Caring for Colorado Foundation is a public charity based in Denver, Colorado. Formed in 1998, it funds programs, organizations, and systems intended to improve the health, well-being, and opportunities of young people and families in Colorado. Its current website describes its central focus as young people ages 9 to 25, with particular attention to those affected by health inequities.
Key facts about Caring for Colorado Foundation
In short: Caring for Colorado Foundation gave $13.5M across 126 grants in 2025 (avg $107K), mostly in Colorado. 33% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 84-1477197
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $13,510,623
- Grants made (2025)
- 126
- Average grant
- $107,227
- Median grant
- $60,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 33% first-time grantees (41 of 123, 2025)
- Total assets
- $253,501,940
- Primary geography
- Colorado (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- Review the specific funding opportunity and confirm eligibility. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- For the Youth Health and Well-Being opportunity, register by November 3, 2026, and apply by November 5, 2026, at 5:00…
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$253.5M
+0.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$13.5M
+44.2% YoY
Grant Count
126
-21.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$107K
+83.1% YoY
Is Caring for Colorado Foundation open to new grantees?
33%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 41 of 123 grantees (33%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $46K; repeat grants $142K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $88K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s 2023 filing states that it works to improve the lives of children and families in Colorado through collaboration, partnership, shared knowledge, and grantmaking. Its current stated purpose is creating equity in health, well-being, and opportunity for Colorado’s young people and their families.
The website identifies six interconnected funding strategies but does not name all six in the supplied material. Its Youth Health and Well-Being priority supports young people ages 9 to 25 in Colorado who experience health inequities related to economic injustice, racism, and discrimination. The foundation describes an approach focused on belonging, identity, purpose, and agency; supportive relationships with parents and caregivers; and equitable access to youth-centered, culturally responsive, trauma-informed services and systems.
Examples of grantee organizations show the range of work supported. Caring for Colorado Centennial Fund describes its mission as developing and scaling community solutions for health, well-being, and opportunity in Colorado. Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County says it provides young members with guidance in healthy lifestyles, education, and character. Florence Crittenton Services says it supports teen mothers and their children through education, early childhood education, health and wellness, and economic and social asset building. Four Corners Rainbow Youth Center describes its work as creating a community for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, families, and allies in southwest Colorado.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation made 126 grants totaling $13,510,623. Grant amounts ranged from $7,999 to $1,312,834, with a median grant of $60,000. Among the largest awards were $1,312,834 to Caring for Colorado Centennial Fund and $300,000 each to Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County, Catholic Charities of Southern Colorado, Families Plus, Florence Crittenton Services of Colorado, Four Corners Rainbow Youth Center, Kids at Their Best, La Puente Home, and other Colorado organizations.
The foundation’s website describes its grantmaking philosophy as aligned with Trust-Based Philanthropy. Its stated practices include multi-year, flexible funding; streamlined paperwork; transparency and responsiveness; acting on feedback; and support beyond the grant itself. General operating support and multiyear grants are available for many, but not all, funding opportunities; applicants should review each opportunity’s terms. Eligibility generally includes Colorado 501(c)(3) organizations, Colorado public agencies, and eligible emerging organizations applying through a fiscal sponsor. Organizations based outside Colorado may be considered case by case if their work significantly benefits Coloradans.
The website lists a Youth Health and Well-Being funding opportunity with a future 2026 application cycle. Applicants must register in the online grants portal by November 3, 2026, and submit applications by November 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. MST. The Children, Youth, and Families Grant listing gives January 2026 application dates, which have passed. The Pueblo County responsive grantmaking and public policy advocacy listings are also described as active in the supplied program information; applicants should check the relevant opportunity details for current requirements and timing.
Review Cycle
For the Youth Health and Well-Being opportunity, register by November 3, 2026, and apply by November 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. MST.
How to Apply
Review the specific funding opportunity and confirm eligibility. The foundation says applicants can save applications as they work and that its team can guide them through the process. It also offers virtual meetings and email responses to questions in the months leading up to an application deadline.
