Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund

The Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund (DILSF), established in 2018 by The Denver Foundation in partnership with the City and County of Denver, aims to increase access to legal representation for Denver’s immigrant community. The fund was created following Executive Order 142, signed by Mayor Michael B. Hancock, which underscored the city's commitment to protecting the rights of immigrants and refugees residing in Denver. Managed by The Denver Foundation and overseen by a community advisory board—including representatives from the Denver Mayor’s Office, Denver City Council, Colorado Lawyers Committee, immigrant rights groups, and The Denver Foundation—the DILSF provides strategic funding to nonprofit organizations offering immigration-related legal support. The fund supports four key categories of service. The first focuses on removal defense, particularly for individuals detained at the Aurora Detention Facility or with pending cases in Denver Immigration Court. The second category funds affirmative relief services, such as consultations and legal representation for individuals eligible for immigration benefits. The third emphasizes capacity building to increase the number of available pro-bono or low-bono immigration attorneys and innovative projects that expand legal service networks. The final category allows for financial assistance with filing fees and legal expenses directly related to representation. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or have a qualified fiscal sponsor. Organizations must demonstrate strong ties and understanding of Denver’s immigrant populations, particularly those most vulnerable to enforcement actions such as arrest, detention, or removal. Applicants are required to have established collaborative relationships with legal service providers, community organizations, faith-based institutions, and legal professionals. Additional requirements apply depending on the category of funding requested. For example, removal defense applicants must demonstrate experience providing direct immigration legal services, including having appropriately licensed staff. Funding can only be used to assist individuals who reside in the City and County of Denver and have lived there for at least 60 days. Eligible clients must also have household incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level and must either be in removal proceedings, at risk of enforcement, or eligible for affirmative relief. Grant funds may be used for representation costs, legal filings, interpreter fees, and related legal expenses. Applications open on August 22, 2025, and close on October 3, 2025. The review process spans four to six weeks and includes an initial screening for completeness. The DILSF Advisory Board will make final funding recommendations. Grant recipients are required to submit a mid-year report six months after the award date and a detailed final report one year after the award. These reports must include detailed documentation and client tracking data. All applications must be submitted through The Denver Foundation’s grant portal. Organizations with questions are directed to email dilsf@denverfoundation.org. The grant typically provides awards ranging from $25,000 to $200,000. Prior awards do not guarantee future funding, and all funding decisions are based on merit, alignment with priorities, and availability of funds.