Equity-Focused Leadership Grants

The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, based in Denver, Colorado, is committed to fostering a thriving and just community through investments in inclusive, diverse, and equitable arts and culture organizations, as well as social sector leaders. With a mission centered on promoting leadership that is visionary, compassionate, and grounded in equity, the Foundation views arts and culture as essential, relevant, and accessible to all. It works in partnership with grantees, funders, and community leaders to strengthen the creative economy and to ensure leadership development is reflective of historically marginalized communities. The Equity-Focused Leadership Grants program builds on this mission by offering up to $10,000 in unrestricted funding to ten organizations that support leadership development for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or adults with disabilities aspiring to lead in the social sector. The grants prioritize community-rooted leaders and organizations whose leadership programs are informed by the lived experiences of underrepresented groups. Funding can be used for general operating or project support, without restrictions on spending categories, allowing organizations flexibility to meet their unique needs. Eligibility for this program is limited to Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or those with a fiscal sponsor, with annual operating budgets under $2 million. The majority of an applicant’s programs must occur in Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, or Jefferson counties. Organizations must demonstrate leadership programming that recognizes and incorporates the perspectives of historically marginalized communities. Certain entities are ineligible, including college- or university-supported programs, youth development programs for those under 18, religious programs, and scholarship programs for individuals. The application process opens on July 30, 2025, with a submission deadline of August 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Applications are reviewed by a community panel that evaluates proposals and determines awards. There is no final report requirement; instead, an optional virtual check-in will be available in 2026. Applicants may only receive one unrestricted operating or project grant within a 12-month period. Questions and accessibility requests can be directed to Chrissy Deal at admin@bonfils-stanton.org or by phone at 303-825-3774. Monique Loseke is also available to assist with grant application questions. Applicants planning to use a fiscal sponsor are encouraged to review the Foundation’s fiscal sponsor guidelines and template agreement. The Foundation also provides an online application portal for submission. Award decisions will be announced in October 2025. This program is offered on a recurring basis, providing organizations with repeated opportunities to secure support for leadership initiatives that advance equity, foster diversity in the arts and culture sector, and strengthen the social sector leadership pipeline in the Denver metropolitan area.