Continuing Tom's Legacy Through Civic Leadership

The Tom Clark Legacy Fund, established in partnership with Rocky Mountain Partnership (RMP) and with support from Metro Denver EDC, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Council of Colorado, and Civic Results honors the extraordinary impact of Tom Clark. Tom was not only a visionary leader who transformed the entire Denver metro region during his tenure as CEO of Metro Denver EDC but also someone whose values transcended his professional achievements.

The Tom Clark Legacy Fund celebrates the transformative impact of Tom Clark, whose leadership shaped Colorado’s economic and civic landscape. This fund is one critical funding source supporting the Civic Influencer Fellowship, a program dedicated to cultivating the next generation of civic leaders.

The fund directly supports efforts to ensure that 71,000 young people up to age 35 achieve critical cradle-to-career milestones by 2030, including earning skills and credentials that lead to higher wages and upward mobility.

What is the Civic Influencer Fellowship?

The Civic Influencer Fellowship is a 9-month program for young leaders aged 16-24, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. Fellows gain practical experience, mentorship, and leadership skills to address policy barriers and drive progress toward critical community outcomes, such as RMP’s goal of helping 71,000 young people achieve cradle-to-career milestones by 2030.

Key Components:

Training and Curriculum Development: Fellows participate in leadership training, learning skills like advocacy, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration. Training sessions include topics such as policy navigation, civic engagement, and public speaking.
Hands-On Experiential Learning: Fellows engage in real-world projects, including policy advocacy, voter registration drives, and testifying at legislative sessions. These activities amplify their leadership capabilities and allow them to contribute directly to community transformation.
Mentorship and Career Success Navigation: Each Fellow is paired with a mentor—a seasoned leader from sectors like government, education, or non-profits—to provide guidance and networking opportunities. Fellows also work with career navigators to build a foundation for long-term success.
Financial Accessibility: Each Fellow receives a $2,500 stipend, removing financial barriers to participation and valuing their time and contributions.

How Your Support Makes an Impact

Every dollar donated to the Tom Clark Legacy Fund directly supports:

Fellow Stipends: Ensuring equitable access for participants.
Training and Activities: Covering costs for workshops, project materials, and advocacy campaigns.
Mentorship and Alumni Support: Sustaining mentorship programs and opportunities for graduated Fellows to continue driving impact in their communities.
Policy and Advocacy Initiatives: Empowering Fellows to lead initiatives that address systemic barriers.

Every dollar you give is dedicated to the program and its participants!

What Makes the Civic Influencer Fellowship Unique?

This program develops leaders who not only represent their communities but actively drive change:

Fellows gather and amplify community voices, ensuring decision-making is inclusive and grounded in lived experiences.
Training emphasizes collaboration and breaking down silos, reflecting Tom Clark's principles of regionalism and partnership.
Graduates are equipped to step into leadership roles across sectors, from local government to non-profits, ensuring long-term community impact.

Be Part of Tom’s Vision for Stronger Communities

Economic development is about more than numbers and deals—it’s about building communities with sustainable talent. This requires leaders who embody the principles Tom lived by in all sectors, including local government, education, healthcare, law enforcement, and more. When leaders think the way Tom did—prioritizing collaboration and regionalism—we have the opportunity to build the strongest economies and communities possible.

Throughout his career, Tom played a vital role in shaping Colorado’s economic landscape, however, what resonates most with his wife Donna and those who know him was his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of everyone in the community. Even as he faces the challenges of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)—a progressive degenerative condition that impacts personality, social cues, and communication—Tom continues to inspire others with his bravery and grace, reflecting his resilience and enduring spirit.

The Civic Influencer Fellowship goes even further by focusing on young people from historically marginalized backgrounds who bring lived experience from the areas that need the most improvement toward economic viability. By empowering these young leaders, who are deeply representative of the communities they serve, the program ensures that Tom’s legacy is not only preserved but expanded. These leaders will apply the values of collaboration, integrity, and regionalism to create lasting, transformative change, building stronger communities and shaping a more inclusive, prosperous future for Colorado.

