Community STAND (Stabilization Tool Assisting Neighborhood Development) Grant Program

The Community STAND (Stabilization Tool Assisting Neighborhood Development) Grant Program is a funding initiative administered by the Denver Urban Renewal Authority (DURA). Established in 1958 by the City and County of Denver, DURA focuses on redevelopment strategies that foster inclusive reinvestment, equitable growth, and sustainable neighborhood development throughout Denver. The agency works to balance new development with the preservation of established community assets, aiming to prevent displacement and support long-term community stability. DURA utilizes tools like Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and administers a portfolio of community investment programs designed to address the evolving needs of historically underinvested areas. The Community STAND program is one of its flagship initiatives under this community-centered strategy. Launched in 2024, the C-STAND program was created to extend the benefits of urban renewal beyond physical infrastructure by investing directly in the organizations that anchor Denver’s neighborhoods. The grants are intended to support small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) located within or adjacent to Urban Renewal Areas (URAs). The program seeks to fund projects that strengthen neighborhood character, preserve community culture, and create lasting positive impact. In 2024, its inaugural year, the program distributed over half a million dollars across 13 projects, demonstrating its potential as a powerful tool for neighborhood stabilization. C-STAND grant funding can support a wide variety of eligible project types, including but not limited to physical improvements, safety upgrades, real estate acquisition, business equipment purchases, marketing (excluding events), public art installations, façade enhancements, and landscaping. DURA welcomes creative proposals and encourages applicants to describe how their projects meet the program’s goal of promoting long-term presence in historically underserved communities. Grants range between $10,000 and $50,000 per award, and applicants must demonstrate both readiness and capacity to complete their proposed project within one year of agreement execution. Projects that are shovel-ready or demonstrate immediate implementation potential are given priority in evaluation. To be eligible, applicants must be located in the City and County of Denver and fall within a designated URA or within a half-mile radius of one. Qualifying entities include small businesses with less than $2 million in annual gross revenue, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with less than $5 million in revenue (including Registered Neighborhood Organizations and religious groups), and organizations incubated by a 501(c)(3). Business Improvement Districts are also eligible. Applicants must submit proposals that include an organizational overview, project description, a narrative explaining community impact, a full project budget and performance schedule, a letter of community support, and documentation of compliance, such as a business license and certificate of insurance. Fiscal sponsors are permitted, provided they commit to managing the project and refrain from collecting administrative fees. For the 2026 cycle, DURA is offering two rounds of C-STAND grants. Round 2 opened with the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) on February 2, 2026, and applications are due by March 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM MT. A virtual pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for February 12, 2026. DURA will respond to applicant questions submitted by February 18, with responses posted on February 25. Grant award notifications are expected by April 30, 2026. Organizations may submit multiple proposals independently or in collaboration. Applications must be submitted electronically in PDF format via the DURA website. The evaluation process focuses on alignment with DURA’s mission and the STAND program’s objectives, readiness for implementation, and demonstrated community impact. Recipients are required to submit periodic reports on project progress and outcomes. Proposals must avoid prohibited uses detailed in the NOFA, such as operating expenses, event funding, and any activity related to marijuana or certain disallowed business types. Full proposal requirements and eligibility maps can be accessed via DURA’s application hub or C-STAND program page.

Prioritize readiness, long-term impact, and location within a URA or nearby.