Search Through Grants for 501(c)(3) in Denver, Colorado in the U.S.

AJL recognizes that we are neither the experts nor the authority on the issues we work on. We respect and trust our colleagues, partners and the communities we serve and recognize them as the experts on their own experiences. We believe that by bringing together diverse representatives of all communities affected by our grantmaking to make funding decisions, the collective expertise and experiences of the group will lead to more effective and equitable grantmaking decisions and increased impact.

What We Fund

AJL's Grantmaking Committee makes funding decisions based on the following criteria:

Community Giving

As a financial cooperative, Bellco Credit Union’s mission is to improve our members’ quality of life by building their wealth and securing their financial future.

When it comes to our community engagement and financial support for charitable organizations, we focus our efforts on Financial Education, Quality of Life, and Arts & Culture initiatives, as well as initiatives that support our business priorities. Rather than making several small donations, Bellco makes larger contributions to fewer organizations so that we may have a more significant impact.

Focus Areas

• Financial Education
  • Helping provide the best tools and resources so our community can feel financially empowered is why we teamed up with EconLitCO, EVERFI, GreenPath, and Junior Achievement to provide financial education and learning solutions.
• Quality of Life
  • All Coloradans deserve to have access to food, water, and other basic needs.
  • Our support of Food Bank of the Rockies, Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope Distribution Center, and various Front Range and Western Slope food pantries helps to combat food insecurity and provide health and wellness support to those in need.
• Arts & Culture
  • Bellco believes access to arts and culture are fundamental to strong and vibrant communities, which is why we support the Denver Art Museum, Lone Tree Arts Center and Colorado Business Community for the Arts.

Next50

Next50 is a private, national foundation based in Denver, Colorado. Since 2016, Next50 has been working toward creating a world that values aging.

It’s expensive to age in Colorado and the rest of the country. That is why we invest in innovative and equitable ideas that build capacity and change systems to create economic opportunities for older adults and the organizations that serve them.

We work with our partners by focusing on three priority areas of economic opportunity:

• Ending Ageism
• Advancing Digital Equity
• Supporting Aging in Place

Our Equity Focus and Priority Populations

Equity is one of our core values at Next50, and we are working hard to incorporate justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles into all aspects of our work, including our grantmaking.

We want to be intentional about directing funding toward historically marginalized older adults and communities who have not had access to foundation funding. To do this we have identified the following priority populations:

• Black or African American
• American Indian or Alaska Native
• Asian
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
• Hispanic or Latino
• LGBTQ+
• Immigrant/ Refugee
• Physical/ Cognitive/ Behavioral Disability
• Low-income
• Homeless
• Rural
• Frontier

Colorado Organizational Resiliency (COR) Grant

Colorado Organizational Resiliency (COR) grants are designed to support Colorado-based nonprofits in building resiliency to effectively navigate uncertainties, recover from setbacks, and maintain impact over the long term. Building resilience involves creating a robust infrastructure, fostering a supportive organizational culture, and developing strategies to address financial, operational, and environmental challenges.

Grant requests must be aligned with one or more of Next50’s three priority areas: ending ageism, advancing digital equity, and supporting aging in place.

Grant requests are required to demonstrate innovation and the advancement of equity for marginalized or geographically underserved communities to be considered for funding.

What We Fund

At the Buell Foundation, we believe in the power of investing in quality programs to create lasting, positive changes in Colorado. Our focus is on partnering with organizations that have proven, promising, or developing programs dedicated to helping children thrive.

We are committed to supporting efforts that enhance quality and encourage meaningful evaluation and assessment. Our goal is to work hand-in-hand with exceptional organizations to improve the systems that serve children, with a particular emphasis on programs that support underserved communities.

We value the people behind these programs and are here to support you every step of the way.