Join Us in Honoring Tom Clark

The Tom Clark Legacy Fund invites contributions from individuals and organizations inspired by Tom’s vision. Your support will empower young leaders to drive change and advance economic prosperity, ensuring that Colorado’s future is built on a foundation of collaboration, innovation, and opportunity.

By supporting this fund, you are investing in both the continuation of Tom Clark’s legacy and the development of the next generation of leaders dedicated to civic and economic progress.

You can either contribute through this page or send a check if you prefer!

Please make checks payable to Rocky Mountain Partnership and mail to 1500 E. 128th Avenue, Thornton, CO 80241 C/O Kendra Simpson.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Tom Clark Legacy Fund support the Civic Influencer Fellowship? The fund provides resources for training, stipends, and program activities that align with Tom Clark's vision of collaborative civic leadership. This includes funding for the Tom Clark Legacy Training Day and supporting fellowships for young civic leaders.
What types of projects or initiatives does the fund support? The fund primarily supports the Civic Influencer Fellowship Program, which includes leadership training, community engagement projects, and initiatives that promote collaboration and partnership in solving community problems.
Are there different ways to donate (one-time, recurring donations, etc.)? Yes, we offer both one-time and recurring donation options.
Is my donation tax-deductible? Yes, all donations to the Tom Clark Legacy Fellowship Fund are tax-deductible.
What payment methods are accepted for donations? We accept various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, and checks. For large donations or special arrangements, please contact our development office directly.
Will I receive a receipt for my donation? Yes, you will receive a receipt, which you can use for tax purposes.
Are there donor recognition programs for contributors to the Tom Clark Legacy Fund? Yes, we have various recognition programs depending on the level of contribution. These may include acknowledgment in our annual report, invitations to special events, or naming opportunities for significant donations. Please contact AshleyEdinger@RMPBackbone.org for more details.
Who do I make checks out to and send them if I want to contribute that way? Please make checks payable to Rocky Mountain Partnership and mail to 1500 E. 128th Avenue, Thornton, CO 80241
How can I stay updated on the impact of my donation? Donors will receive regular updates via email newsletters, which include stories about the Civic Influencer Fellows, program achievements, and the overall impact of the fund.
How can I get involved beyond donating? There are several ways to get involved:
- Volunteer at our events
- Mentor a Civic Influencer Fellow
- Spread the word about our program on social media
- Attend our public events and workshops
Who can I contact if I have more questions about donating? For any additional questions about donating or the Tom Clark Legacy Fund, please contact our development office at KendraSimpson@RMPBackbone.org

Your privacy is important to us. All donor information is kept confidential and will only be used for the purposes of the Tom Clark Legacy Fellowship Fund.

Legacy Founders

We are honored to recognize the following individuals and organizations as Legacy Founders of the Tom Clark Legacy Fund. Their early and impactful investment is helping us build a foundation that will support future civic leaders in the Denver region and beyond!

Bill Ritter Jr.

Cynthia and Doug Evans

Dave Ferrill

Deb Price

Dr. Michele Haney

Fred & Julie Niehaus

Susan Blansett

Richard Abels

Rob Reuteman

Roger Sherman

Jonathon Niehaus

Holli and Randy Riebel

Cindy Westergaard

Ken and Jill Fellman

Brian Lewandowski

Atler Family Fund

Thomas Currigan

David Alengi

Dana Alengi

Dina Alengi Storz

Chris Leding

Clifton Harald

John B Greenman

Jennifer Hoffman

Marilee Utter

Civic Results & Metro Mayors Caucus

Denver South

Patricia Silverstein

Frank Gray

Florine Raitano

David and Carolyn Wollard

Denver Chamber of Commerce

The Tom Clark Legacy Fund

By Rocky Mountain Partnership

The Tom Clark Legacy Fund

Honoring a Pioneer in Economic Development