Howard Fund History

The Howard Fund began with a bequest from Mrs. Ida G. Howard in 1938. It has grown through the years with the inclusion of gifts and bequests for the benefit of Colorado citizens who are blind. Initially the Howard Fund was administered by the Colorado Commission for the Blind, the State Board of Colorado Industries for the Blind. From 1959 through June 30, 1968 the administrative authority rested with the State Department of Rehabilitation. On July 1, 1968 a State Senate Bill placed the Department of Rehabilitation under the Department of Social Services as a division. Restructuring created the Department of Human Services on July 1, 1994. House Bill 93-1317 shifted all administrative authority to the new department. The managing agency was also then changed to the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.