JFS Receives $5 Million Gift to Support Long-Term Impact and Sustainability
Denver, CO (May 14, 2026) - Jewish Family Service of Colorado (JFS) has received a $5 million gift to establish the Appel Family Foundation Strategic Growth and Sustainability Initiative, which will strengthen the organization’s impact, drive innovation, and increase financial investments. This significant gift will enable JFS to expand its capacity, enhance vital programs and services, and build a more sustainable foundation for serving individuals and families across Colorado.
The Appel Family Foundation Strategic Growth and Sustainability Initiative focuses on four complementary areas:
Capacity building and sustainability to strengthen fundraising efforts, expand revenue opportunities, and ensure long-term program sustainability.
Program innovation, optimization, and expansion to enhance existing programs, pilot new services, and scale high-impact initiatives that address emerging community needs.
Infrastructure and technology upgrades to systems and software to improve operational efficiency, service delivery, and organizational effectiveness.
Investments to strengthen JFS’s financial position through increased reserves to safeguard the organization’s future and ensure long-term stability.
Each focus area reflects disciplined, growth-oriented investments designed to strengthen JFS’s long-term sustainability and embody the Appel family’s entrepreneurial spirit in building resilient organizations.
“This generous gift allows us to invest in the programs our community relies on and the infrastructure behind them and ensures we are well-positioned for the future,” said JFS President and CEO Linda P. Foster. “Max and Elaine Appel and the entire Appel family have been advocates of JFS and committed to supporting the most vulnerable for many years. We are deeply grateful to the Appel Family Foundation for their partnership in helping JFS continue to meet the needs of our community.”