Areas of Interest

Our funding strategy focuses on one primary area of interest:

At the Buell Foundation, we believe in the potential of young children. As we work to support Colorado communities in raising thriving kids, we seek grant partners who work in the following areas: 

• Assessment and evaluation:
  • We support a variety of assessments used to gauge the effectiveness of programs and progress of program participants.
  • This may include process/fidelity measures as well as outcome measures (e.g., Teaching Strategies GOLD, Adult-Adolescent Parenting Index, Social Competence Scale, etc.). 
• Behavior and social competence:
  • We support direct programming as well as consultation in early learning settings with a focus on the promotion and prevention levels of behavioral health. 
• Early childhood education and preschool programs:
  • We support licensed child care centers and preschools that have a commitment to quality improvement and serving children from diverse populations. We also support the early learning components of community-based programs, such as family literacy. 
• Home visitation:
  • We support evidence-based and evidence-informed home visiting programs with a focus on supporting positive parenting skills and increased knowledge about child development. 
• Improvements directly related to quality:
  • We support ongoing quality improvement of all programs. This includes funding for materials, additional staff, coaching, and quality ratings. 
• Parenting education:
  • We support evidence-based and evidence-informed parenting education programs with a focus on supporting positive parenting skills and increased knowledge about child development. 
• Professional development and education:
  • We support projects that facilitate early childhood professionals’ access to college-level coursework, mentoring, or community-based trainings. 

Grant types we prioritize:

• Program/project support and/or planning
• Operating support
• Technical assistance
• Capital improvements (limited child care programs)

Attributes we prioritize:

• Organizations/projects serving rural or underserved populations (e.g., low-income families, teen parents, communities of color, etc.) where there are fewer individuals and institutions providing financial support
• Organizations/projects with evidence of engaging community members to inform project priorities and best meet community needs (e.g., a parent advisory board, focus groups with local families, etc.). This includes collaboration with local stakeholders, such as the region’s early childhood council, a family resource center, the school district, and/or elected officials
• Projects that leverage public funding as sustainable revenue sources (e.g., the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program and Universal Preschool Program)
• Organizations with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement

About

The Mabel Y. Hughes Charitable Trust was established under the Last Will and Testament of Mabel Y. Hughes, a resident of Denver, Colorado. Ms. Hughes died on April 9, 1969. Her legacy of giving continues through grants to charitable organizations in the state of Colorado.

Mabel Y. Hughes Charitable Trust Grant

The Mabel Y. Hughes Charitable Trust supports charitable, educational, religious, and hospital institutions in the state of Colorado.

Program Areas

• Arts, culture and humanities 
• Education 
• Environment, animals 
• Health 
• Human services 
• Religion

The Lowe Fund

The Lowe Fund is a Field of Interest Fund at The Denver Foundation. Established in the 1960s by the Lowe family, the Fund has resided at The Denver Foundation since 1994. The mission of the Lowe Fund is to provide grants to nonprofits in Colorado that support training, education, and research into the causes, cures, and treatment of developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, and other related nervous and muscular disorders.

About the Foundation

Mr. Walter E. Lipe was a generous member of the Denver, Colorado community. His compassion for people led him to create a perpetual charitable trust to benefit the sick and disabled of Denver. Although Mr. Lipe passed away in 1960, his generosity will continue to help this cause for many years to come.

Mission

The Walter E. Lipe Charitable Trust was established to alleviate the suffering and for the care and treatment of the sick, disabled, and infirm in Denver, Colorado.

Program areas 

• Health 
• Human Services

About the Foundation

The Edward Madigan Foundation was established under the Last Will and Testament of Edward J. Madigan. Mr. Madigan was a resident of Denver, Colorado, and he worked as a chemist and manager. He died on April 6, 1979.

Mission

To encourage and promote a strong work ethic and traditional moral values.

Program areas

• Education
• Health
• Human services
• Religion

Areas of Interest

The areas of interest include scientific research, education and experiences directed at youth, especially at-risk inner city youth, where initiative and a strong work ethic may be nurtured.

Average Giving

Average grant size: $5,000 to $10,000

Average number of grants per year: 10 to 15

Average total giving per year: $70,000

Black Resilience in Colorado (BRIC) Fund

RIC Grants direct resources to address systemic racism and its impact on Black communities across Colorado’s front range. BRIC Grants support nonprofits that are Black-led and serving Black communities to withstand current crises and build long-term sustainability.

Colorado, and the world, continues to navigate the “new normal” that includes the ongoing presence of COVID-19 and escalated racial injustice. The BRIC Fund recognizes the disproportionate and long-lasting effects on Black communities and will continue to support efforts to address community-identified issues.

Grants are made under the leadership of a community-led Black advisory committee dedicated to improving Colorado's Black communities.