Open Grants
8 open opportunities from Caring for Colorado Foundation
Caring For Colorado Grant Program: Healthy Beginnings, Healthy Youth and Strong and Resilient Families Focus Areas
Caring for Colorado Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Caring For Colorado Grant Program: Public Policy Advocacy
Caring for Colorado Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Caring For Colorado Grant Program: Youth Health and Well-Being
Caring for Colorado Foundation
Amount
US $25,000 - US $125,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Ready to take the next step with Caring for Colorado Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s stated focus is Colorado. All grant dollars itemized in its 2025 filing went to recipients in Colorado. Its FAQ says it prioritizes Colorado-based organizations; organizations based elsewhere may be considered case by case when their work significantly benefits Coloradans.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 126 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $6.3M (2020) to $20.8M (2022). In 2025 it made 126 grants totaling $13.5M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Caring for Colorado Centennial Fund ($1.3M). Together the top 10 received $4.0M.
Grant Size Distribution
817 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $50–100K range: 389 grants of 817 (48%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Caring for Colorado Centennial Fund Denver, CO | Youth Well-Being and | $1,312,834 |
| Boys and Girls Clubs of Pueblo Coun Pueblo, CO | Youth Support Throug | $300,000 |
| Catholic Charities of Southern Colo Pueblo, CO | Strengthening Youth | $300,000 |
| Families Plus Delta, CO | Empowering Youth and | $300,000 |
| Florence Crittenton Services of Col Denver, CO | Providing Wraparound | $300,000 |
| Four Corners Rainbow Youth Center Durango, CO | Youth and Families W | $300,000 |
| Full Circle Restorative Justice Salida, CO | Building Youth Resil | $300,000 |
| Kids at Their Best Fort Morgan, CO | Empowering Rural You | $300,000 |
| La Puente Home Alamosa, CO | Strengthening Family | $300,000 |
| Riverside Educational Center Grand Junction, CO | Healthy Out-of-Schoo | $300,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $253,501,940 | $6,099,563 | $17,002,270 | $13,510,623 |
| 2024 | $253,355,117 | $3,878,939 | $13,556,461 | $9,368,719 |
| 2023 | $230,893,730 | $3,418,768 | $11,523,515 | $8,068,410 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $253,501,940 | $253,355,117 | $230,893,730 |
| Revenue | $6,099,563 | $3,878,939 | $3,418,768 |
| Expenses | $17,002,270 | $13,556,461 | $11,523,515 |
| Net Investment Income | $6,275,615 | $3,825,840 | $3,670,016 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS January 28, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS February 5, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS February 8, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS February 8, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS February 9, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS February 4, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS February 9, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2025
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Linda Reiner as President; Heidi Van Law as CFO/Executive Vice President; Megan Wilson as Vice President of Operations; Melanie Bravo as Vice President of Philanthropy; and Jeff Bontrager as Vice President of Initiatives. It also lists Gina Ferguson, Amy Maillet, Juana Rosa Cavero, Sarah Dutcher, and Lynn Borup as officers or directors.
Caring for Colorado Foundation is led by Linda Reiner, President since 2022 (on filings since 2019); 8 of 24 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Linda Reiner
President
Vice President → President & CEO, 2020
President & CEO → President, 2022
On filings since 2019
24 hrs/week
$187K (2019) → $217K (2025)
Mardi Moore
Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2023
Vice Chair → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Juana Rosa Cavero
Director of
On filings since 2023
$28K (2023) → $0 (2025)
Amy Maillet
Director of
New on the 2025 filing
34 hrs/week
$92K (2025)
Brenda Holland PhD
Director
Member → Director, 2021
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Connie Rule
Director
Vice Chair → Chair, 2023
Chair → Director, 2024
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Kraig Burleson
Director
On filings since 2022
No compensation reported
Christopher Urbina
Director
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Luis Murillo
Director
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Lynn Borup
Director
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Brian Turner
Director
On filings since 2024
No compensation reported
Kathleen Wasserman
Director
On filings since 2024
No compensation reported
Nim Patel
Director
On filings since 2024
No compensation reported
Landon Mascarenaz Edld
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steven Federico MD
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Will Hays Mssw
