Denver Foundation’s Community Grants Program

The Community Grants Program is the flagship funding initiative of The Denver Foundation, underpinned by The Fund for Denver—its permanent endowment built through more than 1,500 donors over the past century. This funding initiative reflects the foundation’s commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the Metro Denver area while fostering a better future through strategic philanthropy. The Fund for Denver enables the Community Grants Program to provide ongoing, responsive financial support to organizations that align with the foundation’s core values and focus areas. Central to the program’s philosophy is the emphasis on community and constituent leadership as well as racial equity. Organizations that demonstrate alignment with these values are given priority in the grant evaluation process. The program supports nonprofit organizations operating in the seven-county Metro Denver region, which includes consideration of statewide initiatives if a clear impact on Metro Denver is demonstrated. The funding priorities are concentrated in four core areas: economic opportunity, environment and climate, housing, and youth well-being. Economic opportunity grants fund community wealth building and workforce development initiatives but do not support financial literacy or higher education readiness programs. Environmental and climate-related funding is limited to air quality, energy efficiency, and renewable energy projects, with exclusions for land conservation, recreation, or internal building improvements. Housing-focused grants support both temporary and permanent solutions for people experiencing homelessness, especially those with extremely low incomes (0–30% AMI), but do not support wraparound services alone. The youth well-being category has been expanded as of 2025 to include both school funding reforms that promote racial equity and youth mental health services targeting K–12 aged youth. The program supports systemic educational reforms and direct mental health services but does not fund supplemental or extracurricular programming, early education, or private schooling. All funded projects must demonstrate how they incorporate community input and leadership and promote racial equity. The Denver Foundation seeks proposals from organizations that invite constituent participation at all levels—from program planning to governance. There are two funding cycles per year. For 2026, Cycle 1 opens on January 15 and closes on March 2, while Cycle 2 opens June 16 and closes August 3. Organizations may apply during either cycle, including current grantees, provided it has been at least 12 months since their last application, regardless of outcome. The grant amounts range from $20,000 to $50,000, with approximately $4 million distributed annually. Applications must be submitted through the TDF Grant Manager portal. Applicants are encouraged to review the program guidelines thoroughly, attend an optional information session (next held online on January 27, 2026), and reach out to program staff for any clarification. The grant application process is straightforward, though applicants are advised to preview the online portal to understand required materials. Final reporting is mandatory for returning applicants and is a prerequisite for future consideration. The Denver Foundation also shares non-selected proposals with potential donors unless the applicant opts out. Evaluation criteria prioritize racial equity, community leadership, and alignment with funding priorities and geography. The Engaged Philanthropy Team and the Advisory Committee for Community Impact—a 50-member panel including nonprofit leaders and community representatives—collaboratively review and make funding decisions. The Foundation does not fund individuals, religious schools, capital campaigns, or proposals that do not align with its stated priorities.