What PArtnership
Makes Possible
Our founders, Sam and Nancy Gary, created Gary Community Ventures in 1976 with a bold vision that all children in Colorado have the opportunity to grow up healthy and reach their full potential.
They didn’t believe we should exist forever in pursuit of that goal. Instead, they asked us to thoughtfully transfer all of our resources to the community by 2035 and ensure those resources make a lasting, transformative impact on Colorado kids and families.
Sam and Nancy believed lasting impact requires business, policy and philanthropy to work together, each bringing its strengths, resources and perspectives to the table. Fifty years later, the impact made possible through these partnerships gives us reason to believe that even more is possible in Gary’s final chapter.
Together, we can make Colorado the best place to raise kids, build a future and thrive for generations to come.
What Does A Thriving Colorado Mean To You?
This vision doesn’t belong to Gary alone — it belongs to everyone in Colorado. Tell us what a thriving Colorado means to you, and stay close to the work to help us carry it forward.
Celebrating The Past.
Shaping The Future.
Follow our anniversary series to explore 50 years of impact, learn about the work ahead, and partner with us to transform the future for Colorado kids and families.
More Housing For A More Affordable Colorado
Building a Colorado with affordable housing in every community
We can all share in Colorado’s prosperity
Creating a Colorado where every family is financially resilient
Brave Leaders And Big Bets
Creating an early childhood system where kids and families thrive
Philanthropy Is An Act of Love
Nancy Gary, co-founder of Gary Community Ventures, marks the organization’s 50th year and looks to the future.
Stories
Creating A Colorado
For Kids And Families
Partner organizations and community members share their hopes for the future and what it will take to get there.
Essential Wealth For Every Stage In Life: Ignite Futures Fund
Ignite Futures Fund is helping 125 Colorado teens build wealth.
Essential Wealth For Every Stage In Life: ECLT
Building wealth through affordable homeownership.
Affordable Early Care And Education: The Denver Preschool Program
Ensuring that every child has joyful, foundational learning experiences that last a lifetime.
Affordable Early Care And Education: The Marshall Family
What started as child care has become a community.
“Our goal is that by 2035, all of Our Assets will have been transitioned from our balance sheets to the community.”
Founder Sam Gary’s Enduring Priorities Memo
Explore our sunset strategy