In 2005, JEWISHcolorado loaned Denver Jewish Day School (DJDS) $1 million for the purchase of land intended to provide a home for a future community campus of Jewish facilities.
The project, called the “Jewish Colorado Tomorrow Campaign,” was abandoned during the Great Recession of 2008-2009. While many in the community may have forgotten this long-ago project, the financial obligation has remained in place for 20 years and has grown to nearly $1.5 million with interest.
Now, in a significant new development, JEWISHcolorado has initiated a plan to forgive the outstanding loan and interest, working in partnership with DJDS.
“Legacy agreements must evolve to meet the needs of today,” explains JEWISHcolorado President and CEO Renée Rockford. “Jewish institutions—especially day schools—deserve every opportunity to thrive. This decision reflects our commitment to collaboration and shared success.”
Founded in 1975, DJDS is the only Pre-K through 12th grade Jewish community day school in the Rocky Mountain region. It serves 350 students. With the forgiveness of this substantial debt, DJDS will become eligible for previously restricted grant funding, a move that strengthens the school’s financial foundation. JEWISHcolorado will continue to support DJDS through scholarships, security grants, and cultural engagement programs featuring Israeli emissaries.
As part of this joint agreement, DJDS will provide tuition-free education to the children of Israeli emissaries stationed in Colorado.
“This is more than just a financial resolution,” says DJDS Head of School Avi Halzel. “It’s a reaffirmation of our shared mission. Our partnership with JEWISHcolorado strengthens our ability to serve and inspire the next generation of Jewish leaders.”
This milestone development demonstrates JEWISHcolorado’s ongoing commitment to its mission to foster a vibrant, secure, and inclusive Jewish community through outreach, advocacy, programming, grantmaking—and in this case, through the forgiveness of a longstanding loan.