The Frank Foundation was established for two simple reasons: Barbara Frank, affectionately known as “B,” sought a way to discuss and conduct philanthropy with her family. She also wanted to support organizations that uplift children, families and communities. With that inspiration at its core, the Foundation has become a multi-generation, family-driven initiative dedicated to empowering people across the country. Its story is one of vision, collaboration, and lasting impact.
A Family that Gives Together Stays Together
The Frank Foundation was established in 1990 by Barbara, with advisory and financial help from her father, Arthur A. Frank, Jr.
“I wanted to be able to talk within my family about philanthropy, and to continue that conversation with the next generation,” Barbara explains. “It was a way to bring us together in conversations about helping others.”
To her delight, the family has eagerly participated. Her sister, a niece, and several nephews are all involved in the Foundation today.
While the Foundation’s mission has changed over the years, it remains true to its original roots: “to support charitable organizations that embrace tolerance and demonstrate the transformational nature of education by empowering individuals, particularly youth, with the knowledge and skills to make life decisions.”
A Mission Rooted in Education… and Adventure!
This mission resonates deeply with Barbara, who spent much of her life as an educator and curriculum innovator. However, her path to that career was… indirect.
“I was a liberal arts major as an undergrad and I moved to Colorado because I had seen the beautiful blue skies on a vacation in my teens,” she says, clearly astonished at the whimsical choices of her youth. “I was young and had no idea what I wanted to do. But I became interested in teaching, and it’s been a wonderful, wonderful life and career.”
Barbara earned a teaching certificate and a master’s degree in American history. A few years later, she also earned a master’s degree in finance, and then took a trip around the world. Really.
“This was in the 80s and a ticket was one flat price. As long as you kept going in generally the same direction, you could get onto any Pan Am flight. So I went around the world!”
She bicycled in China, trekked in Nepal, visited much of Europe, and joined a new age community in Scotland for about three weeks. In all, Barbara traveled for six months and finally landed in London, where she earned an education certificate from the Institute of Education. She stayed in London to teach for sixteen years and was also the head of an international school for a few years.
Barbara’s experiences shaped her understanding of the transformational power of education and the importance of cross-cultural understanding.
The Frank Foundation in Action
A unique hallmark of the Frank Foundation is its approach to giving. Rather than accepting unsolicited applications, the Foundation relies on family members to identify nonprofits that align with its mission. Each family member involved is encouraged to find an organization they feel passionate about, deepening their commitment and engagement. As Barbara puts it, “That keeps them hooked!” Over the years, this approach has allowed the Foundation to build enduring relationships with various organizations and communities.
One initiative supported by the Frank Foundation is Spectrum360’s Independence360 program, which aids young adults with autism in transitioning to independent living. Barbara’s nephew, Ross Johnson, discovered this organization in New Jersey near where he lives and felt that it met all of the Foundation’s funding criteria. Now, not only does the organization receive funding from the Foundation, but Ross is involved as a volunteer.
“What’s important is that we have relationships with all these organizations,” says B. “We know all the people there. We have a connection, we meet with them regularly. It’s all about relationships.”
Another hallmark of the Frank Foundation is its high expectations of measurable results from each of the beneficiaries of its funding. In this way, the Foundation ensures that its contributions create lasting benefits.
A Partnership with Escuela de Guadalupe
Escuela de Guadalupe is blessed to be among the organizations supported by the Frank Foundation.
“Escuela fits perfectly within our mission,” says Barbara. “Just read through the five criteria we consider when making grants. It’s like we wrote them with Escuela in mind!”
The Foundation’s five funding criteria are:
- Foster individual confidence and personal responsibility
- Promote diversity and understanding
- Train for leadership
- Better their communities
- Show measurable results
As with many people, Barbara was introduced to Escuela at the “One Child at a Time” breakfast. She was immediately struck by its potential to transform lives.
“That event is fantastic at hooking people,” she says, laughing. “The student speakers, and the kids greeting you… it’s impossible to walk away without wanting to get involved.”
The Frank Foundation’s support of Escuela began with financial contributions, but Barbara’s involvement quickly deepened. In 2023, Barbara joined the school’s board, fully realizing her Foundation’s mission to keep family members involved in the causes they champion. Drawing on her background in independent education, she volunteered to help in the school’s accreditation process with the Association for Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS).
Building a Legacy for the Future
Today, the Frank Foundation continues to thrive under Barbara’s guidance and the active participation of her family. Her nephew has already stepped into a leadership role, ensuring the Foundation’s mission will endure for generations to come.
“It’s really all been about creating relationships,” Barbara says. “Within my own family, and with organizations that are doing good work for our communities.”