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Heidi Van Law
CFO & Executive Vice President
Vice President Operations & CFO → Vice President Operations, 2022
Vice President Operations → CFO & Executive Vice President, 2023
On filings since 2019
36 hrs/week
$136K (2019) → $195K (2025)
Melanie Bravo
Vice President of Philan
Vice President of Philanthropy → Vice President of Philan, 2022
On filings since 2021
36 hrs/week
$33K (2021) → $164K (2025)
Megan Wilson
Vice President of Operat
On filings since 2023
39 hrs/week
$150K (2024) → $182K (2025)
Sarah Dutcher
Senior Phila
On filings since 2024
36 hrs/week
$101K (2024) → $99K (2025)
Gina Ferguson
Senior Philanthr
New on the 2025 filing
16 hrs/week
$46K (2025)
Jeff Bontrager
Vice President Initiativ
New on the 2025 filing
15 hrs/week
$64K (2025)
Kristina Daniel
Secretary
Member → Director, 2021
Director → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Anne Garcia
Treasurer
Treasurer Ef → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2022
No compensation reported
Former officers (18)
- Former: David Henninger (2019–2024) — Director
- Former: Patricia Braun (2019–2024) — Chair
- Former: Phyllis Kay Sanchez (2019–2024) — Director
- Former: An Th Nguyen (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: Carl Clark (2019–2023) — Secretary
- Former: Colleen Church (2019–2023) — Chief Strate
- Former: Edward J. Casias JD (2019–2023) — Director Thr
- Former: Paul Major (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: Christian Thurstone (2019–2022) — Director Thr
- Former: Karen Loyd (2019–2022) — Director Thr
- Former: Ryan Sells (2019–2022) — Treasurer Th
- Former: Chris J Wiant (2019–2021) — Former President & CEO
- Former: Monica Martinez (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Judith Albino (2019–2020) — Chair
- Former: Monica Abrahams (2019–2020) — Program Lead
- Former: Christy Whitney (2019) — Secretary
- Former: Jo Ann Pegues (2019) — Member
- Former: William Jennings (2019) — Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $217K, to Linda Reiner (President &). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 1635 W 13Th Ave Suite 303, Denver, CO 80204
Phone: (720) 524-0770
Website: https://caringforcolorado.org
Frequently asked questions about Caring for Colorado Foundation
How much does Caring for Colorado Foundation give each year?
Caring for Colorado Foundation gave $13.5M across 126 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $9.4M across 160 grants.
What is Caring for Colorado Foundation's typical grant size?
Caring for Colorado Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $60,000, and its average grant was $107,227, across 126 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Caring for Colorado Foundation that year got $46K on average.
Where does Caring for Colorado Foundation give grants?
Caring for Colorado Foundation gives mostly in Colorado: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Denver, CO (44 grants), Grand Junction, CO (5 grants), Colorado Springs, CO (5 grants) and Durango, CO (4 grants).
Does Caring for Colorado Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 126 grants with a stated purpose on Caring for Colorado Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Youth Well-Being IN" (29 grants), "Transition Grant Fun" (16 grants) and "Strengthening and Ad" (5 grants).
Who are Caring for Colorado Foundation's largest grantees?
Caring for Colorado Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Caring for Colorado Centennial Fund ($1,312,834), Boys and Girls Clubs of Pueblo Coun ($300,000) and Catholic Charities of Southern Colo ($300,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 14% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Caring for Colorado Foundation?
Caring for Colorado Foundation reported $253.5M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $6.1M.
What does Caring for Colorado Foundation fund?
The foundation’s 2023 filing states that it works to improve the lives of children and families in Colorado through collaboration, partnership, shared knowledge, and grantmaking. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Caring for Colorado Foundation?
Review the specific funding opportunity and confirm eligibility. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Caring for Colorado Foundation's EIN?
Caring for Colorado Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 84-1477197. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Here's the math on researching Caring for Colorado Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Caring for Colorado Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Colorado Health Foundation
Denver, CO
The Colorado Health Foundation funds nonprofit organizations and public agencies working to improve health and health equity in Colorado, including projects in areas such as primary care, housing, food access, and economic opportunity. Its 2024 median grant was $80,000, though awards varied widely; it prioritizes organizations serving Coloradans.
