The Denver Foundation and Sakura Foundation share a commitment to strengthening our community. Founded in 1925, The Denver Foundation is a community foundation that partners with generous people to build a better future for everyone. Sakura Foundation’s mission, of sustaining Japanese American culture and heritage, fits nicely into that broader vision.

In January, Sakura Foundation (SF) joined The Denver Foundation (TDF) as a Type 1 Supporting Organization. This partnership will have benefits to both organizations and, most important, to the community. It will provide TDF with a new bridge to the Japanese American community in Metro Denver, aligning with the Foundation’s deep commitment to racial equity and cultural inclusiveness. TDF encourages a broad and welcoming definition of “philanthropy,” and will invite the Japanese American community to become more deeply involved in all of the Foundation’s work, whether as donors, volunteers, or partners on local initiatives.

This partnership will allow SF to retain its status as a public charity as it expands its operations through a redevelopment of Sakura Square LLC. SF will join five nonprofit organizations that serve as supporting organizations to TDF, which has nearly 30 years of experience with supporting organizations. TDF will provide a range of financial and administrative services to SF, which will remain a separate legal entity.

“We are delighted to welcome Sakura Foundation into The Denver Foundation family as a supporting organization,” says Sarah Harrison, Vice President of The Denver Foundation’s Philanthropic Services Group. “This partnership will expand our connections and capacity to further our charitable purpose in the community, and to build strong relationships within the rich and vibrant Japanese American community that shares our Metro Denver home.”

“Sakura Foundation is honored for the opportunity to establish this partnership with The Denver Foundation,” stated Gary Yamashita, Executive Director of Sakura Foundation. “The Denver Foundation’s mission, vision and values align closely with those of Sakura Foundation in inspiring and strengthening our community by offering opportunities for connection through education, cultural enrichment, leadership, equity and inclusiveness.”