About the foundation
A small family foundation with deep Colorado roots
Endowed by Nathan and Florence Burt in 1984, we exist to strengthen and enrich the lives of young learners across the state.
Our founders
Nathan B. and Florence R. Burt
The foundation has carried their names since 1984, and still gives from the endowment they left.
Since 1984
From a Colorado dealership to a Colorado legacy
Nathan Burt built Burt Chevrolet — for decades one of Colorado’s best-known auto retailers. In December 1984, Nathan and Florence turned that success outward, endowing a private family foundation devoted to charitable and educational organizations.
Because the foundation is fully endowed, we never fundraise. Every dollar of attention goes the other direction: into grants, made outright or on a matching basis, to the organizations doing the work.
In 2018–19 we took a hard look at ourselves. Two cycles a year and $2,500 checks spread us thin, and asked too much paperwork of applicants for too little support. So we changed: one annual cycle, a simple two-page Letter of Intent to start, two clear funding priorities — and awards large enough to matter.
Mission
To strengthen and enrich the lives of young learners in Colorado by supporting nonprofits focused on improved high school graduation rates and early childhood educational programming and development.
Vision
Improved high school graduation rates for Colorado youth, and early childhood programming that embraces the whole child.
Values
We affirm the inherent worth and dignity of all people, and believe education and health — physical and mental — are essential to human dignity and equal opportunity.
Board & staff
Volunteers, neighbors, stewards
Our directors serve without pay, reading every letter and application in pairs. Many have given decades to this work.
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Rosmina Garcia
Executive Director
Rosmina first walked through the Foundation’s doors at fifteen, placed here as an intern through a partnership with Denver Kids, Inc. Half a lifetime later she leads it. The first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree, she is a Latina, former foster youth, and first-generation professional committed to serving marginalized and underserved populations.
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Greg Dickson
President & Chairman of the Board
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Dr. Margaret Fomer
Director
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John C. Baker
Vice President
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Deborah Dawson-Thomas
Director
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Jed Ziegenhagen
Treasurer
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Marc Morgan
Director
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Lisa Richardson
Director
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Linda Quintanar
Secretary
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Leah Fiala
Director
Get started
Ready to introduce your organization?
Every Burt grant begins with a two-page Letter of Intent. When the window opens, it all happens in our grant portal.