In 2021,The Denver Foundation adopted a policy framework and principles that outline its efforts to advance systemic change at the local and state level in the following issue areas: economic opportunity, K-12 education, environment and climate, housing, and transportation.
When creating the framework, the foundation recognized it needed to embark on new strategies, such as serving as a direct advocate, convening stakeholders, and commissioning research, to inform policy solutions to tackle the most pressing issues impacting Metro Denver. The foundation also recognized it needed to double down on providing general operating grants to increase the capacity of nonprofits working to advance policy change.
As a result, the foundation established The Civic Fabric Fund, a dedicated source of grantmaking by the foundation to promote a healthy and equitable Metro Denver through policy change.
We are proud to award a total of $276,700 to the following nine organizations working to advance local and /or state policy change in alignment with the foundation’s policy principles in 2023:
The Bell Policy Center: Through The Bell Policy Center’s research and advocacy, they provide policymakers, advocates, and the public with reliable resources to create a practical policy agenda that raises the economic floor, builds a diverse and thriving middle class, and sparks innovative ideas to prepare us for the future.
Good Business Colorado: Good Business Colorado works with values-driven business leaders to formulate, refine, and advocate for state and federal policies that raise the bar and level the playing field to build a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable Colorado. By elevating the voices of its members, GBC provides a perspective that is often different from traditional business chambers and organizations on the most pressing issues of our time.
Colorado Fiscal Institute: The Colorado Fiscal Institute provides credible, independent, and accessible information and analysis of fiscal and economic issues facing Colorado. They aim to inform and influence policy debates and contribute to sound decisions that improve the well-being of individuals, communities, and the state as a whole.
Colorado Children’s Campaign: The Colorado Children’s Campaign is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization committed since 1985 to realizing every chance for every child in Colorado. They advocate for the development and implementation of data-driven public policies that improve child well-being in health, education, early childhood, and family economic prosperity.
Community Economic Defense Project: The Community Economic Defense Project (formerly COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project) partners with low-income and working people to build economic and racial equity. They do this by confronting economic abuse and investing in community wealth, and using an ever-evolving set of legal, economic, and advocacy tools to challenge and dismantle unjust systems, building quickly toward a world where all people have what they need to live and thrive.
Conservation Colorado: Conservation Colorado works to protect Colorado’s climate, air, land, water, and communities through organizing, advocacy, and elections. They have a long and successful history in Colorado of collaborating on key environmental issues, working collectively at the State Capitol, and establishing strategic partnerships.
Denver Streets Partnership: The Denver Streets Partnership is a coalition of community organizations advocating for people-friendly streets in Denver. They work to connect decision-makers and Denver residents with diverse perspectives, timely information, and practical solutions to reduce our city’s dependence on cars and design communities that prioritize people.
Faithbridge: FaithBridge is committed to bridging relationships and resources to ensure a high-quality education for every child. They boldly aim for a reality where 100% of children are receiving an equitable and excellent education that prepares them for the choice of college without remediation.
Healthy Air and Water: Healthy Air and Water advocates for public policy that focuses exclusively on the growing public health threats posed by climate change. They know that worsening air quality, rising temperatures, and threats to water availability and quality – all products of climate change – have profound impacts on human health, particularly for our most vulnerable community members like those with existing health issues and children.