The Denver Foundation awards $2M in community grants

October 18, 2022

The Denver Foundation is pleased to announce $2.0 million in grants awarded to 58 nonprofit organizations across Metro Denver. The grants reflect the priorities of The Denver Foundation’s Strategic Framework, including racial equity and constituent-led solutions to advancing economic opportunity, education, climate and environment, housing, and transportation.

A complete list of grant recipients is below.

The five focus areas of the Community Grants Program were identified in The Denver Foundation’s Strategic Framework, launched in February 2021. They were strongly influenced by community input. In response to community feedback, the average grant now ranges between $20,000 and $50,000.

“The Community Grants Program is the purest example of The Denver Foundation practicing our values. These organizations are improving our neighborhoods and addressing the core issues facing families and communities all around Denver,” said Javier Alberto Soto, president and CEO of The Denver Foundation.

Grants were awarded following a thorough review of more than 218 proposals led by The Denver Foundation staff and members of the Advisory Committee for Community Impact, a volunteer body composed of over 50 local leaders. In keeping with the foundation’s commitment to racial equity, the committee prioritized organizations with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) leadership, which represent 59% of the final award recipients.

“Thank you for the care The Denver Foundation put into helping me understand the values and priorities of the Community Grants Program. This funding will help us plan for 2023 with confidence. I can’t wait to email my team!”- 2022 Grantee

Through the Community Grants Program, The Denver Foundation aims to improve the lives of historically oppressed people living in Metro Denver, with a focus on people who live in low-income communities and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.

The program is funded by The Fund for Denver, The Denver Foundation’s permanent endowment, built over generations to provide for community needs. Grants made through the program represent approximately 5% of The Denver Foundation’s annual grantmaking.

Grants are made through the program in two cycles per year. Applications for the Spring 2023 cycle will open on January 15, 2023. You can learn more about the Community Grants Program on our website. Donors can support The Fund for Denver online or through their Donor Advised Fund. Nonprofits can ask specific questions regarding the program at grants@denverfoundation.org.