Biography of David Merage
David Merage is passionate about giving back to the community and he provides leadership to three philanthropic foundations: David and Laura Merage Foundation, Andre and Katherine Merage Foundation, and Merage Israel Foundation. The operational platform of the foundations was modeled on Mr. Merage’s successful business ventures, and his entrepreneurial spirit and management expertise provide a clear road-map for the social investment strategy. The foundations have a focus on venture philanthropy, and the investment process is highly interactive to ensure grantee partners have programs with measurable outcomes and significant community impact.
The David and Laura Merage Foundation (DLMF) is centered on the belief that education is the gateway to optimal life outcomes. The foundation’s early childhood education investments are informed by research demonstrating the critical link between early brain development and school success. DLMF is developing a collaborative multifaceted initiative to building the capacity of families and communities to provide enriched early learning environments for young children in the Denver metro region. In addition DLMF has a commitment to honoring their family legacy, and heritage by investing in programs that support the Jewish experience, and promote Iranian-Jewish culture. Grantee partners are focused on strengthening the cultural bonds and promoting identity within the Jewish community, and promoting acceptance of cultural and religious differences in our society.
David was born in Tehran, Iran in 1949. At the age of fifteen he traveled to England to pursue his studies and in 1968 he moved to the United States where he continued his education. David received his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from California State University in 1971. David is married to Laura Merage, an artist/photographer with works in public and private collections nationally and internationally. David and Laura have two children, Jonathan 27, and Sabrina 23. Jonathan attended Purdue University and is currently working in severe weather research. Sabrina graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in Marketing and is working in this field.