In 1999, the same year Escuela de Guadalupe opened its doors, Lola and Rob Salazar founded Salazar Family Foundation with a powerful mission: to give back to the community that had shaped their lives. Now, 25 years later, the Foundation’s impact spans the Denver metro area, with initiatives supporting education, family well-being, and community growth. Through the Foundation’s work, Lola and Rob have turned their gratitude into action, creating a legacy that’s woven into the fabric of the city they love.
For Lola especially, the Foundation is deeply personal. A former teacher in Jefferson County, Lola has always had a passion for education. When she and Rob found themselves in a position to give back, her heart led them toward supporting schools, scholarships, and educational programs.
“We wanted to give back to the organizations that helped us get to where we are,” Lola explains, remembering how she and Rob received scholarships to pursue higher education.
Lifting Others Up
This heartfelt desire to lift up others became the driving force behind the Foundation’s creation. But those initial days and weeks of running the Foundation were intimidating. When she established the organization, Lola recalls taking the first check to the bank.
“I remember shaking,” she says, her voice filled with emotion. “It was a significant amount of money and we were giving it away.”
Since those early days, Salazar Family Foundation has grown into one of Denver’s most dedicated philanthropic organizations, supporting projects that range from scholarships and school programs to community wellness and family resources.
Thoughtful Philanthropy
The Foundation’s approach to philanthropy is as intentional as it is personal. With only three main beneficiaries at a time, the Foundation’s board carefully vets each organization to ensure a lasting impact.
“It’s about finding the organizations that need us most,” Lola explains. From scholarships at Denver Public Schools to supporting single-parent families at Warren Village, the Foundation’s contributions are substantial and thoughtfully directed. And while the Foundation’s scale might be less compared to national nonprofits, its impact is mighty, thanks to Lola’s leadership and the close-knit team supporting her vision.
Salazar Family Foundation at Escuela de Guadalupe
One of the Foundation’s most cherished partnerships is with Escuela de Guadalupe, a dual-language Catholic school that provides high-quality education to Denver’s underserved students. The connection between Lola and the Escuela community was immediate, sparked during her very first visit by a warm welcome from students who shook her hand at the door.
“They had me at hello,” Lola laughs, recalling the children in their uniforms who greeted her with a smile.
Over the years, Lola became a familiar face at Escuela, serving on the board of directors and volunteering weekly to read to the children. Her work – personally and through the Foundation – has enriched countless students’ lives.
“Those kids see themselves in me, and I think that’s important,” she says with a smile, a testament to the deep connection she feels with each child’s potential.
Today, Salazar Family Foundation operates out of one of Denver’s historic treasures—the Crawford Hill Mansion. Built in 1906 and known for its stunning architecture and storied past, the mansion is a fitting home for the Foundation’s work. The Italian Renaissance Revival-style mansion, with its elegant facade and rich history, serves as a reminder of Denver’s past while housing a vision for the city’s future. In many ways, the Foundation’s presence at the mansion mirrors its mission: honoring cultural traditions while creating new opportunities for generations to come.
Envisioning a Beautiful City
“I want Denver to be a city where everyone has a bed at night, food on the table, and an education,” Lola says. “I want my grandchildren to grow up in a city they are proud of.”
As the Foundation marks 25 years, Lola reflects on the journey and the lives they’ve touched along the way.
“Every night, I go to sleep saying, ‘I have no regrets for the day—I made a difference in somebody’s life.’”
From that first check in the bank to the many life-changing grants the Foundation has distributed over the years, Lola’s commitment to making a difference is unwavering. Through scholarships, support for local organizations, and the partnerships that have become like family, Salazar Family Foundation is ensuring that the spirit of giving will continue in Denver for years to come.
