Working with Denver to provide mini grants for community groups, nonprofits, and microbusinesses in priority neighborhoods
The Denver Foundation is pleased to invite qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits, or community groups, and microbusinesses with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor to apply for funding for the City and County of Denver through the Community Support Mini Grants program. This program prioritizes projects or activities that will create a stronger and more connected neighborhood, and address community needs.
The funding supports work in Denver Neighborhood Equity & Stabilization (NEST) neighborhoods: Athmar Park, Barnum, Barnum West, Clayton, College View, East Colfax, Elyria Swansea, Globeville, Kennedy, Lincoln Park, Mar Lee, Montbello, Ruby Hill, Sun Valley, Valverde, Villa Park, Westwood, and Windsor.
(NOTE: There is a change to the eligibility criteria for this program. These mini grants only fund 501(c)(3) organizations or groups with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. We will no longer accept applications from non-501(c)(3) groups, unless they have a fiscal sponsor.)
Grantees must fully implement and complete and all projects – including all activities, deliverables, and use of funds – by Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. We encourage applicants to carefully consider whether their project can be completed within this timeframe before applying. Extensions will not be available.
ELIGIBILITY
- Your community group must be led by at least three (3) unrelated people/leaders who live in the City and County of Denver and who will be responsible for this project or campaign.
- Your organization must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.
- Microbusinesses with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor must operate within the program’s priority communities and have an annual revenue of no more than $500,000.
- Your organization must be located in or do work in the program’s priority neighborhoods (Organizations or groups outside these neighborhoods must partner with groups in the community if they want to apply.)Please look up your neighborhood if you’re unsure about your project’s eligibility: Denver Maps – Neighborhoods (denvergov.org)
Note: Denver Economic Development’s division of Neighborhood Equity & Stabilization (NEST) priorities neighborhoods include Athmar Park, Barnum, Barnum West, Clayton, College View, East Colfax, Elyria Swansea, Globeville, Kennedy, Lincoln Park, Mar Lee, Montbello, Ruby Hill, Sun Valley, Valverde, Villa Park, Westwood, and Windsor.
Not eligible for funding:
- Activities, projects, or programs that will have been completed before funding becomes available (no retroactive funding).
- Stand-alone equipment purchases such as cameras, electronics (including computers), air conditioners, copiers, office equipment, televisions, locks, etc.
Additional information
The Community Support Mini Grants program prioritizes projects and activities that will create a stronger and more connected neighborhood, address community needs, or strengthen navigation to service delivery, including:
Community building & organizing
Encouraging broad participation in a community to build trust, develop support networks, and foster neighborhood development. It also applies to projects designed to bring community members together around shared goals, improve communication, and enhance quality of life for all. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Neighborhood block parties, fairs or community cultural celebrations
- Community engagement and outreach
- Community organizing and advocacy
- 5k’s, runs and walks
Increasing economic mobility
Expanding opportunities for communities over multiple generations by improving access to education, health, housing, and workforce development that will foster greater economic mobility and access to wealth and income. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Direct services programs
- Resource navigation and technical assistance
- Trainings and workshops
Expanding group capacity
Helps strengthen a group’s service and responsiveness to their community. Examples include, but is not limited to:
- Board and leadership development
- Strategic and operational planning
- Marketing and communications
- Development of worker-owned cooperatives
Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO) works to ensure an inclusive and innovative economy for all Denver residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. 