Alternatives to Jail in Colorado

The Caring for Denver Foundation has launched a funding opportunity titled “Care Over Incarceration (Alternatives to Jail)” as part of its commitment to support individuals impacted by or at risk of involvement in the criminal legal system in Denver, Colorado. This initiative reflects the Foundation’s mission to transform mental health and substance misuse care through community-rooted solutions that prioritize equity, dignity, and access. The Foundation operates from a systems-improvement mindset, opening one funding area at a time to maximize focused, measurable impact. This funding opportunity specifically supports programs and interventions that address mental health, substance misuse, and trauma among individuals who are currently or formerly involved with, or at risk of entering, the criminal legal system. Through this funding stream, Caring for Denver seeks proposals that offer meaningful, community-based alternatives to jail and incarceration. Eligible projects may include prevention, diversion, reentry, and supportive services that prioritize healing, connection, and long-term stability for individuals and communities. The Foundation emphasizes the importance of culturally relevant and trauma-informed approaches tailored to the unique needs of Denver residents. Applicants must deliver services within the City and County of Denver, although organizations do not need to be physically located in Denver. All applicants must demonstrate a strong Denver presence, and grant funds may only support work directly benefiting Denver residents. The Foundation accepts proposals from a wide range of organization types, including nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, fiscally sponsored projects, faith-based entities (for non-religious use of funds), tribal organizations, and local government-supported entities such as schools or libraries. Private foundations, individuals, for-profit entities, and programs with religious or political agendas are not eligible. The current application window opened with a Call for Proposals released on March 31, 2026, and all applications are due by May 6, 2026. Following submission, applicants will receive notification regarding their status in late July 2026. There are no stated minimum or maximum funding amounts, and grants may support multiyear projects as long as the scope and budget are appropriately justified. The Foundation does not require matching funds, and while equipment purchases over $5,000 are not generally allowed, project-related supplies below that threshold (e.g., tablets, computers) may be eligible. To apply, prospective grantees must review the Call for Proposals, confirm alignment with the Foundation’s priorities, and gather all required documents as specified on the Resources page. Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online Grants Portal, and only one proposal per organization is accepted per funding cycle. The Foundation may contact applicants for further details, supporting documents, or to schedule a site visit. Projects must not supplant existing federal, state, or city funding but may supplement those efforts. All grant-related inquiries should be directed to Tish Gonzales, Grants and Operations Manager, via the Foundation’s contact page. No specific PDF application documents were provided in the source. Programs funded under this initiative are expected to deliver tangible results in reducing incarceration and increasing access to care, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more just Denver.