Denver Reparations Fund Grant

The Denver Reparations Fund, managed by the Denver Black Reparations Council, offers annual grants ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 to Black-led and Black-serving 501(c)(3) non-profits in Colorado. The fund aims to support initiatives that rebuild and sustain institutions affected by the historical impacts of slavery. Applications are open each fall, with a total of $50,000 available per cycle to foster economic strength, cultural preservation, and community health among Black communities.

NOTE: This funding opportunity has one grant cycle each fall. Applications are open from Aug. 1- Sept. 15.
The Denver Foundation is pleased to invite qualified organizations to apply for funding from the Denver Reparations Fund.
Denver Black Reparations Council (DBRC) and Reparations Circle Denver (RCD) are working together to effect reparative change. RCD is a giving circle in Denver that accepts new members and funds the Denver Reparations Fund; DBRC grants funds from the Denver Reparations Fund to the Black communities of Colorado. Our reparative grants are focused on rebuilding and sustaining institutions and traditions that were affected, destroyed, damaged, or prevented from thriving as the result of the enslavement of African and African descendant people, and the oppressive aftermath of slavery.
Applicants must be Black-led and Black-serving 501(c)(3) non-profits in Colorado. Certain projects, led by non-Black-led non-profits, but related to preserving Black history or culture, etc., may also qualify.
Funds are awarded by DBRC in one cycle each year. Grants from the fund range from $2,500 – $7,500 and are awarded annually. There is a total of $50,000 available for each cycle.

Eligibility

Your organization must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.Your organization must be located in and do work in the state of Colorado.Your organization must be Black-led and Black-serving. For these grants, “Black” is defined as people of African descent. Organizations that fall outside of this definition but have a specific program that fits the fund’s priorities may apply for a program-specific grant.Your work must fit one or more of the priorities identified below:Build economic strength, generational wealth acquisition, and financial literacy.Preserve, provide access to, and expand Black history, culture, knowledge, and awareness.Enhance mental and physical health access and increase public health education.Provide quality education from early childhood through adulthood, including reimagination of career options and pathways.Enhance community building and advocacy that responds to the needs of Black residents.Provide access, including transportation, to critical life-sustaining services.Create openings for transformative change that are both systematic and relational.

Ineligibility

Not eligible for funding:Organizational membership campaigns, drives, or eventsDebt retirementEndowments or other reserve fundsGrants that further political activities or candidatesGrants that further religious doctrine (community benefit programs qualify)Capital campaignsGrants to individualsGrants for re-granting purpose