The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation offers capital grants to support arts and culture organizations in Denver, Colorado. These grants are primarily intended for organizations with operating budgets under $5 million. The Foundation prioritizes capital projects that serve multiple organizations, promote diversity and equitable access, provide live/work spaces for artists, and address critical gaps in the arts and culture ecosystem. While the Foundation has historically supported organizations with established relationships, it is less likely to provide funding for large cultural institutions with operating budgets exceeding $5 million.

To be eligible, organizations must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission focused on producing and presenting the arts for the public. They must be based in Denver and conduct most of their programming within the city. Eligible organizations must have a minimum of three years of consistent public arts and culture programming, an annual operating budget of at least $50,000, and paid staffing equivalent to at least 0.5 full-time employees. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate a strong understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices and have a clear plan for implementing them.

The application process requires prospective applicants to first complete an eligibility questionnaire. New applicants must submit this questionnaire before applying for funding. The Foundation will review responses and follow up with next steps. If invited to apply, organizations may submit an application during one of the Foundation's quarterly grant cycles. Organizations can only receive one grant within a 12-month period. A final grant report is required upon completion of the funded project.

The Foundation does not provide funding for loans, grants, or scholarships to individuals, events, media or film productions, activities with a religious purpose, endowment funding, or requests to retire operating debt. It also does not support organizations outside Colorado or projects that do not benefit Colorado residents. Additionally, organizations using a fiscal sponsor must follow specific guidelines and use an approved fiscal sponsorship agreement.

Through its grantmaking, the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation seeks to foster a diverse and vibrant arts and culture ecosystem in Denver, invest in organizations that embrace and advance equity, and amplify the visibility and impact of arts and culture organizations. The Foundation also aims to nurture capable and diverse leadership within the nonprofit sector.

For more information, applicants can contact the Foundation at +1 303-825-3774 or via email at admin@bonfils-stanton.org. The Foundation’s office is located at 1033 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204, United States. Interested applicants should review eligibility criteria and apply via the online portal on the Foundation's website.