A large group of Underdog Family volunteers at a community day at Hirshorn Park in Denver

Skills-based volunteering · Denver, CO

We're always rooting for the underdog.

Since 2020 we've backed Denver's small businesses. First by building their digital storefronts, now by throwing the events that bring their communities together.

100% volunteer-run · every dollar reaches the community

Our story

From digital storefronts to block parties.

When the pandemic shut Denver's doors, a small crew of volunteers helped local businesses open digital ones. We built websites and set up online ordering so owners could keep serving their neighbors when being online was the only way to stay open.

That was deep, one-on-one work that ran all year to launch and support each site. It took real skill, and that hands-on expertise is still who we are.

As our original volunteers started families of their own, we wanted a way to keep rooting for the underdog that could go the distance. So we evolved. Same mission, a lighter events-based model, still powered by people who love this city.

Friends doing good things.

TUF volunteers with the owner of TeaLee's Teahouse and Bookstore in Denver
With Rise at TeaLee's Teahouse & Bookstore, Denver

How it works now

One $500 micro-grant. A whole community event.

We back small businesses by funding the events that put them in front of new people. Each event runs on a single micro-grant, because it's already carried by a large crew of volunteers and partners who lend their craft at cost.

$500 Per-event micro-grant

The only cash it takes to turn a volunteer effort into a full event.

Powered by our volunteer network

Marketing that fills the room
A volunteer crew on the ground, start to finish
Publicity before the event and long after
= one full community event

New faces from every walk of life, real exposure across the city, and momentum for a business ready to grow and scale.

// Because everyone pitches in at cost, $500 goes a lot further than $500.

Out in Denver

Five years of showing up.

A few moments from the work, from pandemic-era deliveries to a room full of family.

TUF volunteers in masks delivering meals to Denver firefighters in 2020
2020 · Meals for Denver firefighters
A group of Underdog Family volunteers together at the 2023 gala
2023 Gala · RiNo, Denver
An emotional embrace while honoring a community partner at the 2023 gala
Taking care of our own
The Underdog Family volunteer crew gathered together at a Denver coffee shop
The family, doing good things

Join the family

Pick a way to get involved.

Support TUF and help strengthen our Denver community. Choose the path that fits you.

01

Come to an event

Show up, meet a new corner of Denver, and put your support behind a small-business partner.

Find an event →
02

Lend your craft

DJs, photographers, chefs, and makers: partner with us at cost and reach a room full of new customers.

Become a partner →
03

Fund a micro-grant

Sponsor a $500 event or give what you can. Every dollar throws a better party for the community.

Donate →