The Fruit of Service Learning: How 11 guys in their 20s set out to give big in Denver
It was the early 2000s when a group of 11 Graland alumni got together to reconnect after college. Friends since elementary school, they talked about their careers, interests and the future.
It was the early 2000s when a group of 11 Graland alumni got together to reconnect after college. Friends since elementary school, they talked about their careers, interests and the future.
“Because of our education, with Graland as our base, we will always have something to fall back on,” says Brian Mankwitz ’93. “We felt fortunate, and we wanted others to have that advantage too.”
Thus was formed The Eagle Fund in 2002 by a group of guys in their 20s.
Pooling Resources and Starting Early
These young professionals from the classes of 1992-94 recognized that they could make a greater impact in the community by giving as a group instead of individually. The founders of The Eagle Fund also didn’t want to wait until their careers took off. They wanted to get going right away with the hope of increasing their gifts as they matured.
“We take a venture philanthropy approach where we give grants to organizations in their early stages,” explains Jon-Erik Borgen ‘92. “This is important to us because at that point our gifts make a significant difference to the organization’s budget. We give money, and also mentor, advise and encourage fledgling groups that support education in Colorado.”
Twelve years later, the men are still friends and the Eagle Fund continues to grow and evolve. To date, the group has given more than $100,000 to local organizations like the financial aid fund at Graland, Rocky Mountain Prep School and Kipp Schools.
The Eagle Fund
Brian Abrams ‘93
Michael Barkin ‘93
Jeremy Barron ‘93
Jon-Erik Borgen ‘92
Brewster Boyd ‘93
Dan Hammon ‘93
Josh Holman ‘94
Ben Ladd ‘92
Brian Mankwitz ‘93
Ryan O’Shaughnessy ‘93
Jonathan Right ‘93
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