White Rose Foundation Community Grant

The White Rose Foundation is the fiscal sponsor for the Denver (CO) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, a volunteer-powered organization of Black women who have served Denver’s Black community for over 70 years. The purpose of the White Rose Foundation is to promote, encourage, assist, and engage in any and all kinds of charitable work to improve the educational, social, and economic welfare of people of color and other disadvantaged persons.  The organization is especially focused on transformational programs that reduce educational inequality, increase access to social determinants such as food, housing, transportation, and leadership development for Black women, teens and girls.   

Priority Areas

• Arts
• Services To Youth
• National Trends and Services
• International Trends and Services, 
• Health and Human Services

Additional Information

• In the area of education, the White Rose Foundation is responsive to the task of strengthening education at the primary and secondary school levels, with consideration given to selected higher education initiatives. Services include college scholarships for cross-cultural community interaction and philanthropic support of Black youth in the State of Colorado.
• In the area of health and welfare, activities that promote a healthy heart, women’s wellness, tissue donor awareness, and mental health are given priority.
• We support activities that promote equal opportunity, equity, diversity, advancement, and recognition for the Black community.
• We will continue to support a wide range of worthy activities, including matching challenge funds in collaboration with other educational, civic, or cultural organizations encompassing national and international trends and the arts.
• To assist with our learning and evaluation, please select your organization’s primary service area.
  • Along with our priority areas, you will have the option to select “other.” and write in your primary service area. Your grant application will be evaluated according to fit with the guidelines and the goals of the White Rose Foundation.

Herbert Parker was a lifelong resident of Denver, Colorado who worked as a tile contractor in the construction industry. The Herbert E. Parker Charitable Trust was established in 1982, pursuant to the terms of his Last Will and Testament, to fulfill his desire to further cancer research and to improve the lives of underprivileged children and children with special needs.

Mission

To carry out the donor’s stated preferences to support cancer research, the care and education of children with intellectual disabilities, and sporting programs for youth, particularly underprivileged children.

There are no program limitations; however, in accordance with the donor’s stated preferences, the foundation has a practice of primarily supporting cancer research, the care and education of children with intellectual disabilities, and sporting programs for youth, particularly underprivileged children. 

Program areas:

• Education
• Health
• Human services

Shoup Foundation

For the support of a Protestant Church, or an organization which benefits needy people or supports disaster relief efforts in Northern Colorado (North of Denver).

Program Areas

• Animal Welfare,
• Arts and Culture,
• Civic Activities,
• Community Development,
• Education,
• Environment,
• Health and Medical Research,
• Human and Social Services,
• Religious

The In-N-Out Burger Foundation’s mission is to assist children and youth who have been victims of child abuse and neglect, and to prevent others from suffering a similar fate. The Foundation will only consider requests from organizations that closely align with our mission and that serve communities where In-N-Out Burger does business.

The In-N-Out Burger Foundation is happy to consider the following types of grants:

Traditional Grants: Grant awards range from $5,000 - $25,000.

Program: Restricted funding to support the development, expansion, or enhancement of programs within an existing organization.

General Operating Support: Unrestricted funding to support the overall operations and sustainability of your nonprofit. Applicants must present a strong case on how this funding will help sustain the organization’s mission and provide benefits to the children in their care. *Please note that all of your organization’s programs must align with our mission to be considered for this type of support.

Capital Grants: Grant awards range from $5,000 - $50,000.

Capital Campaign: Restricted funding for the construction of new facilities, renovations or upgrades to existing buildings, and other special projects that will enhance the organization’s mission.

Capital Purchase: Restricted funding to purchase equipment, furnishings, or any other major material purchases that will enhance the organization’s mission.

Capital grants are awarded on a very limited basis each year. The Foundation will only consider requests from organizations that meet all other funding criteria and who already have an established long-term funding relationship with the Foundation (minimum of 2 years).

Please carefully review the Capital Grant Guidelines above to ensure that your organization meets the requirements to apply. Capital Grants are invitation-only. Please contact us to set a 30-minute meeting to discuss your project and be prepared to send a draft summary of the project for review beforehand. 

Background

Caring for Denver Foundation was founded and funded to address the mental health and substance misuse challenges facing City and County of Denver residents. 

Focus Area: Alternatives to Jail

This funding area seeks to prevent people with substance misuse, mental health, and trauma needs from unnecessarily interacting with the criminal legal system. And to support those who are involved in the criminal legal system through their recovery by providing access to a wide range of mental health and substance misuse care to prevent re-entry.

