The Denver Foundation's Strengthening Neighborhoods Program offers small grants to support community-led efforts in the Metro Denver region. The program aims to enhance grassroots initiatives by funding capacity-building coaches or community development projects. These initiatives should leverage existing neighborhood strengths, such as local leaders' skills or institutions like businesses, schools, churches, and parks. The program prioritizes projects led by communities of color and lower-income communities.
Grants range from $500 to $5,000, with an average award of $2,500. Funds can be used to hire consultants or coaches to provide learning opportunities for community groups or to support projects that promote neighborhood development and engagement. Examples include launching worker-owned cooperatives, community organizing, developing neighborhood navigators, and board development. These grants help groups overcome barriers to participation, such as childcare costs or interpretation services.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, with funding decisions made monthly. The program closes annually in November. Applicants must be community groups led by at least three unrelated individuals, and they must be based in and serve the seven-county Metro Denver region. Organizations do not need to have 501(c)(3) status to apply. However, certain activities are not eligible for funding, including sponsorships, retroactive funding, debt retirement, grants for re-granting purposes, research, religious activities, and scholarships.
Past grant recipients must submit a final report detailing how previous funds were used before they can be considered for additional grants. Non-501(c)(3) groups must submit receipts through The Denver Foundation’s Grant Manager system. The Strengthening Neighborhoods program is separate from the City and County of Denver Community Support Mini-Grants.
Applications must be submitted through The Denver Foundation’s Strengthening Neighborhoods online portal. Additional information, including frequently asked questions, is available on the foundation’s website. The program opens for applications on January 21, 2025, and closes on November 3, 2025.
For inquiries, applicants can contact the program via email at sn@denverfoundation.org or by phone at 303-300-1790. The Denver Foundation’s mailing address is 1009 Grant Street, Denver, Colorado 80203.
