Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK)
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) is a Denver-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 1996, that delivers free outdoor education, STEM, and environmental stewardship programming to underserved urban youth ages 5-25 in the Denver metropolitan area.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1996
- HeadquartersDenver, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) does
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1996 and headquartered at 12680 Albrook Dr. in the Montbello neighborhood of northeast Denver, Colorado. The organization delivers free outdoor education, STEM programming, and environmental stewardship experiences to underserved urban youth ages 5-25 across the Denver metropolitan area, including Denver, Commerce City, and Aurora. ELK operates six interconnected programs: School-Based Programs (K-12 science curriculum aligned with Colorado Academic Standards), Denver Youth Naturally (DYN) for ages 5-18 offering day and overnight outdoor excursions, Youth in Natural Resources (YNR) for ages 14-25 providing career exploration and college preparation (with over $1.1M in scholarships secured to date), LEAF family programming, Urban Rangers (a youth employment program delivered in partnership with the National Park Service and Colorado Parks and Wildlife), and the ELK Education Center facility itself which is available for rental.
The organization operates from a 5.5-acre property developed in partnership with The Trust for Public Land and Denver Parks and Recreation, comprising the ELK Education Center and the adjacent 4.5-acre Montbello Open Space Park. The facility features dual classrooms (45-90 capacity), lobby space, full kitchen, and back patio. ELK employs approximately 33 staff and serves more than 5,000 youth and families annually; 81% of school-based program students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, and 2024 DYN participants were 35% Hispanic/Latino, 27% African American, 28% Multiracial, 5% Caucasian, 3% Asian/Pacific Islander, and 2% Native American.
ELK is funded entirely through a diversified mix of individual donations (including a 'Family Tree' monthly recurring donor program), foundation grants (Anschutz, Boettcher, Gates Family, Argosy, Honda USA Foundation), corporate sponsorships across multiple tiers ($2,500-$25,000+), government grants (City and County of Denver, Colorado Parks and Wildlife), event fundraising (the annual ELK 'n Eggs fundraiser hosted by the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for 13+ years), and a modest venue rental stream. All youth programs are free for families. The organization has no parent company, no subsidiaries, and no private equity involvement; it is governed by a Board of Directors. Kristina Gray currently serves as Executive Director following a leadership transition in September 2024.
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK)
- Legal name
- Environmental Learning for Kids
- Website
- https://elkkids.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1996
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) is a Denver-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 1996, that delivers free outdoor education, STEM, and environmental stewardship programming to underserved urban youth ages 5-25 in the Denver metropolitan area.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Youth Environmental Education Services
- NAICS
- Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Educational Services (61), Educational Support Services (611710)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Environmental Education & Outreach (BPAGAGAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Outdoor & Wilderness Education Schools (Field-Based Learning) (THAAAOAA), Environmental Interpretation & Ranger-Led Education Programs (Visitor Education) (THAAAOAJ), Outdoor Education & Adventure Programs (School-Run) (EDAJAJAJ)
Keywords
Where Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Denver
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Individual and Corporate Donations: ELK relies heavily on donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Corporate partners at various tiers ($2,500-$25,000+) receive marketing benefits including logo placement on website, lobby TV, and social media recognition. Individual donors can become monthly recurring donors through the 'family tree' program.
- Foundation and Government Grants: Major foundation funders include Anschutz Foundation, Argosy Foundation, Boettcher Foundation, Gates Family Foundation, Honda USA Foundation, and others. Government funding comes from City and County of Denver, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and other public sources.
- Venue Rental Revenue: The ELK Education Center is available for rental to Montbello-based nonprofits ($50/hour), other nonprofits ($150 + $50/hour), and other organizations. This provides a modest revenue stream while serving the community.
- Event Fundraising: Annual flagship fundraiser 'ELK 'n Eggs' generates significant donations. The event is hosted at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science with various sponsorship tiers. Sponsors at the event range from $500 to $5,000+.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | — | Free programs for all ELK families |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that delivers free outdoor education, STEM instruction, and environmental experiences for underserved urban youth ages 5-25 in the Denver metro area through six programs: School-Based Programs, Denver Youth Naturally, Youth in Natural Resources, LEAF family programs, and Urban Rangers. The organization operates from the ELK Education Center, an environmental education facility adjacent to the 4.5-acre Montbello Open Space Park in northeast Denver.
Product overview
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) is a non-profit organization operating as a unified suite of youth development programs focused on outdoor education, science literacy, and environmental stewardship for underserved urban youth ages 5-25. The portfolio consists of six interconnected programs: School-Based Programs (K-12 classroom delivery), Denver Youth Naturally (DYN - core outdoor experiences and STEM education for ages 5-18), Youth in Natural Resources (YNR - career exploration and college preparation for ages 14-25), LEAF (family-based outdoor activities), Urban Rangers (youth employment pathway), and the ELK Education Center (facility rental and community space). All programs are free for ELK families and emphasize science education, leadership development, and increasing outdoor equity for diverse communities in the Denver metro area.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- School-Based Programs Science and natural resource education programs delivered at K-12 schools in Denver, Commerce City, and Aurora, aligned with Colorado Academic Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. Curriculum includes wildlife education, water conservation, macroinvertebrate studies, owl pellet dissection, school habitat exploration, and nature play activities. Delivered free to underserved students, 81% of whom qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
- Denver Youth Naturally (DYN) Outdoor experience and STEM education program for students ages 5-18, offering hands-on learning through day and overnight field trips including fishing, camping, cycling, kayaking, hiking, nature journaling, and museum visits throughout the Denver metro area and beyond. Provided free to participants.
