Welcome to the Brett Family Foundation

Linda Shoemaker and her husband, Steve Brett, founded the Brett Family Foundation in the millennium year of 2000 with the vision of helping make Colorado a more compassionate and just place for all who live here. This continues to be the guiding force directing the Foundation's goals: to foster a society whose hallmarks include strong democracy, healthy and inclusive communities, equal rights and access to opportunity for all, and a commitment to the common good.

Linda grew up in Boulder, and she and Steve have lived in Boulder for over a quarter of a century. Steve has retired from a career as a corporate attorney and remains very active in community causes. Linda was a journalist and attorney before turning to volunteer work improving public education -- ultimately becoming the President of the Boulder Valley School District Board of Education. Through her work as a philanthropist, Linda has played a key role in advancing progressive public policy changes in Colorado. In 2014, she was elected Regent of the University of Colorado from the Second Congressional District.

Linda and Steve serve as trustees of the Brett Family Foundation and, along with their three adult children, direct the Foundation's grantmaking according to the Guiding Principles. The Foundation invests in organizations working for social justice, developing nonprofit media, and Boulder County nonprofits addressing the needs of at-risk families.