Equity

As we work to address mental health and substance misuse needs in Denver, we are committed to funding and supporting established and innovative efforts that move us toward equity and outcomes where race, ethnicity, disability, immigration status, and identity can no longer be used to predict life outcomes. Our ongoing efforts must elevate the voices of those impacted and repair historical trauma and oppression.

Priorities

The Foundation will prioritize funding for projects and programs that address Denver’s mental health and substance misuse challenges in at least one of the areas below:

Inclusive Access

Helps people access mental health care and substance misuse support in ways that make sense for them, in places that feel comfortable, and at times that fit their schedules, so they are better able to participate, build skills, and apply what they have learned in their daily life.

Attention to Fit

Ensure those providing mental health care and substance misuse support treat those seeking care and support with respect, and help them feel connected and understood—primarily through offering culturally designed and matched care options. These projects also support the mental health and substance misuse needs of those providing support, so that they can be at their best as they support others.

Care Over Time

Improve care transitions, making them easier to navigate and more seamless for people. The goal is to minimize the starts and stops in mental health and substance misuse care that often happens when needs change, and prevent the trauma that comes when people must re-tell, or redocument their journeys, and increase stability.

Shared Impact Goals

Applicants must explain how their work will support at least one of the shared impact goals below, and, if possible, how they intend to measure their progress toward impact.

• Reduced substance misuse (including maintained healthy relationship with substances)
• Improved or maintained positive mental health (including reduced harm to self and others)
• Increased equity in mental health and substance misuse outcomes

Read more about Shared Impact Goals.

Background

For almost 100 years, Denver residents have trusted The Denver Foundation to steward charitable funds to meet today's needs and tomorrow's opportunities. It's a growing legacy and a community-wide effort to build a better future for everyone. As a tax-exempt, nonprofit, philanthropic organization, The Denver Foundation stewards more than 1,000 funds established by engaged philanthropists. In partnership with the foundation, our donors make gifts to organizations throughout the Seven- county Metro Denver region, across Colorado, and beyond.

Mission

We inspire people and mobilize resources to strengthen our community.

Vision

A Metro Denver that is racially equitable in its leadership, prosperity, and culture.

Purpose

To achieve our vision, we will be proactive, collaborative, and resolute leaders in reducing racial disparities

Grants

The Denver Foundation is pleased to invite qualified nonprofits to apply for funding for The Gorham/McGee Early Learning Fund. The Gorham/McGee Early Learning Fund is a new fund that The Denver Foundation created to support programs that further the education of children aged 0-12 by focusing on literacy, nature and the environment, and/or arts, including visual arts, music and theater.

Grants from the fund are currently $5,000. This year the fund will award two grants.

Renewable Energy Trust (RET) Grant

The Denver Foundation is pleased to invite qualified nonprofits to apply for funding from the Renewable Energy Trust, a donor-advised fund of The Denver Foundation. Renewable Energy Trust supports renewable energy projects for Colorado nonprofit organizations and public entities. The installed renewable energy projects help nonprofit and public organizations offset their energy costs, allowing energy savings to be reinvested in many community programs.

Renewable Energy Trust projects also help educate and inform the public about the benefits of renewable energy, and reduce the carbon footprint of the facility where they are installed. The program is funded through contributions from Xcel Energy’s residential and business customers, either with lump-sum donations or through a premium on energy bills.

Funding

Grants from the fund typically range from $15,000 – $40,000.

About the Foundation

Ralph L. Burgess and Florence R. Burgess were a generous couple who cared greatly about the arts. In 1968, Mr. & Mrs. Burgess made a decision to share their wealth by creating the Ralph L. and Florence R. Burgess Trust with the expressed desire to assist charities who support the performing arts.

Mission

To promote, advance, and further the interest in the performing arts for the benefit of the people of the city and county of Denver, Colorado, and to provide support for specific charities named by the donor.

Program areas

• Arts, culture, and humanities 

Who We Are

For 100 years, The Denver Foundation has been building a stronger, thriving Metro Denver, Colorado, and beyond. We’ve received $2.1 billion from generous donors and given $1.6 billion in grants to support community initiatives. We’re the foundation of Denver, connecting and collaborating to address the current and future challenges of our community.   

What We Do

As a tax-exempt, nonprofit, philanthropic organization, The Denver Foundation stewards more than 1,000 funds established by generous donors. In partnership with the foundation, our donors make gifts to organizations throughout the seven-county Metro Denver region, across Colorado, and beyond.

