Caring for Denver Foundation is an independent, nonprofit public charity based in Denver, Colorado, created in 2018 through a voter-approved ballot initiative. The foundation was established with overwhelming community support (70% voter approval) to address mental health and substance misuse needs in Denver through community-informed solutions. The foundation is taxpayer-funded through a 0.25% sales tax initiative, with the principle that for every $100 spent in Denver, 25 cents goes toward addressing mental health and substance misuse needs.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$108.6M
+7.9% YoY
Revenue
$52.7M
+3.0% YoY
Net Investment Income
$3.9M
+26.5% YoY
Expenses
$47.5M
-0.5% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: To address Denver's mental health and substance misuse needs by growing community-informed solutions, dismantling stigma, and turning the community's desire to help into action.
The foundation's work is guided by core values including:
- Community-Authored & Driven: Engaging communities to identify strategies that support community solutions and voice
- Equity & Inclusion: Prioritizing collaboration, learning, and listening with community to ensure equitable outcomes
The foundation focuses on three primary funding areas, opening one at a time to create concentrated impact:
- Youth: Supporting organizations that provide resources to reduce crisis, address trauma, and increase mental well-being for Denver youth
- Alternatives to Jail: Community-centered solutions addressing criminal justice involvement
- Community-Centered Solutions: Broader mental health and substance misuse support initiatives
Grantmaking
Grant Range
s:**
How to Apply
**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation serves the City and County of Denver, Colorado exclusively. Funding is restricted to Denver residents and organizations serving Denver communities.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
2023 Financial Data:
- Total Assets: $100.6–$108.6 million
- Total Revenue: $51.2 million
- Total Expenses: $47.7 million
- Total Giving: $44.8 million
- Program Expense Ratio: 94.58%
Staffing:
- 15 staff members (as of 2023)
Financial Accountability:
- Four-Star rating with 96% score demonstrating strong financial accountability
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $108,614,298 | $100,624,076 | $88,594,400 |
| Revenue | $52,681,961 | $51,168,517 | $48,782,905 |
| Expenses | $47,479,965 | $47,701,186 | $43,717,135 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $3,941,326 | $3,115,327 | $1,463,976 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 0 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
150 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Caring for Denver Foundation
Caring For Denver Grants - Alternatives to Jail
CARING FOR DENVER FOUNDATION
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Caring For Denver Grants - Community-Centered Solutions
CARING FOR DENVER FOUNDATION
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Caring For Denver Grants - Youth
CARING FOR DENVER FOUNDATION
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for 2024.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Lorez Meinhold: Executive Director
- Leslie Herod: State Representative, Board Chair
The foundation is governed by a 13-member board appointed by the Mayor, District Attorney, and City Council President.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOREZ MEINHOLD | EXECUTIVE DI | 40 | $257,398 |
| LESLIE HEROD | BOARD CHAIR | 2 | — |
| CHRISTINA CARLSON | BOARD VICE C | 1.5 | — |
| CARL CLARK | BOARD TREASU | 1.5 | — |
| DELLENA AGUILAR | BOARD SECRET | 1.5 | — |
| ANNE-MARIE BRAGA | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| KEITH HAYES | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| REGINA HUERTER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| FRANK LOCANTORE | DIRECTOR | 1.2 | — |
| DONNA LYNNE | DIRECTOR | 1.5 | — |
| BETH MCCANN | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JESSE OGAS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| TRISTAN SANDERS | DIRECTOR | 1.2 | — |
| KERRY TIPPER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| REBECCA D OCHTERA | DIR OF EVAL | 40 | $128,056 |
| RAYMAEL BLACKWELL | SENIOR PROGR | 40 | $124,222 |
| MARCI J HLADIK | DIR OF OPERA | 40 | $118,821 |
| KINDLE MORELL | DIR OF COMMU | 40 | $115,533 |
| TIMOTHY ALAN CORTEZ | PROGRAM OFFI | 40 | $115,574 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has announced multiple significant grant rounds in recent years:
Caring for Denver Foundation announced more than $11.4 million in fundingInvested $13.5 million to strengthen trauma-informed care for youth
Caring for Denver Foundation Invests $13.5 Million to Strengthen Trauma-InformedAwarded more than $14.5 million to strengthen Denver's mental health and recovery ecosystem
Caring for Denver Foundation Invests $13.5 Million to Strengthen Trauma-InformedInvested over $12.1 million in youth mental health and substance misuse care initiatives
Caring for Denver Foundation Invests Over $12.1 Million in Youth Mental HealthAnnounced more than $11.4 million in funding to community-based nonprofits
Caring for Denver Foundation announced more than $11.4 million in fundingNotable grantee: Denver Health Foundation received $2,993,353 in 2023 for "Transforming Health" initiatives.
Caring for Denver Foundation Invests $13.5 Million to Strengthen Trauma-InformedSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Caring for Denver Foundation fund?
**Mission:** To address Denver's mental health and substance misuse needs by growing community-informed solutions, dismantling stigma, and turning the community's desire to help into action. The foundation's work is guided by core values including: • **Community-Authored & Driven:** Engaging communities to identify strategies that support community solutions and voice • **Equity & Inclusion:** Prioritizing collaboration, learning, and listening with community to ensure equitable outcomes The fo…
How do I apply for a grant from Caring for Denver Foundation?
**Grant Activity:** • Since beginning grantmaking in 2020, the foundation has awarded more than $228 million • In 2023, the foundation made 114 grants aligned with its mission • The foundation has funded more than 218 unique community-based organizations, schools, and agencies **Grant Sizes:** • Typical awards range from $5,250 to $6,004,217 • Grant ranges vary widely by program, with examples including $200,000–$800,000+ **Application Process:** • Applications are submitted through an online g…
Where does Caring for Denver Foundation make grants?
The foundation serves the City and County of Denver, Colorado exclusively. Funding is restricted to Denver residents and organizations serving Denver communities.
What is Caring for Denver Foundation's EIN?
Caring for Denver Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 83-4062522. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Caring for Denver Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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