We fund 501(c)(3) organizations, groups of residents in low-income neighborhoods, and collaborative efforts among groups in the seven-county Metro Denver. Our Fall Grants Cycle will soon be open and includes funding opportunities from the Community Grants Program, the Lowe Fund, and the new Civic Fabric Fund. Scroll the list of funding opportunities, below, for a preview of these funds.
Learn More About The Community Grants Program
Funding Opportunities FAQThrough the Community Grants Program, The Denver Foundation supports nonprofits that serve the seven-county Metro Denver area; advance our Core Values of constituent engagement and racial equity; and align with our priority funding areas.
Through the Community Grants Program, The Denver Foundation supports nonprofits that serve the seven-county Metro Denver area; advance our Core Values of constituent engagement and racial equity; and align with our priority funding areas:
ELIGIBILTY
We fund 501(c)(3) organizations and collaborative efforts among 501(c)(3) organizations and other groups in the seven-county Metro Denver region that address one or more of the goals described in this booklet. Organizations that have fiscal sponsorship from a 501(c)(3) are eligible to apply.
The Black Resilience in Colorado (BRIC) fund directs resources to address systemic racism and its impact on Black communities across the seven-county Metro Denver region.
The BRIC fund will specifically support nonprofit organizations led by and serving Black communities. The fund will issue grants and support capacity building to help these organizations build resources to withstand the current crises and build long-term sustainability.
Grant awards will typically range from $5,000 to $25,000.
The Application will open on Monday, February 14 and close Friday, April 1 at 5 p.m. For details on eligibility please visit the BRIC website.
Contact LaDawn Sullivan, lsullivan@denverfoundation.org, with questions.
ELIGIBILITY
This fund helps low-income children learn to dance, act, and sing, with all the creativity and zest for life that comes through these opportunities.
This fund helps low-income children learn to dance, act, and sing, with all the creativity and zest for life that comes through these opportunities. Miss Bowen’s legacy continues to help young people experience the joy of performing for generations to come. The mission of the fund is to support performing arts programs for elementary and middle school youth who have fewer opportunities to learn and appreciate the arts.
Grant ranges are expected to be in the $5,000 to $15,000 range.
Contact bowen@denverfoundation.org with questions.
ELIGIBILITY
Through the Civic Fabric Fund, The Denver Foundation provides nonprofits with funding to support their policy and advocacy efforts, including the critical activities of voter registration and engagement. The Denver Foundation is pleased to invite selected and qualified nonprofits to apply for the Civic Fabric Fund to support 2022 voter engagement efforts.
The 2022 November election will allow voters to decide not only on elected officials who will represent them but also on critical state and local housing, education, and taxation policies. State and local lawmakers have made strides in making the voting process more equitable and secure. However, more work is needed to engage growing populations of eligible voters, especially among historically underrepresented groups (American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian American or Pacific Islander, Black, Indigenous and Latino/Latina, and those of economic disadvantage).
Voter engagement grants will support nonprofits’ efforts to register and mobilize new and low-turnout voters from historically underrepresented communities to vote this election year.
Grants from the fund typically range from $5,000 to $15,000.
This funding opportunity is open only to eligible organizations that have been invited to apply by The Denver Foundation.
Organizations in the seven-county Metro Denver area that are registered as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or that have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor are eligible.
The Climate Equity Fund seeks to deploy resources to nonprofit organizations that are addressing climate change.
The Climate Equity Fund seeks to deploy resources to nonprofit organizations that are addressing climate change. Organizations must be able to articulate how their program reduces carbon emissions in a measurable way, and how it supports individuals, communities, and neighborhoods in efforts to reduce climate change and improve community well-being.
Grant ranges are expected to be in the $5,000 to $50,000 range.
Preference will be given to organizations working in the seven-county metro Denver region.
ELIGIBILITY
The Comprecare Fund supports community-based projects that focus on helping older adults maintain their health through self-help and lifestyle changes. Once a year, the Fund solicits proposals that have a wide potential reach and influence in the field of optimal wellness for seniors in Colorado.
The Comprecare Fund supports community-based projects that focus on helping older adults maintain their health through self-help and lifestyle changes. Once a year, the Fund solicits proposals that have a wide potential reach and influence in the field of optimal wellness for seniors in Colorado. The Fund has adopted a broad definition of optimal wellness, and any project that addresses wellness will be considered.
Preference will be given to returning grantees who are required to submit a final report in addition to a new application.
Contact comprecare@denverfoundation.org with questions.
The Deane Early Learning Equity Grant aims to address systemic barriers within early learning environments for Colorado children birth-8 years old who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
The Deane Early Learning Equity Grant aims to address systemic barriers within early learning environments for Colorado children birth-8 years old who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
The Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund helps immigrants access fair legal representation and due process. The fund provides grants to nonprofit organizations that offer direct legal representation to low-income Denver residents who face potential deportation.
The Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund (DILSF) was created in 2018 to help vulnerable immigrants access fair legal representation and due process. Established by the City of Denver and managed by The Denver Foundation. Grants are recommended by a seven-person Advisory Committee, which includes two directly impacted community members from the Immigration Resistance Table and one seat appointed by each of the following: The Mayor of Denver, Denver City Council, Colorado Lawyers Committee, a separate fundraising committee, and The Denver Foundation. The Advisory Committee develops priorities and processes for the Fund’s grantmaking.
ELIGIBILITY
This is a two-year funding opportunity to provide funding for nonprofits to add one attorney fellow and a dedicated paralegal for one year.
This is a two-year funding opportunity to provide funding for nonprofits to add one additional qualified, community-focused immigration attorney fellow and dedicated paralegal for 1 year with eligibility to renew for a second year. Funding for this fellowship can also include funds to assist with representation-related fees.
Grant applications are due Monday, April 12.
The Denver Educational Senior Citizens Incorporated (DESCI) Community Housing Program was founded 55 years ago with the mission of providing safe, pleasant, and affordable housing to persons age 60 and over who are Denver Public Schools employees, retirees, and members of their immediate families.
The DESCI Community Housing Program provides monthly portable rent subsidies to eligible Denver Public Schools’ employees, and retirees and members of their immediate families ages 60 and above.
Program participants receive a monthly rental subsidy up to $350 a month. If approved, the rent subsidy will be paid directly to the participant’s property owner/manager and may be used for any property in the Denver Metropolitan area, provided it meets The Denver Foundation’s criteria. The property owner/manager must agree in writing to accept the rent subsidy payment directly.
Rent subsidies are generally awarded in 24-month cycles. There is no limit to the number of times a participant may renew the subsidy, pending verification of continued eligibility.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
The DESCI Community Housing Program provides rent subsidies to low-income persons 60 years of age and older who are DPS retirees, current and former employees, and members of their immediate families. To be considered for a subsidy, please complete the Subsidy Application and supply documents to verify eligibility. You will be contacted after your application has been received.