Care Fund Grant

Supporting health and mental health.

The Denver Foundation is pleased to invite qualified nonprofits to apply for funding from the Care Fund. The Care Fund supports the well-being of people who have low incomes and also live with developmental, intellectual, or physical disabilities; people who are visually impaired or blind.

Grants from the fund will range between $10,000 and $20,000.

Background

In 1987, Comprecare Foundation established the Elderly Health Promotion Initiative. This initiative funded many community-based projects that focus on helping older adults maintain their health through self-help and lifestyle changes. The initiative received recognition for its emphasis on innovative, collaborative, community-based efforts. In 2015, Comprecare Foundation closed and entrusted The Denver Foundation with $4.3 million to lead grant initiatives on aging issues in Colorado. Comprecare staff remains invested in this important work and are key partners in improving the health of seniors.

With the steady increase in the population of older adults in Colorado, there is a continued need to improve their quality of life by assisting them in developing and maintaining optimal wellness. Research demonstrates that physical activity, good nutrition, and proactive management of chronic conditions are essential to maintaining a healthy quality of life for older adults. Significant public and private funding have been devoted to advancing these components of healthy living in recent years, both nationally and in Colorado.

The challenge now is to bring these evidence-based interventions to older adults who have not been exposed to them or who have little motivation for behavior change. Programs or projects which involve older adults in their planning and administration have the most potential for reaching them effectively.

Supporting optimal wellness for older adults

The Denver Foundation is pleased to invite qualified nonprofits to apply for funding from the Comprecare Fund, a fund supporting community-based projects that focus on helping older adults maintain their health through self-help and lifestyle changes. Organizations that have a wide potential reach and influence in the field of optimal wellness for seniors in Colorado are encouraged to submit proposals for funding. The fund has adopted a broad definition of optimal wellness, and we will consider any project that addresses wellness.

Awards will range from $7,500 to $20,000.

Background

The Denver Foundation is pleased to invite qualified nonprofits to apply for funding from Eulipions, Inc., a nonprofit organization that fosters, promotes, and preserves artistic expression with an emphasis on Colorado African-American heritage and lifestyles. The Eulipions Fund provides grants to generate, assist, increase, and encourage the performing arts in Colorado African-American communities.

Grants from the fund typically range from $4,000 – $10,000.

Background

Women of color contribute immensely to the health, well-being, and advancement of our communities. They mobilize grassroots movements that create real change, they are thought leaders who shape our understanding of gender and race, and they are uniquely positioned to lead us into a better future because of their lived experiences. At the same time, women of color face greater disparities in health outcomes, pay, wealth, access to capital, and more.

Two leading philanthropic organizations – Echoing Green and Bridgespan – found in a recent research report that “racial inequity is built into philanthropic norms.” Black- and Latino-led organizations face significant disparities in revenue, assets, and acquired funding. Gender only compounds these disparities, despite the monumental achievements of grassroots, women-of-color-led initiatives.

As the only community foundation in our state focused on Colorado women and their families, it is up to us to change that. From the purpose, goals, creation, and management of the fund, we are committed to rejecting the problematic philanthropic norms that cause women of color to receive just .5% of all philanthropic dollars.

WGCF Grants

Our framework and priorities for the Women & Girls of Color Fund are based on your feedback. The fund focuses on organizations led by women or girls of color executive directors that are committed to building economic power and dismantling oppressive systems through direct service or community organizing.

The Women & Girls of Color Fund has two grant cycles per year: Rural focus and Front Range focus (Larimer, Boulder, Broomfield, Jefferson, Denver, Arapahoe, Douglas, Adams, and El Paso counties)

Our funding priorities are grounded in increasing investments in Colorado women and girls of color, their leadership, their futures, and their economic security.

• Led by women and girls of color: Women of color have the experience and community knowledge to best lead our communities into an equitable future. Grantee organizations will be led by women of color executive directors.
• Focused on women and girls of color: Women and girls of color receive just .5% of all foundation funding. Programs we fund will have a focus on the power and potential of women and girls of color.
• Colorado-based and Colorado-focused: Colorado is a large and diverse state. Grantees will take a range of approaches to advancing the economic security of women and girls of color based on their specific communities' needs.
• Liberatory leadership: Grantees will not only reject systems of racism, classism, homophobia, and patriarchy, they will also demonstrate radical practices of liberatory leadership such as self care and collective leadership, which undermine white supremacy culture.
• Advancing economic security: In alignment with The Women's Foundation of Colorado's mission, the fund will support programs that advance the economic security of women and girls of color.
• Those most underfunded: Following principles of intersectionality, the Women & Girls of Color Fund will prioritize those communities marginalized by multiple systems of oppression and most underfunded.

