The Daniels Fund Grants Program

The Daniels Fund Grants Program is a philanthropic initiative driven by the enduring vision and values of its founder, Bill Daniels, a successful entrepreneur and cable television pioneer. The Daniels Fund operates with a mission to provide grants that improve lives and strengthen communities across four Western states: Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. This program focuses exclusively on nonprofit organizations and government equivalents operating within these states. Rooted in compassion and opportunity, the fund embodies Daniels’ belief in empowering people to achieve their potential and live dignified lives. The fund prioritizes initiatives in specific areas inspired directly by Bill Daniels’ life experiences. These areas include Aging, Amateur Sports, Disabilities, Drug & Alcohol Addiction, Early Childhood Education, Homeless & Disadvantaged populations, K–12 Education Reform, and Youth Development. Each area is defined by distinct objectives—for example, Youth Development initiatives are expected to support programs that build character and life skills through career exploration, civics education, and financial literacy. Similarly, initiatives under the Aging category should focus on enhancing quality of life and independence for older adults through home-based services, palliative care, and social integration. Eligibility for the Daniels Fund grants is restricted to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or government-equivalent entities that serve the designated four-state region. In some instances, programs working through a fiscal sponsor may also be eligible, provided there is a close mission alignment and a formal memorandum of understanding between the sponsor and project entity. The fund does not support programs outside the designated states, nor does it make grants to individuals. Nationwide programs are supported only by invitation and must have a direct connection to the fund’s strategic goals. The fund employs a competitive grantmaking process, selecting only the most effective and impactful organizations. New applicants must complete a Grants Eligibility Quiz to determine alignment with fund priorities before submitting a grant inquiry. Returning grantees who have received funding within the last two years are directed to contact their program officer for guidance. Those whose funding was awarded more than two years ago must complete the eligibility quiz or log into the Grants Portal for next steps. Once invited to apply, applicants will submit full proposals, with decisions communicated approximately 120 days after submission. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines. However, declined applicants must wait a full year before reapplying. The application process may include the submission of documentation for fiscal sponsorship, evaluation frameworks, program sustainability plans, and measurable outcomes. The Daniels Fund is particularly interested in organizations with strong leadership, community support, and a demonstrated capacity for achieving significant, measurable community results. Although the fund accepts general operations and capital campaign requests, proposals must be tightly aligned with its mission and funding areas. For assistance or additional details, applicants can reach the Daniels Fund via phone at 877-791-4726. While there is no publicly available PDF containing full application guidelines, extensive information is accessible through the official Daniels Fund website. The Grants Program remains a cornerstone of the foundation’s broader impact strategy, ensuring that Bill Daniels’ legacy of generosity continues to uplift lives and communities across the Mountain West.