Colorado Social Advocacy Grants

The Colorado Gives Foundation is offering a Housing Grant Program aimed at improving access to stable and affordable housing in Jefferson County. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to help Jefferson County thrive by addressing critical community needs. The grant provides general operating support to eligible community partners who are working to advance housing solutions, reflecting the foundation's strategic priority to support organizations directly impacting the community. The program targets Jefferson County residents who are experiencing challenges with housing stability and affordability. This includes individuals and families who would benefit from increased public awareness and education regarding affordable housing, those burdened by the cost of renting or homeownership, and residents in need of short-term housing or shelter. Additionally, the program seeks to support middle-income households earning between $52,000 to $150,000 (60% to 120% Area Median Income) by preserving or increasing affordable housing options. The grant program prioritizes several key areas. These include supporting efforts to increase public awareness and education about the impact of the lack of affordable housing and opportunities to increase housing options, such as through the Housing Advocacy Steering Committee and the Jeffco Advocacy Network. It also focuses on supporting advocacy and local, regional, and statewide public policy to reduce the cost burden of housing. Furthermore, the program emphasizes navigation efforts and resources for residents in short-term housing or shelters, and efforts to increase or preserve affordable housing options for middle-income households through impact investments like the Bring it Home Fund. Expected outcomes include a more informed public regarding affordable housing issues, tangible reductions in housing cost burdens, and increased availability of diverse housing options for Jefferson County residents. The foundation measures impact through the number of Jeffco residents served, the percentage of an organization's budget applied to Jeffco-specific initiatives, and concrete programs focused on Jeffco populations. The grant period runs from October 1, 2024, to March 30, 2026, with typical funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 per year, and overall grant sizes between $10,000 to $100,000 over a two-year duration, allowing for sustained efforts towards achieving these measurable results.

The Donor Alliance Foundation is offering grants to organizations in Colorado and Wyoming that support organ and tissue donation and transplantation. This initiative aligns directly with the Foundation's mission to extend the impact of organ and tissue donation and transplantation by fostering partnerships and dismantling obstacles that impede access to these life-saving gifts. The Foundation is committed to acknowledging and supporting all individuals affected by donation, ensuring they have access to vital resources. The program aims to address systemic barriers preventing individuals from receiving organ and/or tissue transplants, focusing on equitable and equal access to donation and transplantation resources. Target beneficiaries include underinsured, vulnerable, socio-economically disadvantaged populations, and those in rural areas of Colorado and Wyoming who are eligible for or awaiting a transplant. Impact goals include increasing access to resources, education, family assistance, and research projects, ultimately saving lives and improving the quality of life for those affected. Key priorities for funding include projects that demonstrate equitable access to donation and transplantation resources, consider diversity, equity, and inclusion, and propose innovative educational or assistance methods. The Foundation also maintains a focus on Pancreas research and data collection regarding the benefits of pancreas transplantation. They will support efforts to meet the financial needs of pre- and post-transplant patients, increase living donation, and fund medical and social research through pilot studies or seed grants. Expected outcomes include improved access to donation and transplantation resources for underserved populations, increased awareness and education about donation, enhanced family assistance and grief support, and advancements in transplantation research. The Foundation's strategic priorities are centered on community impact, barrier reduction, and fostering a belief that organ and tissue donation are human gifts that save lives. Their theory of change is that by funding organizations committed to equitable access, innovative education, and critical research, they can positively influence the donation and transplant community, leading to more successful transplants and better support for patients and their families.

This grant path supports projects focused on community violence intervention or interruption, particularly in high-risk communities. The initiatives should aim at directly engaging with individuals most likely to be involved in or affected by firearm-related harm. Projects should employ strategies like Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs (HVIPs) and Community-Based Intervention Programs (CVIPs) that capitalize on the "teachable moment" immediately after a youth has been involved in violence. Additionally, strategies should include violence interruption programs that provide immediate responses to shootings to prevent further violence and retaliation through community engagement events. Applicants must attend a pre-application webinar.