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation strategically provides grants and fellowships to advance the arts and inspire creative leadership in Denver. Our foundation is richly steeped in Denver’s cultural history, but we are also a contemporary leader in fueling innovation and exploration in our creative economy.Denver is a diverse, vibrant community where arts and culture are essential, relevant and accessible to all, and nonprofit leaders have the tools and support they need to lead with vision, creativity, compassion and equity.Each year we give more than $3.5 million to arts organizations and nonprofit leaders, because we believe these entities and individuals are critical to building and sustaining a vibrant and just community.

Equity-Focused Leadership Grants

The Equity-Focused Leadership Grants program seeks to nurture a pipeline of diverse leaders committed to driving positive change within their communities. The nonprofit sector has consistently struggled with a lack of diversity of staff – especially at the executive level. This persistent racial leadership gap negatively impacts the career trajectories and well-being of BIPOC professionals who face systemic barriers that prevent them, and others from historically marginalized communities, from pursuing pathways to executive leadership. To help address these disparities and build on our longstanding commitment to support leaders who affect change, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation seeks to support the pipeline of potential leaders through the Equity-Focused Leadership grants which provide up to $10,000 to six (6) organizations that support the leadership development of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or adults with disabilities aspiring to lead in the nonprofit sector. 

Process

Grant awards will be determined by a panel of BSF staff and community members who will evaluate proposals based on the following criteria:

• Development and use of innovative, culturally relevant methods to supporting leaders
• Degree and depth of community involvement in both identifying and addressing the issue(s)/need(s) of aspiring leaders
• Centering BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disability and/or other underrepresented communities and their lived experiences in program design and implementation
• Potential for the program to cultivate leaders who champion systems change
• Organizational commitment to fair wages/stipends for program staff/collaborators

Caring for Denver Foundation was founded and funded to address the mental health and substance misuse challenges facing City and County of Denver residents.

Community-Centered Solutions

This funding opportunity aims to support trusted, community-based organizations that address mental health and substance misuse while prioritizing access to care, cultural relevance, connections, and collaborations. Funding will also support providers, peer specialists, and care navigation to ensure community can receive trusted care.

Equity

As we work to address mental health and substance misuse needs in Denver, we are committed to funding and supporting established and innovative efforts that move us toward equity and outcomes where race, ethnicity, disability, immigration status, and identity can no longer be used to predict life outcomes. Our ongoing efforts must elevate the voices of those impacted and repair historical trauma and oppression.

Priorities

We will prioritize funding for projects and programs that address Denver’s mental health and substance misuse challenges in at least one of the areas below:

• Inclusive Access: Help people access care and support in ways that make sense for them, in places they feel comfortable, and at times that fit their schedules, so they are better able to participate, learn, build skills, and address mental health and substance misuse issues.
• Attention to Fit: Ensure that when people seek care, they feel understood, connected, and respected by those providing care, primarily through culturally affirming care options. Also, ensure the mental health needs of those providing care are supported so they can be at their best as they help others.
• Care Over Time: Improve care transitions, coordination, and create better systems that make care more seamless for individuals and families. The goal is to increase stability and minimize the starts and stops in mental health and substance misuse care that often happens when needs change and prevent the trauma 

About Us

In 1952, the U. of C. Federal Credit Union was founded with 12 members and less than $100 in assets to serve the financial needs of CU Boulder staff and faculty. Today, Elevations is an award-winning Colorado financial institution with over $3 billion in assets and more than 170,000 members. While our name has changed and our credit union has grown, our focus remains on empowering our members with financial solutions and education.

Elevations Foundation Community Grants

The Local Change Foundation is proud to support Front Range nonprofits through our Community Grants Program. Grant awards will generally range from $5,000 - $10,000 to organizations that strengthen our communities in the following focus areas: 

• Mental Health
• Affordable Housing

Who We Are

For 100 years, The Denver Foundation has been building a stronger, thriving Metro Denver, Colorado, and beyond. We’ve received $2.1 billion from generous donors and given $1.6 billion in grants to support community initiatives. We’re the foundation of Denver, connecting and collaborating to address the current and future challenges of our community.

