through our Young Writers Program. This program makes writing an enjoyable and empowering experience while building essential storytelling and writing skills. Workshops are tailor-made to match students' interests and include drop-in academic support sessions, summer camps, and writing groups, with a special focus on LGBTQIA+ teens and young people of color.

Lighthouse has been an unwavering supporter of the community, collaborating with other nonprofits and arts organizations for over two decades. Our community engagement programs leverage the transformative power of creative writing to combat stress, stigmatization, and isolation, especially among underrepresented members facing poverty, trauma, or illness. In 2018, we introduced Writing in Color and Queer Creatives, furthering our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. We aim to create a more representative and equitable writing community in Colorado through monthly mixers, workshops, fellowships, and retreats.

Last year we marked a significant milestone as we establish our permanent home in the vibrant Clayton neighborhood. This remarkable new chapter promises to foster an inclusive community while increasing the accessibility of the literary arts to individuals from across Colorado.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Lighthouse Writers Workshop

other names

Lighthouse

Year Established

1997

Tax id (EIN)

32-0102662

Category

Arts, Culture & Humanities

Organization Size

Large Organization

Address

3844 York Street
Denver, CO 80205

Service areas

Denver County, CO, US

Boulder County, CO, US

Phone

303-297-1185

Social Media