The Equity Funds, a discretionary grantmaking initiative by Community Foundation Boulder County, are designed to address various needs across Boulder County. These funds align directly with the Foundation's mission to enhance community well-being by engaging donors in philanthropy and distributing grants to support diverse groups. The initiative comprises three distinct funds: BRAVO, Open Door, and Veterans, each with specific strategic priorities and target beneficiaries, all contributing to the broader goal of building resiliency and fostering opportunities within the community. The BRAVO Fund specifically targets Latino communities in Boulder County, aiming to improve their quality of life by promoting social justice, strengthening Latino leadership, and empowering them through philanthropy. Priority is given to projects that bolster the arts, environmental, health and human services, civic, educational, and cultural aspects of these communities, particularly those initiated by Latinos. The expected outcome is to support community-led initiatives that build resilience and foster active voices, with approximately $6,500 available for grants this year, with minimum grants of $1,000. The Open Door Fund focuses on supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals and allies in Boulder County. Its strategic priorities include supporting the strengths and needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, building community, fostering collaboration, and providing support for organizations serving this population. The fund prioritizes new and emerging ideas that contribute to systemic change, with a preference for primarily LGBTQ+-focused organizations. With approximately $50,000 available this year, and minimum grants of $1,000, the fund aims to cultivate a stronger, more inclusive LGBTQ+ community and facilitate dialogue with the broader community. Finally, the Veterans Fund is dedicated to supporting Boulder County Veterans and their families through grants to community partners. This fund's mission is to support the strengths and needs of Veterans and transitioning service members, build community among them, foster education about Veterans’ issues, and provide support for relevant organizations. Priority is given to projects and organizations demonstrating strong Veteran involvement in planning and implementation. The fund has approximately $11,500 available for grants this year, with minimum grants of $1,000, aiming to create, sustain, or expand programs and projects that directly benefit Veterans and their families. Eligibility for all funds requires grantees to be IRS 501(c)(3) public charities or governmental entities, with funds used exclusively for activities within Boulder County or benefiting its residents, ensuring local impact and alignment with the Foundation's charitable objectives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state, local, and territorial health departments to implement effective strategies for preventing and controlling sexually transmitted diseases, particularly targeting high-risk populations.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and government entities in Colorado to create and improve tourism projects that enhance the visitor experience, with a generous matching fund requirement.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit theater organizations in select Western U.S. states for professional productions that address contemporary social issues and engage diverse audiences.

This grant provides financial support for Colorado-based artists and organizations to create collaborative projects that use the arts to address pressing social, civic, environmental, and health issues in their communities.

This funding initiative provides financial support to small nonprofit organizations in Colorado that focus on advancing the needs and cultural values of Latino and Latina communities through grassroots projects and leadership development.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the Greater Denver area that focus on policy and advocacy efforts to improve access and opportunities for underserved communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Colorado-based nonprofits for their state and local policy and advocacy initiatives, focusing on community engagement and coalition building.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Colorado and Wyoming that promote organ and tissue donation and transplantation, focusing on improving access and support for underinsured, rural, and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community-driven projects in Globeville, Elyria, and Swansea that promote equity, well-being, and local empowerment to combat gentrification and address systemic marginalization.

This funding initiative provides financial support to non-profit organizations in Colorado that enhance the health and wellness of residents in Wheat Ridge, ensuring they do not receive other city funding.

This funding opportunity supports innovative projects that improve mental health and social well-being in rural communities across the Mountain West, targeting local organizations and individuals with creative solutions to address mental health care challenges.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that support vulnerable populations, including adults and youth with disabilities, foster youth, older adults, and veterans, helping them achieve self-sufficiency and personal development.

This grant provides financial support to grassroots organizations in Colorado focused on systemic social justice and community organizing, particularly those led by Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government entities in Denver to develop programs that help individuals with mental health and substance misuse issues avoid jail and improve their recovery outcomes.

This grant provides financial support to small, community-based nonprofits in the Rocky Mountain West focused on protecting public lands, preserving biodiversity, and advocating against environmentally harmful activities.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Colorado that improve the health and well-being of low-income individuals with disabilities or vision loss.