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
• Address: P.O. Box 6416, Denver, CO 80206
• Email: info@impact100metrodenver.org
• Website: impact100metrodenver.org

Application Process for Accelerator Grant

Timeline (Example from 2023 pilot cycle):

1. September–December 2022: Committee research & finalization of Invitation to Apply
2. January 3, 2023: Outreach to nonprofits with Invitation to Apply
3. March 2023: Applications due, reviewed, and site visits conducted
4. April 2023: Finalists notified
5. May 2023: Membership vote
6. June 7, 2023: Grant award announced

Application Requirements:

• Response to Invitation to Apply
• Prior year Income Statement and Balance Sheet (cash/liabilities)
• Current year budget
• Demonstration of mission alignment and community impact
• Evidence of leadership/staff reflecting community diversity
• Proof of 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsor agreement
• Confirmation of 3+ years operating in the designated neighborhood

Selection Criteria:

• Organization's mission and alignment with community needs
• Leadership and staff diversity reflecting the community served
• Financial stability and management
• Potential for transformational impact
• Community connections and relationships

Evaluation Process:

• Committee members review and evaluate applications
• Site visits to organizations conducted
• Committee discussion and selection of finalists
• Presentation to full Impact100 Metro Denver membership
• Membership vote to select grant recipient

Contact for Questions:

• Email: info@impact100metrodenver.org