Quarterly Community Grant Program

The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation's Community Grants program offers unrestricted operating support and project grants to nonprofit arts and culture organizations based in the Denver metropolitan area. A cornerstone of the Foundation’s mission is to invest in organizations that produce and present the arts to the public while promoting equity, inclusion, and community engagement. These grants serve both as a tool for sustaining ongoing operational stability and as a mechanism for fostering new relationships with arts organizations, especially those that align with the Foundation’s core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Unrestricted operating grants are the primary funding focus, intended to provide organizations with the flexibility to strengthen their internal capacity and sustainability. However, project-based support may also be considered, particularly when such funding can serve as an entry point for new applicants or deepen existing relationships. The Foundation recognizes that such partnerships may evolve gradually, and accordingly, applicants are encouraged to approach the process with a long-term view of engagement and trust-building. For both general operating and project support, the maximum grant amount is currently capped at $60,000. Eligibility criteria for the Community Grants program are clearly defined. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and culture organizations or fiscally sponsored groups focused on producing and presenting the arts for public benefit. Organizations must be based in the city of Denver and deliver the majority of their programming within the city. Exceptions may be made for community-centered, small-budget organizations located in adjacent counties such as Arapahoe, Adams, and Jefferson, though these must be discussed with the grants team in advance. Additional eligibility requirements include at least three years of consistent public programming, a minimum annual operating budget of $50,000, and paid staff equivalent to at least 0.5 full-time equivalent (FTE). Furthermore, organizations must demonstrate a strong understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles and outline how these are integrated into their work. The grant process begins with the submission of a Grant Interest Form for new applicants, which helps the Foundation assess initial alignment. Returning applicants who have received a grant within the past three years may bypass this step. Organizations are limited to one grant award within any 12-month period. Following submission, a panel reviews each proposal, and successful applicants are notified of their award decision. A final grant report is required as part of the grant lifecycle to ensure accountability and learning. The Community Grants program operates on a quarterly cycle. Round 2 opens on October 10, 2025, and closes on November 10, 2025, with award decisions issued in January 2026. Round 3 opens on January 9, 2026, and closes on February 10, 2026, with decisions announced in April. Round 4 follows, opening on April 10 and closing on May 11, with awards finalized in July. All applications are submitted via the Foundation’s online portal, which requires prior eligibility confirmation and account registration. The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation can be contacted for questions or clarifications via phone at +1 303-825-3774 or by email at [email protected]. The Foundation office is located at 1033 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204. Organizations are encouraged to engage in conversations with the grants team throughout the process, especially if their geographic base is outside Denver but still within the eligible counties. The Foundation emphasizes relationship-building, long-term investment in leadership, and the amplification of arts organizations that serve historically underrepresented communities.