The Denver Community Active Living Coalition (CALC), in partnership with the Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI) and Denver Streets Partnership (DSP), offers Micro-Grants to encourage active living in Denver neighborhoods. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to promote public health, safety, and community well-being by fostering environments that support physical activity and active transportation. The program's core belief is that accessible, safe, and enjoyable built environments are crucial for residents to lead active lives, thereby contributing to a healthier and more connected Denver.
The primary target beneficiaries of these Micro-Grants are individuals, businesses, and organizations within the City and County of Denver. The program aims to empower these beneficiaries to identify and address specific needs within their communities, fostering a sense of ownership and direct impact. The overarching impact goal is to enhance walkability, bikeability, and access to safe and healthy spaces for physical activity across Denver, ultimately leading to a more active and engaged populace.
The Micro-Grants prioritize projects that encourage active living, active transportation, mobility safety, or the creative use of the built environment. This focus ensures that funding supports initiatives directly contributing to the program's objectives. Examples of desired projects include those that make it safer, easier, and/or more fun to be active in Denver neighborhoods. The program encourages innovative and community-driven solutions that leverage existing resources and address specific local needs.
Expected outcomes include an increase in community-led projects that improve active living infrastructure and opportunities. Measurable results will be tied to the number of projects completed, their direct impact on walkability, bikeability, or access to physical activity spaces, and post-project reflections from recipients. The program anticipates an increase in physical activity among residents in areas where projects are implemented. Micro-Grant recipients are required to complete their projects within 90 days of approval and funding, and submit post-project reflections within two weeks of completion, allowing for tracking and evaluation of these outcomes.
