Committed to building better lives by investing in the communities where we live and work.

ABOUT US

The RK Foundation was established in 2011 by the Kinning family to continue their legacy of community support and charitable giving. As a second-generation, family-owned merit shop enterprise, RK Industries, LLC (RK) represents seven distinct lines of business that work together to offer construction, manufacturing, advanced fabrication and building services. RK operates within six manufacturing and fabrication facilities in Colorado and has helped to construct some of the most prominent buildings shaping the Denver skyline. For 60 years, RK has had the privilege of supporting numerous nonprofits and charities that improve the quality of life in our community.

The RK Foundation has a unique and sustainable funding source made possible by RK. The Foundation is funded solely by proceeds generated from recycling scrap metal produced by RK’s facilities, construction projects and service sites. In 2023 alone, RK collected a total of 1,962,638 pounds of scrap metal, which resulted in funds for the RK Foundation.

The Foundation supports local nonprofits that align with our three focus areas: community development, education and health. Within these focus areas, we anchor our grant giving to impact-specific initiatives, which include skilled trade education and apprenticeship, mental health awareness in the workplace and suicide prevention and supporting our military veterans.

UPDATES AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2023

METRO STATE

UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP

In an effort to advance workforce development within the construction industry, the RKF recently taken a momentous stride by awarding the first installment of a scholarship grant to Metropolitan State University of Denver for their Construction Project Management (CPM) major. Over a span of five years, the RKF has committed a total of $100,000, laying the foundation for upcoming leaders in the construction sector. The inaugural beneficiaries of the RKF scholarship will be awarded starting in the Fall of 2024.

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION EFFORTS

In 2023, the RKF continued our strategic commitment to workforce development in the construction industry by sponsoring several events aimed at introducing younger generations of women to careers in construction. Among these initiatives was the support of the Hoya Foundation's Transportation & Construction GIRL Day 2023, marking the fourth consecutive year of RKF’s involvement in the event.

In collaboration with Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, a long-standing RKF grant recipient, RK hosted over 30 girls at its RK Mission Critical facility as part of the organization’s Eureka! STEM Programming. The event featured an all-female panel of RK employees sharing their experiences in the construction and manufacturing fields, offering valuable insights and inspiration. Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the facility and engage in hands-on activities, with pipe bending being a particularly popular activity.

Additionally, RKF contributed to Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver's Women Build Week, showcasing its dedication to fostering gender diversity in the construction sector. Furthermore, RKF sponsored the Emily Griffith Foundation's inaugural event, "A Celebration of Women in Trades," leveraging its longstanding relationship with the institution to support this significant occasion. Through these diverse initiatives, RKF is actively nurturing the next generation of talent and fostering inclusivity within the construction industry.

SKILLED TRADE EDUCATION

In 2023, the RKF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting skilled trade education through various initiatives. This included continuing its support of the Master’s Apprentice program, now in its second year of a three-year pledge grant.

Additionally, RKF extended its support to the School District 12 Education Foundation for its Five Star Career Discovery program, which focuses on vocational education within the district, and contributed to CrossPurpose's Workforce Development programs, aligning with its mission to empower individuals through skill-building opportunities. Lastly, RKF provided general program support to Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT), furthering its efforts to promote inclusivity and accessibility in the trades. These efforts underscore RKF's ongoing dedication to advancing skilled trade education and fostering opportunities for personal and professional growth within our communities.

FUNDING

The RK Foundation granted $265,300 in 2023, with a cumulative total of $2,460,000 granted since its inception in 2011. Each quarter, the RKF Board of Directors reviews grant applications and determines which organizations best align with our core advocacy areas and our mission.

GRANT RECIPIENTS

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

EDUCATION

HEALTH

Keep an eye out for our annual RK Foundation newsletter showcasing

our accomplishments, grant recipients and program highlights!

The RK Foundation Board