Denver Children's Foundation Grants

The Denver Children's Foundation (DCF) has been pivotal in transforming the lives of at-risk children in Colorado for over 30 years. Focused on education, health, advocacy, and personal growth, DCF provides strategic grants to organizations that effectively address the challenges faced by disadvantaged youth. By fostering partnerships, DCF helps create opportunities for children to thrive, ensuring they have access to essential resources and support that promote their overall development and well-being.

For more than three decades from its roots as Denver Active 20-30, the Denver Children’s Foundation (DCF) has been changing the trajectories of children in Colorado through financial grants to organizations that directly support at-risk, disadvantaged children in our community. But, that’s not all. We also go deeper with a few select charities providing business and other supporting activities to help those organizations grow and thrive. Receiving support from DCF is not easy, but it’s worth it.
Funding Strategy
At DCF, we’ve developed a strategic grant giving strategy that’s aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty among children during their formative years.
Education
There’s a growing gap in the quality of education that’s available to children due to socioeconomic, disability, and other situations. At DCF, we support organizations that help students prepare for each step in their educational journey and eventually find gainful employment in our community.
Desired Outcomes:
Higher graduation ratesCollege/high-school readinessJob placement
Health & Well-Being
Physical and mental health affects children across all backgrounds and levels of socioeconomic status. As such, DCF supports organizations that eliminate socioeconomic barriers from access to quality healthcare while promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Desired Outcomes:
Improved health outcomesAccess to care, support or treatmentPost-treatment return to normal lifeAdaptation to long-term health effects
Child Advocacy
Children are often the victims of neglect or abuse and don’t have the ability to advocate for themselves. DCF supports organizations that provide a safe haven for children in crisis situations, provide guidance, and advocate for those children over the long-term.
Desired Outcomes:
Separation from harmful / threatening situationsImmediate safety and securitySuccessful case-managementLong-term advocacy
Personal Enrichment
Children that lack basic needs and/or don’t have the opportunity to engage in formative activities are less likely to reach their full potential. At DCF, we support organizations that provide mentorship, adventure, and team-building experiences that broaden a child’s horizons and expand their perception of the world.
Desired Outcomes:
Individual confidence buildingIncreased self-esteemHigh-quality team-building experiencesSense of adventure and accomplishment