Accelerator Grant

Accelerator Grant

Award Amount: Approximately $25,000 per year for each of three consecutive years (total ~$75,000 over three years)

Note: Total amount depends on available funding each year

Year 3 (final year): $12,500 per grantee (reduced allocation)

Geographic Scope: Historically underserved neighborhoods in Metro Denver (pilot location: Southwest Denver)

Grant Philosophy: Uses trust-based philanthropy principles to support small nonprofits and rebalance power and decision-making in grant awards

Purpose: Support one small nonprofit resident in a historically underserved neighborhood, led by and reflecting the diversity of the community they serve, over a three-year period

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor

Annual revenue between $100,000 and $499,999

Based in and operating for at least 3 years in the selected historically underserved neighborhood

Leadership and/or staff must reflect the diverse community they serve

Must be able to provide: prior year Income Statement, Balance Sheet (cash/liabilities), and current year budget

Focus Areas:

No specific focus area requirement

Work influenced by priorities and needs in the communities served

Organizations may work in any sector serving their neighborhood

Grant Agreement Terms:

Future funding dependent on delivery of grantee's commitments

Future funding dependent on availability of funds

No guaranteed funding beyond first year

Grantee determines how grant will be applied to advance mission

Pilot Program Details:

Neighborhood: Southwest Denver (as defined by SouthWest Denver Coalition boundaries)

Pilot Launch: June 2023

Inaugural Recipients (2023-2026 cycle):

- In Lak'ech Denver Arts - cultural arts education for BIPOC youth in 5th-12th grade
- Roots Family Center - early childhood development and family support services

Grant Philosophy Principles:

Trust-based philanthropy approach

Reimagines relationship between funders, nonprofits, and communities

Rebalances power and decision-making in grant awards

Supports organizations historically unable to apply to Impact100's main transformational grant due to audit requirements and operating budget thresholds

Selection Process:

Committee research and outreach to neighborhood organizations

Invitation to Apply issued to eligible organizations

Applications submitted and reviewed

Site visits conducted

Finalists notified

Membership votes on award recipient

Committee Leadership:

Co-chairs: Sandy Cook, Cindy Goldman

Committee members: Alisia Robin, Priscilla Montoyo, Carrie Nolan, Reggie Vegliante, Heather Grady, Roberta Trachtman, Lynn Taylor, Yolanda Webb, Kristyn Friske

Organization: Impact100 Metro Denver

Address: P.O. Box 6416, Denver, CO 80206

Email: info@impact100metrodenver.org

Website: impact100metrodenver.org