About
About Barton Institute
Mission
We partner with community entrepreneurs to provide the people of Metro Denver opportunities to thrive by creating and supporting safe community spaces.
Vision
Our vision is that all people in Metro Denver have the power, access, means and freedom to lead the lives they want.
Philosophy
As the Barton Institute takes action in the community, our philosophy rests on key guiding principles.
Focus
We focus on projects that use strategies and approaches that others can adopt and adapt.
Core Values
Community-Driven
Dedicated to inclusivity, equity, and diversity
Committed to listening and learning
Action and Results-Oriented
Agile and Flexible
Financially prudent
We Stand with the
Movement for Racial Justice
A PUBLIC STATEMENT FROM THE BARTON INSTITUTE FOR COMMUNITY ACTION
In 2020, our neighbors in Denver and in communities across the country have erupted in protests of rage and pain, responding to the latest horrific examples of police brutality against African Americans.
We at the Barton Institute for Community Action share the anger of the protestors. Our hearts ache for the losses experienced by the Floyd family, the Arbery family, the Taylor family, and so many, many others. To honor them, we continue to do everything we can to disrupt and dismantle racism, and to foster equity in all of our work.
The Barton Institute was founded on the philosophy that the people closest to a problem are best equipped to identify solutions to it. It is our job to stand with them and to take our lead from them, then to draw in resources and do what we can to shift systems and make change. We call on our partners in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to find the power in this approach, to listen deeply and then to act bravely, to rebuild our connections with each other and within our communities in the light of justice.
History
The Barton Institute for Community Action launched in 2016 as free-standing institute at the University of Denver created by David Miller, former President and CEO of The Denver Foundation.
When Miller first envisioned an institute, he sought advice from his friends and colleagues, including Laura Barton. In November 2016, Laura Barton and her children made a gift of $10 million to name the institute in honor of Laura’s late husband, Peter Barton. This transformational gift provided seed capital and long-term funding to support the institute's mission.
After three years of incubation at the University of Denver, the Barton Institute spun off in January 2020 to become a separate 501(c)(3) organization.
The Barton Institute for Community Action began immediately working in deep collaboration with Lifespan Local, to cultivate well-being in Southwest Denver. The Institute also continued its support for the creation of tiny homes for people experiencing homelessness, and expanded this work to include support for safe parking lots for people living in their vehicles. Following the creation of its strategic plan in July 2020, the Institute took on fiscal sponsorship of The Village Institute and Commún, organizations that focus on creating opportunity and safe spaces with and for community residents.
Financials
If you would like to receive a copy of the Barton Institute for Community Action’s Audit or IRS Form 990,
please contact Rebecca Arno: rebecca.arno@bartoninstitute.org