The 2026 DEF Fall Grant Application has launched! We look forward to receiving your applications!
Grants Overview
2021 Fall Grant Cycle Important Dates
Application Cycle Opens: October 1, 2021
Deadline to Apply: December 1, 2021 at 11:59 PM
ABOUT THE HOLLAND OPPORTUNITY FUND
The Holland Opportunity Fund was established in 2025 through a generous $20,000 founding
gift from Marilyn Holland to ensure that Durango School District students (grades PK–12) could pursue passions and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach due to financial hardship.
Throughout her life, Marilyn was a steadfast supporter of educational opportunities for all students. We are heartbroken to write that Marilyn passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026 after a lifetime of ensuring that kids had access to education and to the pursuit of their dreams.
Before she passed, Marilyn endowed the Holland Fund to provide opportunity for Durango School District students in perpetuity. Student who receive support through the Holland Fund may pursue opportunities in academics, arts, STEM, music, athletics, leadership, or other areas of personal growth. Singular awards typically do not exceed $1500; DEF may revisit guidelines as community needs and fund sustainability evolve.
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Additionally, Marilyn held teachers in the highest regard for their work and expressed interest in providing a portion (approximately 25% of each annual gift) in grant award(s) to teachers applying for funding to provide life-changing opportunities for groups of students or to address critical fundamental needs of individual students. Teacher recipients of these funds must apply through the DEF Grant Application and will be selected by the grants committee.
