Community Grants Program (CGP)

Community Grants Program (CGP)

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Denver Foundation
Amount: US $20,000 - US $50,000
Last Updated: March 06, 2026

Summary

The Community Grants Program (CGP) by The Denver Foundation supports nonprofits in the Metro Denver area, focusing on economic opportunity, environment, housing, and youth well-being. This program aims to reduce disparities through community leadership and racial equity, assisting historically oppressed groups. Eligible organizations must align with the foundation's values, be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and address the outlined goals. The CGP prioritizes initiatives that foster community wealth and address urgent needs in low-income communities.

Overview

Community Grants Program (CGP) Funded by our endowment to support our priority areas The Community Grants Program is The Denver Foundation’s signature funding strategy, which is supported by The Fund for Denver, our permanent endowment. Our permanent endowment is made up of unrestricted gifts from dozens of donors to The Denver Foundation given in the past 100 years. These gifts are intended to meet the needs of today and ensure there are resources for building a better Denver far into the future. The Community Grants Program supports nonprofits in the seven-county Metro Denver region working in our four priority funding areas: economic opportunity, environment and climate, housing, and youth well-being. This funding opportunity’s goal is to support organizations working to reduce disparities by incorporating community and constituent leadership and racial equity into their approach. Through the Community Grants Program, we aim to improve the lives of historically oppressed people living in Metro Denver, with a particular focus on people who live in low-income communities and communities of color. We seek to reduce racial and ethnic, and economic disparities.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Your work must be aligned with The Denver Foundation’s values.Your organization must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.Your organization must be located in the seven-county Metro Denver region that addresses one or more of the goals described. The organization does not need to be located in Metro Denver to be considered for funding. We also consider nonprofits who are working on statewide efforts, as long as they impact the Metro Denver region.Groups that have not applied before can apply during either cycle.Current grantees can apply during either grant cycle if it has been at least 12 months since your last application submission, regardless of the results of your previous submission (approved or declined).Priority AreasEconomic opportunity We seek nonprofits working on community wealth building, which is a method to improve local economies by giving communities ownership and control over their resources. We aim to create pathways for individuals and communities to achieve economic stability and upward mobility.We seek nonprofits investing in initiatives that promote economic development, entrepreneurship, and career training.Environment and climate We fund organizations working on air quality, energy efficiency, and renewable energy in the community.HousingWe fund organizations working to address affordable housing and homelessness, including temporary housing, permanent housing, and keeping residents in their homes.We seek nonprofits working on long-term solutions, to impact those living with the lowest incomes (0-30% AMI, or area median income).We also consider nonprofits who address the immediate needs and temporary shelter of unhoused people.Youth well-being* (expanded focus starting 2025)We fund organizations working on school funding and K-12 reforms with a focus on racial equity, and youth mental health.School funding and reform: We fund organizations working on systemic improvements of K-12 schools and school funding, all with a focus on racial equity.We seek nonprofits working on school reforms that reduce disparities for students of color.We seek nonprofits working on systemic efforts to improve educational outcomes, increase access to quality education, and provide young people with the tools and resources they need to succeed in school.These systemic changes must be focused on core curriculum and classroom experiences, not supplemental programming or mentoring.Youth mental health: We now also fund organizations working on youth mental health for K-12 age youth.We seek nonprofits working on youth mental health in both prevention and intervention, using both evidence-based and community-informed programming.We fund nonprofits that offer mental health programs or services directly to K-12 age youth. Organizations working in community and/or in-school programs, including after-school programs, are eligible.

Ineligibility

Not eligible for funding: Capital campaignsBuilding endowments or reserve fundsMembership campaignsSponsorshipsRetroactive fundingi.e., activities, projects, or programs that will be completed before funding becomes availableDebt retirementGrants to individuals (please see the Strengthening Neighborhoods program for opportunities)Grants for re-granting purposesGrants for medical, scientific, or academic researchGrants that further political doctrine or religious activitiesGrants to private, parochial, or religious schoolsScholarships (for more information, please visit our website)The Denver Foundation does not fund organizations or programs that discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), physical or mental disability, pregnancy status, body type, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, except to serve a historically disadvantaged group.We do not fund proposals that fall outside of our priority areas.We do not fund financial literacy work, or higher education readiness programs. We do not consider internal staff development and growth to be a priority area fit.We do not fund access to the outdoors, wildlife, land conservation, or recreation.We do not fund projects to improve the air quality or energy efficiency of the applicant organization’s physical space or building.We do not fund nonprofits focused solely on wraparound services.We do not fund enrichment programs operating outside the school day as they are not considered a priority area fit.We do not fund early education, or private school education.We do not fund applications focused solely on substance misuse.