Assets
$2.9B
Grants
684
Total Given
$102.2M
Colorado Gives Foundation
Arvada, CO
Colorado Gives Foundation funds nonprofits serving Jefferson County in areas including food security, early care and education, workforce development, housing, health and convenient neighborhoods; it also offers statewide nonprofit capacity-building support. Typical giving varies widely: its 2024 median grant was $17,814, while Thriving Jeffco Responsive Grant awards ranged from $2,500 to $100,000. It accepts applications through listed grant opportunities, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$527.1M
Grants
2,211
Total Given
$91.0M
The Denver Foundation
Denver, CO
The Denver Foundation supports nonprofits working in economic opportunity, environment and climate, housing, and youth well-being, with an emphasis on racial equity and historically underserved communities in the seven-county Metro Denver region. Its Community Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000; the 2024 median across reported grants was $26,500. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
1,184
Total Given
$131.7M
Rose Community Foundation
Denver, CO
Rose Community Foundation funds nonprofits in the seven-county Greater Denver region across Jewish life, education and economic opportunity, health, and community wellbeing, with some statewide initiatives. Its 2024 itemized grants ranged from $5,050 to $1,348,353, with a median of $25,000; it accepts inquiries for listed funding opportunities, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests generally is not stated.
Assets
$399.6M
Grants
531
Total Given
$27.8M
Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation
Denver, CO
The Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation primarily funds early childhood education and development for children from birth to age five, along with related quality improvement and evaluation, especially in underserved communities and rural Colorado. Most grants are $10,000–$50,000, and funding is focused primarily on Colorado. It accepts unsolicited requests through its responsive grant cycles, though some targeted initiatives are by invitation.
Assets
$477.1M
Grants
486
Total Given
$19.8M
El Pomar Foundation
Colorado Springs, CO
El Pomar Foundation funds Colorado nonprofits and government agencies working in arts and culture, civic and community initiatives, education, health, and human services, including operating, program, and capital needs. Typical awards are $2,500–$10,000 for operating or program support and $15,000–$25,000 for capital support. It accepts online applications on a rolling basis through its competitive process and designated funds.
Assets
$468.2M
Grants
1
Total Given
$20.4M
Mile High United Way Inc
Denver, CO
Mile High United Way funds nonprofit and community work focused on children’s development and education, basic needs, and economic opportunity, primarily in seven Metro Denver counties. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,022 to $2,001,772, with a median of $15,026. It offered a competitive Strategic Investment Grants application for the 2025–2027 cycle, but that cycle’s deadline has passed; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$80.2M
Grants
314
Total Given
$24.3M
The Colorado Trust
Denver, CO
The Colorado Trust funds health equity and the health and well-being of Coloradans, with current priorities in food, housing, and mental and behavioral health; its grantmaking is statewide in Colorado. Grant amounts vary widely: its 2024 grants ranged from $702 to $28.8 million, and it offers event sponsorships of up to $5,000. It does not accept unsolicited funding requests, but posts application details when competitive opportunities are available.
Assets
$548.0M
Grants
2
Total Given
$28.8M
Caring for Colorado Centennial Fund
Denver, CO
The fund supports Colorado organizations working on community health, reproductive and sexual health, and young people’s well-being and opportunities. Its 2025 grants ranged from $6,097 to $200,000, with a median award of $50,000, and all reported grants went to Colorado recipients. It lists a Youth Health and Well-Being funding opportunity with application guidelines, but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$30.9M
Grants
73
Total Given
$4.5M
Anschutz Family Foundation
Denver, CO
The Anschutz Family Foundation funds Colorado nonprofits serving families and communities, with interests including self-sufficiency, basic needs, health, youth, education, and rural development. Typical grants are $5,000–$10,000, and it aims to support both rural and urban Colorado communities. Applicants may apply; funding is not restricted to preselected organizations.
Assets
$46.9M
Grants
314
Total Given
$2.7M
The Women's Foundation of Colorado Inc
Denver, CO
The Women’s Foundation of Colorado funds direct services, economic-security initiatives, and policy work benefiting women and their families, with a focus on Colorado; its 2025 grants ranged from $6,820 to $100,000, with a median of $20,000. Organizations can apply directly to WINcome and the Women & Girls of Color Fund when application cycles are open, but donor-advised funds and giving circles do not accept unsolicited proposals.
Assets
$36.4M
Grants
93
Total Given
$2.6M
Daniels Fund
Denver, CO
The Daniels Fund supports nonprofits working in aging, amateur sports, disabilities, addiction, early childhood and K–12 education, homelessness, and youth development. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $14,000, primarily for organizations in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming; select national-impact programs are also eligible, by invitation only.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
1,593
Total Given
$69.7M
More Funders in Colorado
Caring for Colorado Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?