The Caring for Denver Foundation has announced its 2025 Call for Proposals for the "Alternatives to Jail" funding initiative. This opportunity is part of the foundation’s broader mission to address the mental health and substance misuse challenges experienced by residents of the City and County of Denver. The application window opens April 1, 2025, and proposals must be submitted through the foundation’s online grants portal by May 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Organizations new to the portal must register by May 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. MT. Award notifications will be sent in late July 2025.

This grant opportunity seeks to fund programs that prevent individuals with substance misuse, mental health, and trauma-related needs from entering the criminal legal system. It also aims to support individuals involved in the system as they recover, focusing on reducing recidivism through improved access to care and community-based supports. The total amount allocated for this funding area is $14 million. While no specific award ceilings or floors are listed, organizations are encouraged to submit budgets that reflect their program's needs and the total funding pool.

Funding priorities include increasing inclusive access to care, ensuring cultural alignment between providers and recipients (Attention to Fit), and improving transitions and continuity in care (Care Over Time). Projects should support recovery through seamless service provision and minimize the trauma associated with fragmented care. Emphasis will also be placed on projects using peer specialists, providing intensive care, and offering flexible, tailored programming for individuals at risk or transitioning out of the criminal justice system.

Eligibility is limited to programs that exclusively serve City and County of Denver residents, with a specific definition of residency including individuals experiencing homelessness or those in legal custody residing in the City. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fiscally sponsored organizations, Indian or Native American entities, government-supported institutions (e.g., schools, libraries), and City or State agencies. Organizations not in good standing or without one year of financials must work with a fiscal sponsor. The foundation will not fund individuals, for-profits, private foundations, or proposals for general operating costs, facilities, debt reduction, or political and religious advocacy.

Applicants must align their proposals with at least one of the foundation's Shared Impact Goals: reducing substance misuse, improving or maintaining mental health, or increasing equity in outcomes. A livestream Q&A event will be hosted on April 3, 2025, via Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, with a recorded version available afterward.

All application materials must be submitted via the Caring for Denver grants portal (https://caring4denver.fluxx.io). For support or questions, applicants can contact Grants and Operations Manager Tish Gonzales at grants@caring4denver.org or call 720-647-6375.