The Denver Foundation’s Community Grants Program is a key funding initiative supported by the Fund for Denver, a permanent endowment created from unrestricted gifts from nearly 1,500 donors over the past century. This program aims to address the most pressing needs in the Metro Denver region while ensuring long-term resources for community improvement. Through this program, The Denver Foundation provides financial support to nonprofit organizations working in the areas of economic opportunity, environment and climate, housing, and youth well-being. The goal is to reduce racial, ethnic, and economic disparities by prioritizing community and constituent leadership and racial equity.

The Community Grants Program awards approximately $4 million annually across two grant cycles. Each grant ranges from $20,000 to $50,000. Cycle 1 opens on January 15, 2025, and closes on March 3, 2025, while Cycle 2 runs from June 16, 2025, to August 1, 2025. New applicants can apply in either cycle. Previous grantees may also apply, provided at least 12 months have passed since their last application, regardless of the funding decision. A pre-application workshop is available to help applicants understand the process, and materials such as a slide deck and a recorded session are provided for guidance.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations that operate in or impact the seven-county Metro Denver region. The organization does not need to be physically based in Metro Denver but must demonstrate a meaningful effect on the area. The priority funding areas include economic opportunity, which supports workforce development and community wealth-building; environment and climate, focusing on air quality, energy efficiency, and renewable energy; housing, addressing affordable housing and homelessness; and youth well-being, which supports school funding reform with a focus on racial equity and youth mental health. Some activities, such as financial literacy programs, higher education readiness, land conservation, recreation, and supplemental school enrichment programs, are not eligible for funding.

The Denver Foundation places a strong emphasis on racial equity and constituent leadership in its grantmaking. Organizations are evaluated based on their alignment with these values and their ability to incorporate community voices into their decision-making processes. Applications are also assessed based on their adherence to The Denver Foundation’s funding priorities and their financial health. The foundation prefers requests for general operating support but will also consider program-specific funding.

The application process requires prospective grantees to review program guidelines, create an account on the TDF Grant Manager portal, and complete the online application. Final reports are required for organizations that have received previous grants before they can apply again. Additionally, The Denver Foundation shares applications with donors and fundholders who may be interested in providing additional support unless applicants opt out.

For further inquiries, applicants can contact The Denver Foundation via phone at 303-300-1790 or email at cgp@denverfoundation.org. The foundation also offers open office hours for additional support and guidance. More details on the Community Grants Program and other funding opportunities are available on their website.