The Denver Post Community Foundation’s Grant Program

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On Monday, January 27, 2025, the award-winning author and historian, Erik Larson joined us for the 21st season for The Denver Post Pen & Podium Series. Larson’s vividly written and meticulously researched books have won several awards and been published worldwide. His latest book, The Demon of Unrest (April 2024) shares with us a gripping account of the chaotic months between Abraham Lincoln’s election and the Confederacy’s shelling of Fort Sumter. His other bestselling works include National Book Award winner, The Devil in the White City, The Splendid and the Vile, Dead Wake, and In the Garden of Beasts.

Prior to the program, Erik met Jordyn Jefferson from Reading Partners, the evening’s charitable partner, to learn about their dedication to help ensure more Colorado children are able to read proficiently by third grade. Pictured on the left of Erik Larson is Tracy Ulmer, President and CEO of The Denver Post Community Foundation and next to Jordyn Jefferson, on the far right is Stacy Schafer, Communications and Grants Manager for The Denver Post Community Foundation.

The Denver Post Community Foundation Grant Program

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On Monday, February 12, 2024, the award-winning and bestselling author, Kristin Hannah joined us for the 20th season for The Denver Post Pen & Podium Series. Hannah is the author of more than 20 novels including the international blockbuster, The Nightingale, Goodread’s Best Historical Novel of the Year, The Great Alone, Firefly Lane, her beloved novel about two best friends, a #1 Netflix series around the world, and her newly published bestseller, The Women.

Prior to her talk, Kristin met with Aimee Callahan and supporters of The Learning Source which was the evening’s charitable partner, to hear about the work being done to promote and provide educational opportunities through collaborative partnerships for adults and children. Pictured with Kristin Hannah (on the right) is The Learning Sources’ COO, Aimee Callahan.

The Denver Post Pen & Podium Grant Program

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What a treat it was, to listen to the conversation between the beloved and admired authors Frances Mayes (Under the Tuscan Sun) and Ruth Reichl (Tender at the Bone) on Monday, November 13, 2023 at Pen & Podium. Before they took their seats on stage, they joined us backstage to meet our charity partner for the evening and for a VIP reception. The Denver Public Library Friends Foundation received a grant for their work in supporting literacy programs in the Denver Public Libraries.

Pictured from left to right are: acclaimed food writer, Ruth Reichl; bestselling author, Frances Mayes; and Director of Marketing and Communications at the DPL Friends Foundation, Brittany Javor.

The Denver Post Pen & Podium Grant Program

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On October 16, 2023, the award-winning and bestselling novelist, Yaa Gyasi kicked off the 20th season for The Denver Post Pen & Podium Series. Gyasi is the author of Homegoing and Transcendent Kingdom and a recipient of the National Book Foundation’s “5 under 35” award. She was mesmerizing and her talk was heartfelt and meaningful.

Prior to her talk Yaa met with Brylyn Powers from Book Trust, the evening’s charitable partner, to hear about the work being done to promote early literacy. Pictured from left to right are Tracy Ulmer, exec. producer of Pen & Podium & president/CEO of The Denver Post Community Foundation; Jeffrey Neuman, literary events coordinator of Pen & Podium; Yaa Gyasi, bestselling author; Brylyn Powers, development manager of Book Trust; and Stacy Schafer, communications and grants manager of The Denver Post Community Foundation.

The Denver Post Pen & Podium Grant Program

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On March 13, 2023, the award-winning novelist, Imbolo Mbue was the featured speaker at Pen & Podium. Mbue is the author of How Beautiful We Were and The New York Times bestseller, Behold the Dreamers, which won the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction and was an Oprah’s Book Club selection. Prior to her talk, Imbolo met with board members of Friends of the Colorado Talking Library, the evening’s charitable partner. Pictured from left to right are Jadwiga Brown, Pamela Newton, Imbolo Mbue, Norine Domenico, and Hank Braaksma.

The Denver Post Pen & Podium Series Grant Program

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On February 13, 2023, Pen & Podium welcomed Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer and journalist, Elizabeth Kolbert to the stage. Kolbert is the author of The Sixth Extinction; Field Notes from a Catastrophe, and Under the White Sky. Prior to her presentation, members from the evening’s charitable partner, Stories on Stage, were backstage to meet with the Ms. Kolbert. Pictured from left to right are John Bardeen, Kay Taylor, Elizabeth Kolbert, Abbe Stutsman and Anthony Powell.

The Denver Post Pen & Podium Series Grant Program

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On Monday, October 19, 2022 we had the pleasure of welcoming award-winning author, Colm Toibin to the Pen & Podium stage. Toibin helped present a grant backstage to the Jefferson County Library Foundation. Pictured from left to right are JCLF Executive Director, Jo Schantz, Author Colm Toibin, and President & CEO of The Denver Post Community Foundation. Visit penandpodium.com.

Congratulations to the Season To Share grantees listed above

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Visit seasontoshare.com to see the full list of nonprofit agencies that have received $1,700,000 in awards from the 2021/22 Season To Share campaign.

Congratulations Stories on Stage

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We had the pleasure of welcoming Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Andrew Sean Greer to The Denver Post Pen & Podium Literary Author Series. Prior to Andrew’s lecture, he joined us backstage to present a monetary contribution to Stories on Stage, a nonprofit that brings stories to life. Through entertaining stage performances of literature, they encourage and enhance literacy and the love of reading.

Pictured from left to right are: Stacy Schafer, communications and grants manager of The Denver Post Community Foundation; Andrew Sean Greer, award-winning author; from Stories on Stage are Abbe Stutsman, executive director, Anthony Powell, artistic director, and Theresa Keatinge, board president; and Tracy Ulmer, president and ceo of The Denver Post Community Foundation.

Congratulations Lighthouse Writers Workshop

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We kicked off the 16th season of The Denver Post Pen & Podium Literary Author Series with the 2 time National Book Award winner, Jesmyn Ward. During her lecture, Jesmyn shared deep moments from her past and why she was drawn to write. It was a moving and powerful presentation. The evening began with her helping us present a check backstage to our charity partner, Lighthouse Writers Workshop, a nonprofit organization that works so hard to support writers and readers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels to achieve their fullest potential as artists and human beings. Ms. Ward then said hello to our Pen & Podium sponsor, Northwestern Mutual’s guests and subscriber guests in a backstage VIP kickoff reception prior to her taking the stage.

Pictured from left to right are: Stacy Schafer, communications and grants manager of The Denver Post Community Foundation; Laurie Wagner, development director of Lighthouse Writers Workshop; Jesmyn Ward, award winning author; and Tracy Ulmer, president and CEO of The Denver Post Community Foundation.