What We Do

As a tax-exempt, nonprofit, philanthropic organization, The Denver Foundation stewards more than 1,000 funds established by generous donors. In partnership with the foundation, our donors make gifts to organizations throughout the seven-county Metro Denver region, across Colorado, and beyond.

Nonprofit Capacity Building Fund from The City and County of Denver

The Denver Foundation is pleased to invite qualified nonprofits to apply for funding for the City and County of Denver Nonprofit Capacity Building Fund, funded by Denver Economic Development & Opportunity’s (DEDO) Division of Neighborhood Equity and Stabilization (NEST).

The City and County of Denver Capacity Building Fund is a program developed by The Denver Foundation in partnership with the DEDO to strengthen nonprofit organizations. The grants aims to build capacity in Denver’s neighborhoods and enhance collaboration and power building. The goals of the program are to strengthen nonprofit organizations that serve Denver’s NEST neighborhoods to increase community capacity and civic engagement.

Grants will range from $2,000-$20,000 and the program plans to award 5-15 grants in 2025. 

The Denver Foundation

Our Mission

We inspire people and mobilize resources to strengthen our community.

Our Vision

A Metro Denver that is racially equitable in its leadership, prosperity, and culture.

Our Purpose

To achieve our vision, we will be a proactive, collaborative, and resolute leader in reducing racial disparities.

Latinos Impacting our Future Together (L.I.F.T.) Fund

The Denver Foundation is pleased to invite qualified organizations to apply for funding for the L.I.F.T. Fund. Our giving circle will support work that meets one or all of the following: 

• Latino/male Empowerment
• Latino Advocacy and Justice
• Meeting basic needs of the Latino community
• Latino Health and Wellness
• Educational Supports/Services for Latinos
• Latino Arts and Culture

The Denver Foundation is pleased to invite qualified nonprofits to apply for funding from the Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund. The fund is managed by The Denver Foundation in partnership with a community advisory board composed of representatives from the Denver Mayor’s Office, Denver City Council, Colorado Lawyers Committee, immigrant rights groups, and The Denver Foundation. The purpose of the fund is to increase legal services to Denver’s immigrant community by providing qualified nonprofit organizations with grants to:

• Offer direct legal representation to immigrants in detention and/or subject to removal proceedings.
• Provide affirmative relief to individuals seeking help with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and various visa programs.
• Support capacity building or other innovative projects to help organizations increase the pool of pro-bono or low-bono immigration attorneys available to represent immigrants.
• Funding to assist in the course of representation, including legal resources and/or scholarships to pay for filing and other representation-related application fees.

Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund Funding Priorities

Category 1: Removal defense for individuals who are detained at the Aurora Detention Facility and those released from the facility who have cases pending in Denver Immigration Court.

Defense includes high-quality representation at all stages of immigration court proceedings, including master calendar hearings and bond hearings, detained removal, non-detained removal after release, Board and Immigrations Appeals (BIA), remands from the BIA, and state court proceedings related to immigration relief, transfer of venue proceedings for transfer to Denver Immigration Court, collateral proceedings incident to removal defense, and any costs associated with defense.

Category 2: Affirmative relief and removal defense for and people not in detention.

Affirmative relief includes legal screening, consultation, and representation for individuals seeking assistance with DACA, Special Immigrant Juvenile (SJIS), asylum, U visas, and T visas, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) protections, family and labor petitions, and naturalization. Support can also be used for consultations for individuals whose Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is being terminated to determine if they are eligible for a different type of relief, or, to defend TPS revocation in Immigration Court.

Category  3: Building capacity for direct legal representation.

• Expanding the pool of pro-bono immigration attorneys
• Expanding the pool of “low-bono” immigration attorneys
• The use of law school clinics and law students to provide assistance to immigrants
• Other innovative projects that increase legal representation for immigrants

Category 4: Filing Fees, Legal Fees.

Funding to assist in the course of representation, including legal resources and/or scholarships to help with filing and other representation-related application fees. Funding requested to be utilized for legal resources, scholarships for legal fees, or other application fees must be proportionate to the cases proposed to be represented. For example, 10 cases = $500 per case for interpretation, filing fees, etc.