After selling their stakes in the Denver Broncos, John Bowlen and Kerry Cooper Bowlen team up with Calgary Foundation
By Olivia Piché • Photography by Jared Syc
In 2015, as gold confetti rained down on the stadium in Santa Clara, California, Kerry Cooper Bowlen and John Bowlen stood on the field, surrounded by their family and friends, celebrating the Denver Broncos’ third Super Bowl win under their ownership. They remember this moment as the pinnacle of their time as part owners of the NFL team — it marked the end of beloved quarterback Peyton Manning’s football career, and the Bowlens knew their ownership journey would also be ending soon.
In 2022, the Broncos-Bowlen era came to an official close when John and Kerry sold their stakes in the football team, leading them on a philanthropic journey. The longtime-Calgary couple created the John Bowlen Legacy Fund, administered by Calgary Foundation, which has made a tremendous impact across the city.
“You can very easily be inundated with the many causes that need help. Calgary Foundation was able to assist us,” explains John. “With a little bit of guidance, we can make a big dent with our philanthropic efforts and stay on track with our vision.”
The John Bowlen Legacy Fund has supported more than 20 charitable organizations and allowed the couple to respond to immediate and evolving community needs. Their passions often guide their gift giving as shown by their love for animals — the Bowlens support animal welfare organizations like Parachutes for Pets and the Alice Sanctuary. They also provided funding for the renovation and equipment for Alberta’s first pay-what-you-can animal hospital, a Canadian Animal Task Force initiative.
John’s passion is reflected in the Fund’s support of kids’ programs and, of course, sports. The Bowlens fully funded a sports program for children with disabilities at Mount Royal University, and supported operating costs at the Trellis Society (formerly the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary) where John served as board member for more than 20 years.
“We’ve only been doing this for about three years, and I am proud of everything we’ve done so far,” says Kerry. “It is just so beautiful to be able to help our communities in so many different ways. And we’re just getting started, and I can’t wait to see where we’re gonna go.”
Just as the Bowlens’ generosity reflects a financial legacy, the value of giving back is also a generational affair. Kerry’s son, Trevor Cooper, and his wife, Amy, along with their three kids, have started their own fund with the Foundation, helping Calgary kids and families. “Your legacy for your children and your grandchildren has got to be to pay it forward,” states Kerry proudly.
Bottom line, the Bowlens strongly believe that their good fortune is meant to be shared. “We have been so blessed. There’s no way that we wouldn’t try to make community contributions; we’re absolutely grateful to be able to live this life. Giving back means more to us than anything,” Kerry affirms.