The Colorado Health Foundation’s Building and Bridging Connections funding supports community-driven efforts that strengthen social capital, elevate community assets, and foster deeper relationships to address health challenges and advance health equity. This funding is specifically intended for projects that build trust, amplify underrepresented voices, and connect individuals and groups within defined geographic communities who may not have historically worked together. Examples include work with Indigenous women, people living with disabilities, and LGBTQ individuals from immigrant communities.
Projects supported under this program must center on a specific geo-located community and reflect the Foundation’s core values around equity, community-led design, and racial justice. Efforts may include cultural preservation activities, intergroup dialogue, community storytelling, collaborative events, and efforts to develop mutual support networks. Funding can also support community skill-building around decision-making, leadership development, or group facilitation. The ultimate aim is to support future collective action by fostering authentic, reciprocal connections.
Eligible applicants include community-based organizations—including informal groups with a fiscal sponsor—and local public agencies. Proposals must reflect a high level of community trust and evidence of prior engagement, as well as a plan for shared roles between the organization and community members throughout the project's life. Proposals that attempt to enter a community without established relationships or mutual benefit are ineligible.
Funding ranges from $20,000 to $45,000 and supports projects between 12 and 24 months in duration. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but organizations must first consult with a program officer and be invited to the solicited application process. Decisions are typically made within 45 days of submission. All grantees must participate in learning and evaluation activities as part of the funding process.
The Foundation encourages early contact with its team to discuss alignment and invites interested applicants to connect with a Program Officer by region or issue focus. Registration through the Foundation’s grants portal must be completed at least one week prior to submission.
Favor proposals with cultural preservation, lived experience, and established local ties
