The Recovery Foundation Grant Program

The Recovery Foundation is a philanthropic organization committed to supporting publicly supported charitable entities that address substance abuse-related mental health issues in Colorado. Its funding also extends to organizations providing low-income housing and support to The Denver Foundation. With a particular emphasis on the Greater Denver area, the Foundation conducts values-driven philanthropy aimed at fostering measurable improvements in the well-being of underserved communities. The Foundation provides grants three times annually. Submissions are accepted year-round, but applications are reviewed according to three cycles. Applications received between January 1 and April 30 will be reviewed with decisions issued by June 30. Those submitted between May 1 and August 31 will receive a response by October 31. Finally, applications submitted from September 1 through December 31 will be reviewed with results communicated by February 28. The Recovery Foundation encourages early submissions to align with these review windows. Funding from the Foundation may reach up to $250,000, with any request over $25,000 considered a major grant. While not mandatory, major grants are preferably structured through real estate investments or matching fund models. Real estate investments may include equity grants, and matching funds serve to incentivize additional donor contributions and bolster donor confidence. The Foundation explicitly does not support ongoing operational costs, contingencies, deficits, debt reductions, or event sponsorships. Funding must be allocated to specific needs within the community, avoiding use for religious purposes unless part of a secular, inclusive program. Eligible applicants must be recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as public charities. Additionally, organizations must be able to demonstrate strong leadership, effective fiscal management, the ability to measure and report outcomes, and a proven history of cost-effective service delivery. The Recovery Foundation typically funds only one grant per agency annually, requiring reapplication for each subsequent cycle. For major grants, periodic reporting—including semi-annual updates and a final project summary—is mandatory. Applications are evaluated using five primary criteria: clarity of purpose, potential for success, leadership, financial stability, and the organization’s ability to measure and report results. Proposals should include a clear project description, budget, evidence of community and funding support, and leadership credentials. Site visits by board members may also occur before, during, or after the grant period to assess progress and outcomes. Organizations interested in applying must comply with these detailed guidelines and align their mission with the Foundation's priorities in mental health, substance abuse, and low-income housing. Contact information is not explicitly provided in the source material, so prospective applicants are advised to use the Foundation’s website contact portal for inquiries.