transformational Approach
We believe in the unique power of venture philanthropy. By infusing our business knowledge, leadership, and influence towards social impact innovations we can provide a voice to the voiceless and build better lives for generations to come.
By investing in new, sometimes unproven initiatives, David & Laura Merage Foundation (DLMF) embraces the unknown and creatively overcomes challenges to achieve ambitiously impactful results.
Our Model
We lend our expertise, knowledge, and years of experience to help organizations succeed.
understand the societal problem
conceptualize a solution
provide financial capital to bring an idea to fruition
mobilize our expansive knowledge, resources, and expertise
incubate - test, fail, refine, succeed
partner - expand the reach
scale - increase the impact
Our method’s Success
Redline Contemporary Art Center
Laura recognized a need for mid-career contemporary artists to work in a shared studio and exhibition space that could bring world class contemporary art to diverse audiences.
Laura believed an arts center could spark neighborhood revitalization and have positive community impact well beyond the arts.
DLMF purchased a much neglected industrial building in a Denver neighborhood to help bring arts and culture together.
Combining a knowledge of art, real estate, and nonprofit start-up, RedLine was founded in 2007 as a catalyst for change, offering educational programs, artist-in-residency opportunities, and exhibitions.
DLMF provided RedLine with sufficient funding, strategic oversight, and programmatic support to increase community engagement and build their organizational capacity.
With DLMF's unwavering commitment to the neighborhood and local partners brought revitalization among new businesses, residential development, and more.
As RedLine gained recognition throughout Denver for this unique ability to catalyze positive social change, DLMF encouraged the organization to diversify its funding and broaden their approach.
The Equitas Project
David and Laura saw our national crisis in which mental health problems are managed through incarceration rather than supportive health care services.
A national advocacy organization aimed at disentangling mental health and criminal justice was envisioned.
DLMF established The Equitas Project to bring national awareness to this cause and engage the public, community leaders, and policy-makers to create collaborative solutions.
Using the foundation’s vast network, The Equitas Project mobilized initiatives around the country to develop best practices, empower influential leaders, and ultimately create policy change to promote adequate mental health care over incarceration.
With DLMF’s dedication to the mission, The Equitas Project led Course Correction Summits and engaged a national advisory board to inform priority intervention initiatives, leading to increased awareness and policy reform in Colorado and beyond.
To increase its capacity to decriminalize mental health, The Equitas Project joined forces with Mental Health Colorado, the state’s leading advocate for mental health.