Bonfils-Stanton Foundation- Quarterly Community Grants

The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation offers Quarterly Community Grants aimed at supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Denver. These unrestricted operating grants foster stability and relationship-building while prioritizing organizations that engage diverse communities. With a focus on enhancing arts visibility and nurturing transformational leaders, the foundation has awarded over $90 million since its inception in 1981. Grants are capped at $60,000 and are available to established organizations with a clear commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

NOTE: New applicants are requested to complete an eligibility questionnaire and connect with foundation staff prior to submitting an application. Receipt of grant requests from new applicants without a completed questionnaire will be declined.
Art for the Culture, Leaders for the People
Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Denver’s leading private arts funder, has distributed over $90 million in grants since 1981.
We extend grantmaking opportunities to arts institutions and organizations dedicated to fostering a just and vibrant city. Bridging arts and leadership, we shape Denver's cultural and civic landscape through investing with impact, innovative grant-making, and community partnerships.
Our Grantmaking Approach
Bonfils-Stanton Foundation invests in inclusive, diverse, and equitable arts and culture organizations and nonprofit leaders to create a thriving and just Denver. We seek to impact three of our five main goals through our grantmaking initiatives:
Strengthen cultural organizations and increase arts engagementNurture creative, transformational nonprofit leaders and artistsElevate the visibility and value of the arts, cultural heritage, and identity
Unrestricted operating grants for ongoing stability to carry out an organization’s mission. Project support considered for relationship building.
A priority of the Foundation is to provide unrestricted operating grants for ongoing stability to carry out an organization’s mission. These grants may take time to secure as we build a relationship together. A new applicant to quarterly community grants may have received support through another Bonfils-Stanton initiative that supported a stage of earlier development. Project support may also be considered as a way to build our relationship. General operating and project support is currently capped at $60,000.

Eligibility

501 (c) 3 nonprofit arts & culture organization OR a fiscally-sponsored arts & culture group
Based in the city of Denver and deliver the majority of your programs in DenverBonfils-Stanton Foundation’s geographic focus is Denver. We welcome inquiries from arts and culture organizations based in adjacent Arapahoe, Adams and Jefferson counties that are informed by, majority led by and serving BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or Disability communities.Minimum of 3 years consistent public arts & culture programming
Organization has an annual operating budget of at least $50,000 and have paid staffing equivalent to .5FTE or greater
Strong understanding of and clear plan for implementing DEI practices

Ineligibility

The following are generally not eligible for funding:Loans, grants or scholarships to individualsEvents and media/film productionsActivities or initiatives that have a religious purposeEndowment fundingFunding to retire operating debtRequests from organizations outside of Colorado or that are not for the benefit of Colorado citizens