Elise Collins joined Rose Community Foundation in August 2025 as the Donor and Fund Services Coordinator. In this role, she supports the Foundation’s philanthropic services team by stewarding donor-advised and endowed funds, supporting fundholders, and ensuring accurate and timely gift processing to advance values-driven philanthropy across Greater Denver.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Elise served as Project Coordinator and Assistant Director of Development at the University of Colorado Boulder’s College of Music, where she led fundraising appeals and cultivated gifts from individual and corporate donors. She also worked at the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade with Colorado Creative Industries, co-managing the distribution of $65 million through the Colorado Community Revitalization Grant to create mixed-use arts spaces statewide. Her reporting efforts helped secure an additional $20 million in funding for the program. Elise also revitalized the Accessibility Corner initiative to provide resources on accessibility for arts organizations and served as the State Tribal Liaison for the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, connecting tribal representatives with economic development opportunities.

Elise earned an MBA, an MA in Theatre and Performance Studies, a BFA in Theatre Performance, and a Leadership Studies Minor from the University of Colorado Boulder. A proud Boettcher Scholar and Phi Beta Kappa member, she graduated summa cum laude and remains deeply committed to community service. Elise currently serves as Vice Chair of the board for the Performing Arts Academy, where she is the first alumni board member. She previously served as a board member for the Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company and chaired their Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee. Elise performs with Impact Playback and Affinity Arts Consulting, using interactive theatre to foster community connection and social change. Outside of work, Elise enjoys directing, performing, and fight-choreographing for theatre productions across Colorado, as well as partner dancing, hiking, and reading.