Who We Are
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funder collaborative dedicated to transforming education and workforce training into pathways for opportunity. As a collaborative hub for philanthropists, foundations, and businesses, we unite changemakers around a shared vision to drive measurable impact for learners and job seekers. By harnessing the power of collective philanthropy, shared expertise, and data-driven insights, we amplify the impact of investments to deliver measurable, life-changing results. Our unique model empowers funders to:
Align Strategies: Coordinate funding priorities to ensure investments are both strategic and aligned with individual goals.
Leverage Resources: Combine expertise, social capital, and financial contributions to amplify impact and extend the reach of investments.
Preserve Autonomy: Maintain full control over their contributions while accessing shared insights, networks, and impact measurement.
Enhance Efficiency: Minimize duplication and optimize investments by leveraging common goals and infrastructure.
What We Do
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Invest in Innovations
We identify and incubate cutting-edge ideas that address critical gaps in education and workforce development. From concept to pilot, we provide the resources, partnerships, and expertise needed to bring transformative solutions to life.
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Scale What Works
Success should not be confined to one community. That’s why we focus on scaling proven initiatives, ensuring more individuals, families, and regions benefit from programs that deliver measurable outcomes.
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Build Partnerships
Innovation thrives in collaboration. We unite funders, businesses, policymakers, and community leaders to design, and execute, and expand initiatives that address systemic challenges with a collective vision and collaborative resources.
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Measure + Maximize Impact
Our data-driven approach ensures every initiative we support is guided by evidence and designed for results. We track outcomes, refine strategies, and continuously improve to create sustainable, scalable impact.
Meet the Leadership Team
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Scott Laband
Founder + Managing Director
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Linda Peotter
Board Director
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Brent Abrahm
Board Director
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Zack Neumeyer
Board Director
Our History
The FutureRise Fund was born from Colorado Succeeds’ mission to drive innovation in education and workforce development. Incubated within Colorado Succeeds, the FutureRiseFund was created to close skills gaps and build pathways to living-wage careers for adult learners.
Now, the FutureRise Fund is preparing to transition into an independent entity, positioning it to scale its impact, attract diverse funding, and expand its support for proven education and training programs. This evolution reflects a commitment to transforming lives by connecting learners to meaningful careers and economic mobility.
What’s in a Name
At its heart, the FutureRise Fund was born from a bold vision: to empower individuals to transcend their current circumstances and step into a future of possibility and prosperity. The name itself encapsulates this mission—a promise to uplift, elevate, and fuel the potential of learners, workers, and communities through meaningful opportunities.
Future reflects our commitment to forward-thinking solutions. We focus on creating pathways that not only meet today’s challenges but also anticipate the needs of tomorrow's economy. We believe that education and workforce development are the keys to unlocking a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone.
Rise captures the spirit of resilience and growth. It symbolizes upward momentum—of people gaining new skills, of families breaking cycles of poverty, and of communities thriving. Rise isn’t just a direction; it’s a transformation. It’s about enabling individuals to elevate their potential, achieve economic mobility, and ascend to careers that provide dignity, stability, and purpose.
Fund represents more than just financial investment—it signifies a collective commitment. It’s a pool of resources, ideas, and shared aspirations from philanthropists, investors, and advocates who believe in the power of education and workforce alignment to drive systemic change. Together, we invest in proven programs and innovative solutions that equip learners with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The FutureRise Fund is more than an organization; it’s a call to action. It embodies the belief that everyone deserves the chance to rise, regardless of where they start. With every dollar invested, we’re not just funding programs — we’re funding futures. We’re creating a ripple effect of opportunity that extends beyond individuals to families, communities, and entire generations.
When you partner with the FutureRise Fund, you join a movement that’s as much about hope as it is about results. Together, we are building bridges to a future where every individual can rise to their full potential.