Community-Centered Solutions

The Community-Centered Solutions funding opportunity is administered by the Caring for Denver Foundation, a private philanthropic organization committed to transforming mental health and substance misuse care in the city of Denver. The Foundation’s mission centers on addressing root causes and supporting community-informed and community-led efforts that prioritize mental well-being, equity, and sustainability. As part of its broader portfolio, the Community-Centered Solutions funding area represents a strategic initiative aimed at improving outcomes for individuals and families impacted by mental health and substance misuse challenges in Denver. This funding opportunity specifically supports projects and interventions that are responsive to the unique needs of communities in Denver. The emphasis is on approaches that are designed, led, or co-led by those with lived experience or who are deeply embedded in the community. The Foundation seeks to fund initiatives that reduce harm, increase access to care, and foster healing through non-clinical, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed practices. Eligible uses of funds include programmatic services, community organizing, outreach, direct services, and systems-change initiatives. However, the Foundation does not fund endowments, fundraising events, loans, or projects tied to religious advancement. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations located in or serving Denver residents. This includes entities with IRS 501(c)(3) status, those with fiscal sponsorship, faith-based organizations (if funds are used solely for non-religious purposes), Native American entities, and government-supported institutions such as schools, libraries, and public agencies in Denver. For-profit organizations, private foundations, individuals, and political or religious advocacy efforts are not eligible. The Foundation values collaborative proposals, particularly those that reflect community partnerships or cross-sector coordination. Applications for the Community-Centered Solutions opportunity are submitted through the Caring for Denver Grants Portal. The current call for proposals has closed, with all applicants to be notified of their status by November 2025. While the submission deadline for the next cycle has not been announced, the program is recurring, and future opportunities are anticipated. Applicants are advised to review the eligibility criteria and gather required documentation early by referencing the Foundation’s resources and FAQ pages. No pre-application materials such as letters of intent are indicated for this cycle. The review process may include follow-up communications, requests for additional documentation, or site visits. The Foundation evaluates proposals based on alignment with its mission, community engagement, cultural relevance, and potential for systemic change. Contact for this funding opportunity is Tish Gonzales, the Grants and Operations Manager, who can be reached via the Foundation’s website. The Community-Centered Solutions program aligns with Caring for Denver’s broader commitment to equity, inclusion, and community empowerment. Given the grant's recurring nature, prospective applicants should monitor the Foundation’s website for updates on the next call for proposals and deadlines.

Prioritize community-led and culturally relevant practices; align with equity and systems-change goals.