- Youth in Natural Resources (YNR) Career exploration and workforce development program for youth ages 14-25, providing real-world experience in environmental science and natural resources, high school success support, and college preparation including scholarship assistance. ELK has helped students secure over $1.1 million in scholarships to date.
- LEAF (Learning Environmental Activities for Families) Year-round family program enabling all ages to enjoy healthy outdoor activities together while building strong family bonds and support systems for student success. Activities include family camping, stewardship opportunities, and outdoor experiences, offered free to ELK families.
- Urban Rangers Youth employment program delivered in partnership with the National Park Service and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, providing extensive educational and professional development experiences for underserved youth in the Denver metro area through training as environmental educators and community ambassadors.
- ELK Education Center Facility Rental Affordable event and classroom space rental at the ELK Education Center in Montbello, Denver, featuring dual classrooms (45-90 capacity), lobby space, full kitchen, and back patio adjacent to Montbello Open Space Park. Rental rates vary by user type: Montbello-based nonprofits/residents at $50/hour, other nonprofits at $150 + $50/hour.
Quantifiable outcome
- 81% of school-based program students qualify for free/reduced lunch, serving the most economically disadvantaged youth
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK)
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- The Trust for Public LandcoreKey partnership for the ELK Education Center and Montbello Open Space Park Campaign. The Trust for Public Land worked with ELK and Denver Parks and Recreation to preserve 5.5 acres and develop the environmental education center and 4.5-acre open space park.
- Denver Parks and RecreationcorePartnership in the ELK Education Center and Montbello Open Space Park Campaign. DPR is a key partner in providing and maintaining public green space for the community.
- National Parks Service (NPS)corePartnership through the Urban Ranger program. NPS staff provide training to Urban Rangers, and Rangers serve as educational facilitators and ambassadors for NPS in their communities.
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW)corePartnership through the Urban Ranger program and as a funder. CPW staff provide training to Urban Rangers and the agency provides funding support for ELK programs.
- Denver Museum of Nature and SciencemajorLong-term host venue for the annual ELK 'n Eggs fundraiser. This partnership has continued for 13+ years, providing a prestigious venue for the organization's largest annual fundraising event.
- Keystone Science SchoolminorPartner for LEAF family programming, hosting family trips and volunteer activities at their facility in Keystone, Colorado.
- Next 100 CoalitionmajorKey advocacy partner in advancing outdoor equity initiatives. ELK was highlighted by the White House Council on Environmental Quality alongside the Next 100 Coalition for work breaking down barriers to outdoor access.
- Rocky Mountain PaddleboardminorPartner for LEAF family paddleboarding activities, providing equipment and instruction for family outdoor experiences.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- National Park Trust:
- Outdoor Afro: Outdoor Afro is a nonprofit that connects Black communities to nature through outdoor experiences, education, and conservation leadership — closely aligned with ELK's BIPOC outdoor-equity and career-pipeline focus.
- Big City Mountaineers: Big City Mountaineers provides free wilderness mentoring experiences to under-resourced urban youth, with a similar mission of breaking down barriers to outdoor access for BIPOC and low-income youth. Closest direct peer given the urban-youth + outdoor-equity + free-program model alignment.
- GirlTrek: GirlTrek is a nonprofit mobilizing Black women and girls to walk outdoors for health and community. Comparable in free programming, urban BIPOC focus, community-led outreach model, and donor-supported funding structure.
- Student Conservation Association: The Student Conservation Association is a national nonprofit that provides youth (including underserved youth) with conservation service and career-pathway programs in national parks and public lands. Most directly comparable peer to ELK's Urban Ranger and YNR programs given its shared youth-environmental-career mission.
Broad incumbents
- Appalachian Mountain Club: The Appalachian Mountain Club is a large outdoor education and recreation nonprofit running youth outdoor programs, conservation, and outdoor-equity initiatives. Broader scope and regional (Northeast) footprint, but operates in the same youth-outdoor-education category as ELK.
- The Nature Conservancy (Colorado Chapter): TNC is a global environmental nonprofit with youth-education and conservation-careers programming, and is listed as a notable ELK donor. Broader incumbent — relevant as both peer and ecosystem partner.
- Children & Nature Network: Children & Nature Network is the leading national advocacy and resource network promoting equitable access to nature for children. A broader incumbent operating at the movement level rather than direct service, but operating in ELK's core outdoor-equity space.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) social profiles
Digital presenceEnvironmental Learning for Kids (ELK) financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK)
What does Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) do?
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that delivers free outdoor education, STEM instruction, and environmental experiences for underserved urban youth ages 5-25 in the Denver metro area through six programs: School-Based Programs, Denver Youth Naturally, Youth in Natural Resources, LEAF family programs, and Urban Rangers. The organization operates from the ELK Education Center, an environmental education facility adjacent to the 4.5-acre Montbello Open Space Park in northeast Denver.
Is Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) a public or private company?
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) founded?
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) was founded in 1996. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) based?
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) is headquartered in Denver, United States, in the North America region.
How does Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Individual and Corporate Donations are the primary driver. The others are foundation and Government Grants, venue Rental Revenue and event Fundraising.
Who are Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK)'s main competitors?
Direct peers on record are National Park Trust, Outdoor Afro, Big City Mountaineers, GirlTrek and Student Conservation Association. Broad incumbents are Appalachian Mountain Club, The Nature Conservancy (Colorado Chapter) and Children & Nature Network.
Does Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) have an API?
No public API is recorded for Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK).
What industry is Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) in?
Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK)'s product category is Youth Environmental Education Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAGAH, Environmental Education & Outreach, with a secondary code of THAAAOAA, Outdoor & Wilderness Education Schools (Field-Based Learning). Its NAICS code is 71219 and its SIC code is 8200.